1. Working with the Media

2. Publicity Planning Coordinated with other church programmes Known to key leaders, staff & volunteers Flexible to meet local opportunities Consistent with denominational authorities & other local churches.

3. What should a Community Relations Plan Be? Understood by all congregational members Simple & practical enough to be implemented Resourced Monitored, measured and adjusted regularly

4. Template for your Publicity Plan Situational Analysis Aim Key messages Audiences Methods and Tools Strategy Budget Evaluation

5. Your Situation. (Be honest) A short description of the current state of relations with the local community. It should review previous community relations activities, noting past successes and recommended improvements.

6. Aim. Why tell your story? To make specific individuals & groups aware To influence attitudes in your area To secure support To correct misconceptions To tell the great news that God loves your neighbourhood!

7. Key Messages No more than three key messages Each message in 20 words or less Use clear language – no church jargon Messages must be comprehensive

8. Audiences Internal audiences – groups, committed members, pew warmers, holiday visitors, your denomination Specific community groups Individuals & families seeking faith Individuals able to influence community opinions

9. Methods & Tools Common methods for delivering key messages to target audiences:  Mass media stories  Multi-media (internet/CD-Rom/videos)  Publications (books/brochures/posters)  Events  Merchandise?

10. Questions? Time frame? Costs? Motivation? Budget & Evaluation?

11. Useful further reading http://ied.gospelcom.net/writing-pressreleases.php http://ied.gospelcom.net/index.php http://ied.gospelcom.net/writing-pressreleases.php

12. Equipping the Church to tell its story www. philsmith.com.au 07 3882 3490 0414 823125 Spunyarn@bigpond.net.au