Looking to shift from a single site church to a multisite church? Learn from church leaders and what tips they have for you.
An interview with Laura Bice, Communication Pastor at The Vineyard Church of Central Illinois
In response to requests from you (our awesome readers!), we’ve decided to take on the topic of managing communication at a multisite church. For this two-part series, we thought it best to defer to two experts in the field — our friends Lauren Wright, Communications Director at Northview Church in Carmel, Indiana and Laura Bice, Communication Pastor at The Vineyard Church of Central Illinois.
Last week, Lauren Wright shared tips on making the shift from single site to multisite. Laura Bice closes our series by describing tools and strategies for managing communication across multiple campuses.
FH: Can you give some general communication tips on making the shift from single site to multisite?
Laura: As we continue to grow and raise up new multisite campuses (including now an online campus - VineyardLIVE) it is vital to provide communication that always reinforces our DNA. It is important to bring light to our overall mission and vision and give support to emerging campuses.
FH: How do you coordinate and develop communication for the whole church (across all campuses)? How does it work differently for individual campuses?
Laura: Fishhook helped us tremendously on creating a website that complements our multisite structure. It allows each person to select a "home campus" yet easily resource foundational information of our entire church. In the past year, we have started a weekly e-newsletter that has a multicampus focus. Our senior pastor writes weekly to encourage and equip our entire church family.
FH: What are some tools/resources you've found to help you communicate to multisites?
Laura: There are several great resources and organization partners to assist with communication. Review project management tools, database solutions and social media options that work best for your church. Be creative and innovative - have fun stepping out of the box! Yet, I will admit, with communication it really does come down to being strategic and intentional each week in your messaging. Partner with all your ministry leaders and make a plan to provide clear communication.
Do you have tips for managing communication across multiple campuses? If so, share ‘em!