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While serving in communications in a church or ministry is meaningful and purpose-driven, it is also very demanding. Life in church communications can feel like life in the trenches in many ways.

One of those struggles is getting staff and volunteers on board with your communications processes. It can be a constant challenge, but it doesn't have to be.

Here are 6 tips to encourage staff and volunteers to work with your communications processes:

1. Keep it simple
   Create simple processes and guidelines that eliminate duplication of efforts.

2. Paint the big picture
   You have probably been strategic in creating your processes. If so, what were you trying to accomplish? Share that picture with staff and volunteers. Let them in on the result you’re trying to achieve for the congregation and/or the community. It will help them get on board with your vision and pursue it with you.

3. Face to face is key
   When you communicate in person, you’ll seem more like a superhero and less like a villain. Let staff and volunteers experience your enthusiasm for the church and its ministries! Convey that you want to see them succeed and your willingness to help them connect with their audience.

4. Evaluate how it’s working
   Every 6-12 months, get feedback and make observations about the effectiveness of processes. If they’re not working, fix them.

5. It’s all about team!
   Help everyone understand how they are an important part of creating strong communications. Let them know what kind of information you need from them and why that is helpful in their ministry.

6. Accountability
   We all love that word, right? Hold people accountable to meet deadlines. Of course, there is grace when something unexpected happens. But a staff member that misses every deadline by two weeks can hold up projects. Have the tough conversation in the context of a relationship.