COMMUNICATE

VITALITY

Resources from United Methodist Communications to support vital congregations

What do you want people to know about your church

Are you telling your story as effectively as you could be

Are you building relationships as well as building attendance

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Effective communication is vital to help you grow your church into an inviting and inspiring place to worship and engage your congregation in mission and outreach.

United Methodist Communications is here to give you a hand. Whether you need help reaching your audience, drawing people in, creating community, or polishing your communication skills, we can help.

There's no need to reinvent the wheel. Read on to see how we can support your ministries with resources and tools designed especially for local churches.

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CHURCH MARKETING

Why do you need a marketing plan?

Marketing can help you reach the people you want to serve. As you discover their needs, hopes, and expectations, you can find ways to bring them into a closer relationship with your church and with Jesus Christ. In the process, you will gain new perspectives to make your programs and communications more effective.

Our marketing plan tool can take your church from the corner to the cover by helping you to:
Understand the personality of your church n Recognize the audience for your unique church and their needs n Reach out to this audience most effectively n Create or adapt existing programs to meet those needs n Be intentional and systematic about planning and outreach
n

Visit umcom.org/churchmarketing for assistance in developing your own church marketing plan.

ECTIVELY ACHING OUT EFF H RE IS YOUR CHURC

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FIND-A-CHURCH
How do people find you online? Newcomers are only a click away. Find-A-Church is the denominational directory of churches and activities.

Your profile on Find-A-Church is a powerful online tool for evangelism. It gives people a snapshot of what your church is like and what programs and ministries you offer that interest them. Find-A-Church is also the backbone of RethinkChurch.org, a place where we welcome 18- to 34-year-old spiritual seekers to The United Methodist Church. Seekers reach RethinkChurch.org through the churchs national and regional advertising. Through an interactive map, seekers in your area can find your church, your website and your churchs involvement opportunitiesbut only if you have updated your churchs profile. Go to find-a-church.org to update. All you need is your church name or zip code.

LOOKIN G FOR A

CHURCH

?
5

ADVERTISING
Are you being noticed?
Your church has it all. The worship is stimulating. The congregation is engaged. Guests feel at home the minute they walk in the door. Youve got wonderful ministries for children and youth. So why arent more new people showing up each week? If your church is the best-kept secret in town, meet your ad agency. We can help you get the word out. We offer coordination of all your media planning media selection, estimates and media buying at no cost to you. We are here to help at (877) 281-6535 or at rethinkchurch@umcom.org.

CUSTOMIZABLE ADS AVAILABLE FOR:

TV, newspaper, outdoor, direct mail, cinema, radio Call us to create an ADVERTISING PLAN for your church.
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WELCOMING
Does your church offer radical hospitality?
Vital congregations create a welcoming and hospitable climate that begins at the curb and continues into the heart of the congregation. The ministry of welcoming is the responsibility of the entire church family. Whether your church is just beginning a welcoming ministry or looking for ways to take welcoming to the next level, we have great tips for developing and maintaining a dynamic and engaging ministry of welcoming. Embrace a lifestyle of hospitality within and outside the walls of your church through a variety of training resources. Strengthen your churchs welcoming ministry by becoming a certified welcoming congregation. Learn more at umcom.org/welcoming.

How does your church make people feel welcome?

At my church, you feel welcome the minute you enter the door, not just by the greeters and pastor, but by most every member of the church family ... and you continue to feel that way every single time you come. We just approach them with a smile, shaking hands and we will say a simple word but powerful and meaningful Jesus LOVES you come and we will show you how."

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 7

WHAT IF CHURCH WAS A

verb?

United Methodist churches are invited to join us as we rethink a dramatic vision of church, a vision that

inspires hope, faith and action.

This Wesleyan-inspired movement calls us to engage the world through our faith - so that together we might open hearts, open minds and open doors. We seek to highlight opportunities to engage seekers particularly unchurched young adultsboth online and offline, and open ourselves to authentic conversations about our faith. RethinkChurch.org is a social place where seekers can make a spiritual connection with United Methodists who want to share their faith journey.

At umcom.org/Rethinkchurch, resources are available to help you grow as a church, including:

Sermon starters, multimedia bundles, and worship resources n Customizable radio and TV ads n Newspaper ads and postcards n Video clips and web graphics n T-shirts, banners and door hangers
n

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RETHINK CHURCH EVENTS

Can rethinking church make a world of difference?
95 percent of young Americans, identified as seekers, want to make a difference in the world. Research shows that churches that provide volunteer opportunities to help the community are viewed much more favorably because of their active, outside the church approach. Are service and mission hallmarks of your church? Your church can join this Rethink Church movement! I am so thankful to your campaign. It has reconciled my faith in a God who I am falling in love with more and more everyday! Want to pair your outreach efforts with advertising? We want to be your partner! When local and regional churches link outreach efforts to the national Rethink Church campaign, favorable impressions of United Methodists are doubled. We help you build relationships with your neighbors by supporting media and marketing costs of outreach events hosted by districts, conferences and clustered churches. Learn more at umcom.org/impactcommunity. We're even stronger together than when we're on our own, so if you plan a service event for the third weekend of May, you'll be joined with other United Methodist churches around the world as we serve communities during Change the World weekend. Get your church started at umcom.org/changetheworld.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 9

IMAGINE NO MALARIA

Imagine No Malaria is an extraordinary ministry of The United Methodist Church to end preventable deaths by malaria in Africa. Not only is Imagine No Malaria saving livesits also revitalizing congregations by mobilizing the people of The United Methodist Church through fundraising and advocacy. Act against a disease that claims a childs life every 60 seconds. Advocate! Become an advocate and urge others to get involved in this global fight against malaria. Raise funds! Plan an event to raise money and get your church involved. Engage your community! Take this mission outside your church to change the world. We make it easy for you. Visit ImagineNoMalaria.org for helpful resources.

SAVE LIVES WITH YOUR PHONE!

Text a keyword below to 27722 to change lives in Africa MALARIA / give a $10 donation SWAT / sign a petition urging Congress to protect malaria funding BUZZ / join the movement by receiving mobile updates

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 11

training
No train, no gain. The knowledge and skills you need. Lack the know-how to use billboards for advertising? Need help coming up with a welcoming plan for your church? Befuddled by how Twitter can help you keep church members informed? United Methodist Communications offers many live training and online learning opportunities that will help you and your church reach people in mission and ministry.

Visit umcom.org/training.

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Visit umcom.org/training to learn more about the wide variety of training topics we cover, including:

Rethink Church training

RETHINK CHURCH

This training module will teach and inspire you with non-traditional ideas for reaching beyond the four walls of your church to serve and involve your community.

Welcoming training
WELCOMING TRAINING

Its all about hospitality. We help churches recognize how they fit into the landscape of their community so they can serve it better.

Web ministry
WEB MINISTRY

John Wesley would be online! We help churches identify their digital audiences and which online tools will engage them.

United Methodist basics

UMC BASICS

We offer several courses that delve into the history, structure, beliefs and ministries of The United Methodist Church. You can take United Methodism 101, Exploring General Conference, the Four Areas of Focus and Connectional Giving, all at no cost.

Mediarelations training
MEDIA RELATIONS

Our media and crisis communication training courses will help you learn to speak effectively on behalf of your church.

Moodle online learning

MOODLE ONLINE

We teach you to teach others online. Design your own Bible studies, staff training experiences, long distance learning forums, etc.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 13

STEP-BY-STEP HELP
Weve got a great online course for beginners trying to establish a web ministry.

Web Ministry 101 includes everything you need to know to launch your website.

WEB MINISTRY
Expand your horizons
A web ministry opens church doors to a potential congregation bigger than the surrounding community. Connect with members and reach out to seekers as you tell your churchs story. Expand your ministry and touch people who are not only within your reach, but also at a distance. United Methodist Communications can help you get your web ministry started. We offer: n Hosting solutions with platforms for building and developing websites n Tips and tools through MyCom, our e-newsletter n Help for your web team to remain relevant in worship, mission, outreach and evangelism

The four-week, instructor-led course is the first of a threepart series that takes you step-by-step through the process of getting your website up and running.

For more information, visit umcom.org/ webministry.

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MYCOM E-NEWSLETTER
Maximize your churchs potential. We show you how.
MyCom, United Methodist Communications award-winning e-newsletter, delivers monthly articles relevant to local United Methodist churches, from making your website sizzle to ideas for getting youth and college students involved in church programs to attracting new members and reaching folks through Facebook.

Heres a sampling of some of our most popular articles:

8 church communication faux pas 7 rules to reach the masses via Facebook n 7 practical elements of welcoming n Change the World: 5 sweet outreach ideas n Turning volunteers into leaders
n n

There are many more articles just like these at umcom.org/mycom. Not a subscriber? Its totally free. Simply go to umcom.org/mycomsubscribe to sign up. Be sure to browse our archived articles about particular areas of interest.
UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 15

SOCIAL MEDIA

845MILLION active users on Facebook 140MILLION on Twitter

Its more than being social.

Its a ministry.

6 FACEBOOK PAGES TO LIKE NOW

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Facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Facebook.com/umcom Facebook.com/umnews Facebook.com/umcgiving Facebook.com/umcImagineNoMalaria Facebook.com/umcRethinkChurch

With more than 845 million active users on Facebook and 140 million on Twitter, social media platforms (like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs) are a great way to attract potential visitors and open dialogue with current members to grow community. Build your online congregation to, hopefully, fill your pews!

create community!
Social media is all about engagement. Encourage interaction to get to know your online congregation with questions, comments, shares and re-tweets.

6 EASY WAYS LOCAL CHURCHES CAN USE SOCIAL MEDIA

n n n n

Inspire with Bible verses Communicate prayer requests Post fun photos from a church event Poll members to learn more about themfor instance, ask their favorite hymn Share UMC-related news Share videos from youtube.com/UnitedMethodistTV

n n

Each network is unique and offers diverse uses to build your ministry. For tips and more in-depth information, visit umcom.org/socialmedia.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 17

UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE

Keeping you connected

As the official news service of The United Methodist Church, United Methodist News Service is your source for church news and feature stories from around the world. Through insightful interviews and special coverage, skilled journalists, photographers and video crews bring you a global perspective on whats happening in the denomination and how United Methodists are making a difference, as well as commentaries on important issues. Staying informed is easy! Find UMNS stories at umns.umc.org or use our RSS feed to quickly and easily add content from UMNS to your churchs website. Prefer to receive news by e-mail? No problem. Sign up at umns.umc.org/subscribe to have a synopsis of news stories delivered to your inbox daily or weekly with links to read more. Rather get news in a more social setting? Connect with UMNS at facebook.com/umnews or follow Twitter.com/umns.

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PUBLICATIONS
Whats one of the best ways to affirm, inspire and challenge your congregational leaders? Official publications empower your leaders by sharing stories of people, ministries and teachings that are making a positive difference in churches and communities like yours! Stories spotlighting vital congregations fill each issue of Interpreter, the official ministry magazine for congregational leaders. Each bimonthly issue includes:
n n n

Timely topics Church teachings IdeaMart (ideas and resources to increase your churchs vitality) It Worked for Us (success stories from local churches) Digital edition with audio and video links

Spanish-speaking United Methodists and those who are part of Hispanic/Latino congregations will find similar but unique content in el Intrprete, while United Methodists in Service is for Korean-speaking United Methodists. Each is published six times a year. For a sample copy of any of the magazines, call (888) 346-3862. For individual subscriptions to Interpreter, go to umcom.org/orderinterpreter. Update your churchs (free) subscription list at enrollment.umcom.org. Subscribe to el Intrprete at umcom.org/orderelinterprete and to United Methodists in Service at umcom.org/orderumis.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 19

UMC.ORG opens a digital door

Information and inspiration

If you want your local church members to see the latest news, photos, videos, blogs, or commentaries about all things United Methodist, be sure they visit UMC.org. The power of the connection is evident through stories about the churchs people, its causes, and its ministries. But UMC.org offers more than that. It also has information about the beliefs of the church, its rich history and its structure. At UMC.org, you can discover spiritual gifts, submit a prayer request, or find a church. On the go? Access information through the UMC mobile app, available for free download in Apple and Android app stores.

VIDEO STORIES PUT A FACE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.
UMTV video features are available at umc.org/videos and YouTubes United Methodist TV channel. Local churches can use the stories during worship, at Sunday school classes and retreats to engage members and foster conversation. Stories are easy to download or share on social media too.
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Have a

question about The United Methodist Church?

You Ask. We Answer.
INFOSERV
InfoServ is the official information service of The United Methodist Church.

LIVE CHAT now available! Ask questions at infoserv.umc.org. CONTACT INFOSERV: E-MAIL: infoserv@umcom.org WEB: infoserv.umc.org FAX: (615) 742-5423

Heres what InfoServ can do for you:

Trying to locate a pastor or agency staff person? InfoServ knows whos who and where they are. Looking for resources to help in your ministry? InfoServ is up-to-date on what the church offers. Exploring your ancestry or doing historical research? InfoServ can share sources for more information. Want to find a mission project or volunteer for service? InfoServ can match your passion with a purpose. Trying to make sense of what United Methodists believe? InfoServ can clarify the denominations position on such topics as Holy Communion, baptism, worship, and social issues.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 21

we
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CAN DO MORE THAN WE CAN

TOGETHER

alone.

CONNECTIONAL GIVING
What is connectional giving anyway? Simply stated, its pooling our financial resources so that Gods transforming work can be accomplished around the world. Learn about the ways shared ministry enables United Methodists to do together what no church, district or annual conference could do alone. At umcgiving.org, you can read stories about people making a difference, reaching out to help communities and global ministries that help rebuild their lives. You can download videos and resources, as well as request brochures and other printed materials for your church, district or annual conference. United Methodist Communications offers a free online course, Turning Connectional Living into Connectional Giving (CG101), that will answer many of your questions. Learn more by visiting umcom.org/givingtraining.

inspire

your congregation during the offering!

When its time to receive the offering on Sunday morning, do more than ask people to give. Tell them a story of how their dollars will be put to work around the world. Visit umcgiving.org and click on Mission Moments and More to find stories, prayers and inspirational nuggets that will set the tone for generous giving.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 23

UNITED METHODIST H A N D B O O K

The must-have handbook. And its FREE. Hows that for user-friendly?

The United Methodist Handbook is filled with comprehensive information about The United Methodist Church and the ways it lives out its global mission. Whether youre a church leader, a member or new to the church, youll find it to be an invaluable resource. Its available at no charge at umcgiving.org/umc-handbook or by calling (888) 346-3862.

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TECHSHOP
Your church technology shopping center
Your church or organization needs technology, but the budget is tight. TechShop keeps churches outfitted with the latest available technology, with deeply discounted software from major suppliers like Microsoft and Adobe. Were talking about savings of 50 to 80 percent off retail! Need help with website design or hosting? We offer that too with discounts. We even have software for managing your church finances and membership. TechShop is a place you cant afford not to visit for software, hardware, web design, hosting, and church presentation equipment. Visit umcom.org/techshop today.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 25

Inspire your small groups with audience-friendly DVD resources

Are you looking for engaging and relevant DVD resources for small groups of adults, youth, or children? EcuFilm offers DVDbased resources and companion study guides in subject areas such as Christian Living, Faith & Theology, Health & Wholeness, and more. We carry only topquality, value-friendly products that are suitable for church use. Each month we offer great deals like free shipping or a percentage off select products through our e-card alerts. Visit us online at ecufilm.org or sign up for EcuFilm e-cards featuring promotional updates and merchandise specials at umcom.org/ecufilm_alerts.

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DIFFERENCE
Our e-store at umcom.org/store provides a one-stop-shop for all United Methodist Communications products. Our customer service representatives aren't just order takers. They are problem solvers, customer service advocates, bridge builders and personal shoppers. Reach Customer Service by calling (888) 346-3862, e-mail, csc@umcom.org, or chat online during these hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30-5:00 and Friday, 7:30-2:30 CST.

REAL PEOPLE MAKE THE

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS 27

So then,...let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another.
(Ephesians 4:25, NRSV)

umcom.org

Resources from United Methodist Communications to support vital congregations

INFORM - INSPIRE - ENGAGE