It's fast. It's slow. It's big strategy. It's small details. There's laughter. There's stress. It's predictable. It's chaotic. This is life in church communications.

Our clients have many things in common. They love the Lord. They lead in the area of communications. And, while serving in communications in a church or ministry is meaningful and purpose-driven, it is also very demanding.

It's fast. It's slow. It's big strategy. It's small details. It's with staff. It's with volunteers. There's laughter. There's stress. It's predictable. It's chaotic. There are mundane tasks. There are huge challenges. It's prayerful. It's rushed. And everything in between. This is life in church communications. This is life in the trenches.  

At Fishhook, we do all we can to stay connected to, sensitive and aware of what our clients face. Here's how ... and what we continue to learn about life in the trenches.
 
Our Fishhook team has been working closely with a church during a significant transition for their communications team (both their communications director and graphic designer on staff). In the midst of helping the church's leaders hire to fill these two positions, we've also been helping them strategically, creatively and tactically with numerous communications projects. From communications prioritizing and planning, sermon series naming/graphics and weekly worship programs to other print pieces, website updates and videos, we've been privileged to work closely with this church.
 
This kind of work - where we face daily deadlines again and again with a church - helps me better understand the challenges and opportunities our clients face. Here's what I'm learning (or being reminded of).
  1. Flexibility is key - every day with multiple projects. 
    There's a strategic plan and/or the ideal way that a communications initiative or project should be carried out. For a variety of reasons, sometimes the ideal needs to be compromised because of timing, staff, finances or other factors. God's prompting and other leaders can help you determine when to let something go (or maybe you cancel something completely). Maybe you come up with a "plan B" that is just as strategic or impactful but has a simpler approach. Other times, you'll push through to hit the mark exactly as it was planned. In a church's communications work, flexibility is so important. There are times to push through, and there are times to lessen the load or revise the plan. A group of leaders and a team that can talk about the ideal - but then also work within reality and make some adjustments - will build a team that is more engaged, energized and effective (not burned out).  
       
  2. There has to be a team. 
    I don't care how you do it ... but if you lead communications for your church or ministry, you have to build a team to get the work done, to expand the creativity and to be encouraged. Train current staff. Hire new staff. Build your volunteer base. Add an intern. Hire a contractor, freelancer or creative agency. There is no set formula, but you have to have a team in 2016. It's the only way to think strategically, plan, write/edit, design, take photography and manage online content, social media and video work too.

  3. Celebrating the wins is a must! 
    It's so tempting to jump from one project to the next. The to-do list is long. The pressing deadlines are unyielding. But pausing and celebrating is a must - to thank God and to celebrate with your team. What did you accomplish? How did it tie to your church's mission? What impact is being made for God's Kingdom? Show the work, swap stories and enjoy coffee, cookies or lunch together! Celebrate for five minutes or 50! Just be sure you pause to celebrate on a regular basis. This will fuel your own spirit, inspire others and keep you focused on your overall vision together!
What does life in the trenches look like for you? What could we all learn or be reminded of through your sharing?
 
Do you have a story or question about living in the trenches of the #churchcomm life? Email Aimee Cottle, our Marketing Manager, and let her know! We'd love to feature your story on our blog.