Four Holston Churches Win Igniting Ministry Grants
by Donna Hankins
Each year, three "Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors." media campaigns are launched by the United Methodist Church. To assist churches with the media campaign, United Methodist Communications awards $1 million in matching funds to churches which apply for media grants.
Munsey Memorial UMC (Johnson City District) is a grant winner for the upcoming Lent campaign and has been awarded a media grant nearly every year in which they have been offered. First Broad Street UMC (Kingsport District) also won for a second time. Two new Holston Conference grant recipients are Burks UMC (Chattanooga District) and Pleasant View UMC (Abingdon District).
The matching grants will help these churches establish an advertising presence in their communities. Matching funds can be used for placing television, radio, cinema, outdoor media or a combination of these media types. The new Lent campaign reminds viewers to "believe again" in the power of prayer.
We asked the grant recipients to provide some insight into their church's approach to grant applications and media planning.
One church demonstrated their "technoliteracy" which will come in handy with media preparations. Robert Pettway leads the communications ministry for Burks UMC and indicated that he was responding via email from his wireless Blackberry handheld as he wrote, "We feel blessed to reach more people and know that grants help churches do more with their funds."
With welcoming advice that resonates with Igniting Ministry training, Rev. James Goddard, senior pastor for Pleasant View UMC, provides these suggestions for churches enlisting media in their church advertising:
- Plan Early – An effective presentation of the church takes vision and planning.
- Do Your Homework – A demographic study of your area is vital to an effective presentation of your church to your community. Who are your not-yet-Christian friends and neighbors? Resources are available from Percept INC, www.link2lead.com, and General Board of Global Ministries Research Office.
- Use a Team – Don’t attempt this “all by yourself”. Jesus used a team of mixed-up people. Jesus still uses teams of mixed-up people! Thank God!
- One Theme – Have a common theme for all publicity for the presentation, i.e., Prayer - using a kite as the graphic, Giving – using a hand as the graphic, etc.
- Creative Redundancy – Present the Gospel story in many different ways. i.e., bulletin covers, door hangers, note cards, banners, signs, PowerPoint backgrounds, newsletters, Web pages, etc.
- Involve the Entire Church – Youth and children can go door-to-door (following Safe Sanctuaries guidelines) with door hangers, flyers, etc. Adults are asked to send personal invitation cards to friends, relatives, associates and neighbors.
- Follow-Up – Prepare the congregation for newcomers. Remember your not-yet-Christian friends are going into a strange place, with strange people, who may say strange things. Have greeters in the parking lot, at the door and a host/hostess who will sit with the newcomers. Contact the newcomers within 24 hours.
A visit to Pleasant View UMC's Web site indicates that Goddard practices what he preaches. This is another good example for Holston churches involved in the Lent media campaign. Incorporate an integrated communications campaign that emphasizes the "believe again" campaign on your home pages as well.
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