How to Reach More People with the Message of Stewardship and Generosity
You've prepared the right curriculum, got the word out about the upcoming class in every way possible, and the day has arrived. You're waiting with eager anticipation to see the faces of the people that will begin their journey to true financial freedom, but as the class start time draws near, the reality sinks in: no one is coming.
We've all been there. Driven by our passion and calling to train up others in stewardship and generosity, we're willing to do just about anything to help. And although the decision to participate ultimately lies with them, there are some things we can do differently to increase awareness of the available opportunities.
We live in an ever-changing ever-evolving world. Technology has changed many aspects of our life, but the most significant evolution has been to the way we communicate. This change in communication has altered the ways we receive information drastically, and if we're not willing to adapt to these changes, we're not going to be heard. It doesn't matter how compelling our message is; if no one hears it, no one will benefit.
4 Ways to Make your Message Reach More People
1.Use compelling stories and videos
Stories have a way of capturing our attention better than any other form of communication. Because our brain can process a lot of information at one time, a standard pre-service announcement will leave room for the brain to seek other things to process, such as, "did I lock the door when I left this morning?" When we tell stories, the brain has to create the imagery that goes with the story, so it stays fully engaged. Videos provide the same stimulation and are even more effective in communicating our message.
Ways you can use stories and videos
Use video testimonies during weekend services.
Share stories through your weekly or monthly church email blast.
Include stories in your church magazine or newsletter.
Update your ministry website at least once every two weeks with stories of people experiencing victory and life transformation.
2. Use existing platforms to broaden your reach
The people in your church are diverse. They have different felt needs, so they will seek out those ministries that will meet their needs. Your best option is to go where they are rather than expect them to come to you. Partnering with other ministries in the church will not only help you reach more people, but it will also help those ministries to fill a gap they didn't even know they had.
Ways you can add value to other ministries and widen your reach:
Offer to teach one class on finances for couples in a marriage or pre-marriage class.
Team up with the Youth and Young Adults Ministries to offer practical skills of managing money.
Teach a class on Social Security or Managing Money in Retirement to your Prime Time members.
Do a break-out session on finances at your men's, women's, and marriage conferences.
3. Offer content that's easy to consume
People learn in different ways. Some learn visually (books, videos, or watching someone do it), some through audio (lecture, audiobooks, or podcasts), and others are kinesthetic (by touch; they have to do it to learn it). It's crucial that what you teach regards these differences and offers content that addresses each learning style.
Ways you can make your content easier to consume.
Podcasts - A great way to provide ongoing education and inspire people toward good stewardship and generosity.
Video - Put your workshop or class on video that can be consumed individually or in small groups. This method will not only be a more effective way to teach (you're going to be more prepared and polished if you have to put it on video) but have a more significant reach.
Go where people hang out! - Teach live classes through Facebook or other social media apps.
Teach one topic at a time - It takes time to absorb and apply financial principles. Don't try to teach everything about finances in one class. No one class will do the job? Offer short, easy to absorb teachings (video and audio) that address a specific principle or topic.
4. Think Bigger!
You're already creating content and teaching classes. Why limit the impact these efforts can have? Repurposing content is vital if you're going to reach more people. Writing a blog will reach those that like reading a blog, but what about those who would rather watch a video or listen to a podcast? Every time you create one piece of content, think of ways you can get it in front of more people, and you will expand your reach exponentially.
Ways you can share your content
Upload content to YouTube - if your ministry doesn't have a Youtube channel, you' re missing out on reaching more people. Every time you teach a class, record a small part of it or the entire teaching and upload it to YouTube. Then promote the heck out of it through Social Media and watch the views, and the impact, grow.
Take your class(es) online - Your church calendar and available classrooms are limited. With so many online platforms available today for online courses, you can offer your entire class, including handouts 24/7.
Teach through Social Media - Offer bite-sized teachings throughout the week through short videos or articles. A steady dose of stewardship education can bring awareness to issues most people don't even know they have. It may also motivate them to attend the next class you're teaching.
Don't focus on what you can't do! I know many ministries compete for your members' attention. Trying to fight for the limited space and time available during a weekend service is not a long-term solution. You have to be willing to apply creative strategies outside of those currently available if you’re going to reach more people.
What creative ways do you use to reach more people with this message?
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