What kinds of communications does your congregation have? Newsletter, bulletin, website, posters/flyers, verbal announcements, among other options. This is a pretty standard list because many congregations do the same things and on the same schedule, just with small differences.

As the program year gets underway, it's a good time to look at the communication vehicles you use. Just because most congregations do a monthly print newsletter doesn't mean every one should. Just because everyone else is getting a web presence doesn't mean a website is necessary for every congregation. Explore new methods but only consider ones that will benefit your congregation.

Some new ideas include starting a congregation e-mail list for a weekly e-newsletter or just periodic reminders and announcements, shortening your newsletter, sending out really short weekly newsletters, or starting a page on MySpace instead of a website.

Looking for ways to evaluate how well your current communication works? Think about a communication audit! The Southeastern Minnesota Synod Communicators will meet to discuss this on September 13.