Communicating effectively

Presbyterian Mission Agency offers congregations tools and resources

July 1, 2017

A previously little-known resource within the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Communications ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has new life, thanks to the results of a 2015 survey and assessment. The Presbyterian Communicators Network was created in 2004 as a response to a General Assembly Mission Work Plan, which called for enhancing communications efforts across the denomination and creating a system that promotes dialogue within the church. The network’s primary mission is to link Presbyterians who are officially responsible for communications in their synod, presbytery or congregation through on-site workshops, e-newsletters, social media and other vehicles.

“The Communications ministry surveyed numerous congregations, and the one thing that was consistently requested was help with communications,” said Gail Strange, director of church and mid council communications. “Because of those findings we decided to develop and offer communications workshops through the presbyteries. Working through the presbyteries allows the opportunity for several congregations to send participants.”

Participants discuss strategic communications at a workshop conducted by Presbyterian Mission Agency staff at the Western Reserve Presbytery. (Photo by Gail Strange)

Strange noted that the network’s goals include encouraging communicators to receive and distribute information about news, events and resources within the PC(USA); fostering camaraderie and continuing education among Presbyterian communicators; and providing hands-on workshops to presbyteries and churches. Workshops are available on strategic communications planning, media relations, social media and website development, with other topics available upon request. In 2017 workshops are scheduled for one week in October, November and December, along with a social media workshop at Big Tent, set for July 6–8. For more information about scheduling a workshop through a presbytery for 20 or more communicators, visit the network’s workshop page.

“Membership to the network is open to anyone — paid staff or volunteer — in a synod, presbytery or congregation that has communications responsibilities,” Strange said. “If you’re on a communications committee or if you’re responsible for newsletters, websites, social media or any other form of communications, you’re welcome to join and reap the benefits of membership.”

Benefits offered to network members include:

• Access to all Presbyterian News Service stories for reprint in church newsletters (members receive a weekly copy of all news stories via email)
• Live webinars
• Access to a closed Facebook group that regularly schedules live broadcasts relating to communications strategies and topics
• Permission to post questions about communication issues on a blog
• Communications research and statistics
• Logos and artwork to use with newsletters and websites
• A listing of all job openings available through the PC(USA) national office

To join the network, complete the online form, email Gail Strange at gail.strange@pcusa.org or call 800-728-7228, ext. 5340.

Scott O’Neill, Communications Associate, Project Management, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Today’s Focus:  Presbyterian Communicators Network

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Leslie Cox, PMA
Denise Founder, PMA

Let us pray:

God of compassion, when we serve others, let us shed our expectations so that we may reflect your love. Amen.

Daily Readings

Morning Psalms 56; 149
First Reading 1 Samuel 9:15-10:1
Second Reading Acts 7:30-43
Gospel Reading Luke 22:39-51
Evening Psalms 118; 111