Church of Scotland Communication Strategy

1. Church of Scotland Communication Strategy A presentation for use in developing a communication strategy for a congregation/presbytery

2. Content • Introduction • Church of Scotland communication strategy • Connect 2009/10 • Exercise

3. Hebrews 13: 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not King James Version And do not forget to do good and to share with others New International Version

4. What is communication? The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior.

5. C of S Communication Strategy: Communication beyond the Church of Scotland • We will see beyond ourselves, be more accessible to those who are not engaged with the Church, encourage the enquirer and communicate in ways which are direct and inclusive: • By understanding the perspectives of people who are currently not engaged with the Church • By developing effective relationships with the media and giving them newsworthy stories • By nurturing able communicators • We will celebrate our life as part of the whole Church of Jesus Christ, in the UK and throughout the world: • By communicating with our sister and partner churches • By understanding differences of language, culture and organisation.

6. C of S Communication Strategy: Communication within the Church of Scotland • We will achieve and maintain effective communication within the Church of Scotland and encourage understanding and respect at all levels: • By consulting proactively on issues that affect different parts of the Church • By establishing and maintaining mechanisms for good communication • By developing and implementing communication plans • By using new and emerging technologies to aid communication.

7. Internal Congregations, church members, adherents, ministers, elders, chaplains, readers, deacons, parish assistants, project workers, presbyteries, the General Assembly and its councils, committees and agencies, central departments and staff External Ecumenical partners Partner churches overseas Non-Church goers/general public Other Churches and faith organisations Politicians – local and national Non-governmental organisations Voluntary organisations Who? - Audiences

8. Why? - context • The Church of Scotland is part of the universal church and collectively and individually, our primary mission is to proclaim and live the Gospel. • In order to achieve our mission we need to communicate effectively, clearly and consistently the work that the Church is doing as it lives the Gospel. • Different parts of the Church need to use the same key messages so that our communications are consistent and co-ordinated and we are seen to be working together to achieve our goals, not as a disparate group of churches, presbyteries, councils etc. • We can achieve our objectives more effectively if we operate in a culture of communication/sharing.

9. What? - Messages “The vision of the church of Scotland is to be a church which inspires the people of Scotland and beyond with the Good news of Jesus Christ through enthusiastic, worshipping, witnessing, nurturing and serving communities.” Panel on Review and Reform Report to the General Assembly 2006

10. What? - Messages • The national Church of Scotland • A Christian, presbyterian organisation • Over 600,000 people are involved in the life of the Church of Scotland and they touch the lives of many more • The largest charity in Scotland • Serving and caring for the people of Scotland and beyond – especially the poor and the sick • Caring for the natural world • Engaging and working with sister churches and partners in Scotland and round the world

11. Where? We need to use the right communication tools to reach our audiences: • Website • Saint Andrew Press • Life and Work • Church magazines • Council newsletters • Exhibitions • Noticeboards • Banners • Ministers’ mailings • Telephone • Face to face • Email …we need to develop stronger two-way communication channels

12. When? – 24/7 • Church meetings – at all levels • With the media • With ourselves • In our communities Think laterally, show an interest in each other’s work, share ideas and resources

13. Connect 2009/10 • 2009 Scottish Government’s Year of Homecoming • 2010 450th Anniversary of the Scottish Reformation • 2010 Centenary of the Edinburgh World Missionary Conference

14. The strategic priority for 2009/10 is better communication to engage with: • Those living locally but not directly connected with the Church • Local, national and international visitors and tourists • Partner churches at home and overseas

15. Discussion topics - congregations • How is our congregation viewed by the wider community around us, including neighbouring churches? • What are the mechanisms we use to communicate with the community? • How effective are these? Is there room for improvement? If so, what other options are open to us? • Can we link with other churches in our area? • Should we join Scotland’s Churches Scheme? (www.churchesinscotland.co.uk)

16. Discussion topics - presbyteries • What channels of communication exist between Presbytery/ministers/congregations? How effective are these channels? • How effective are channels of communication with “121” and Charis House? • What role do Presbytery elders play in communication? Could this be developed? • Is there/should there be a Presbytery Communications Officer? • How does the Presbytery relate to the media? Could more be done in this direction?

17. Exercise - plan a strategy(see brainstorming guide for more information) • Set objectives • Decide on how to achieve objectives • Define audience • Define timescale • Tactics – things we are going to do • Resources needed • Evaluation – how will we know objectives have been achieved?