Every month, we'll be shining a light on a timely topic relevant to your work as a church administrator. Whether it's a change in legislation, a seasonal event to prepare for, or a practical reminder, In Focus is here to help you stay informed and resourced in your role.
Pause, Plan, Communicate: Making Church Messages Matter
The summer holidays can bring a slight easing in the rhythm of regular church activities, making this a helpful moment to pause and review your church communications.
Before long, we’ll be planning for a new term with fresh opportunities, familiar routines and, dare we say it, Christmas not too far on the horizon! Taking time now to reflect on how we communicate can help us begin the next season with greater clarity and confidence.
Most church office communications are aimed at three key groups:
Our congregations
The wider community
Our leaders
We also use a wide range of communication channels, including:
Verbal notices
Posters & notice boards
Leaflets
Printed newsletters
Electronic newsletters
Social media
Church websites
A useful starting point is to consider whether your church has a clear communication plan or strategy. Why are you communicating, what needs to be shared, and how will each message be delivered?
For example:
· Do our congregations see a list of events or understand how they are part of the church’s vision and mission?
· Does the local community know we are here, and understand what we offer and believe?
· Are our leaders kept appropriately informed, with enough detail to be useful, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming?
It may also be helpful to review how communication methods are chosen. Do you use different approaches for different audiences and activities, or has communication become “one size fits all”? Is there a regular rhythm to your messaging, or does it tend to be reactive? Are messages coordinated through a central point, or are they coming from several places independently?
Even a simple communications review can help reduce overload, improve consistency and make sure important messages are clear and heard.
If you have an Administrator or Manager level membership, don’t forget that several communications resources are available through the links on our My ChurchSuite home page menu. These include tools to help you review, audit and plan your communications, as well as templates for various types of digital and physical media.
For help logging into UCAN’s My ChurchSuite, please contact us at info@churchadministrators.net. You can also reset your password from the login page. When logging in, remember that your church is ‘UCAN’.
Here’s what’s available:
UCAN Communications Resources
Communications tools to review, audit and plan
Templates for notice sheets, posters and flyers, plus newsletter and web banners
NEW! Social Media Planner
TAPAS Training
February 2026: Communications
September 2025: Countdown to Christmas
Virtual Round Table
September 2023: Communications with Verity
Lastly, don't forget the UCAN Facebook Forum for Administrator and Manager level members - a great place to ask questions, share resources and find inspiration!
Not a UCAN Member? Sign up today at Administrator or Manager level to access our resources, forums and webinars: www.churchadministrators.net/join