Media Outreach

The fall is just around the corner.

Careful…it might come right out and bite you.

Anyway, that means those huge back-to-school church kick-off events are also right around the corner.

Have you started the plans yet?

Now is the time.

Here are a few things to consider for your fall event.

1. Make sure the event is relevant to your audience. Just because some groups like a group movie night, families of young kids (i.e. toddlers and infants) will shutter at the idea of having to hold their squirmy child for two hours.   Let your audience dictate the event.  Throw out some options on your church facebook page to get a feel for what tickles their fancy the most.  Forego the eye-rolling – and head-rolling for that matter – and pick the right genre for your crew.
2. Start publicizing no later than August 1st. Which means your messaging is due…yesterday. Give your creative team (i.e. your graphic designer) some time to be…creative! Creativity is least likely achieved in harried situations.  Not to be confused with harry situations.
3. Get thinking outside the box. Maybe instead of having ONE event, take your budget from one massive back-to-school kick off and empower your members. Hand them the monies to host their own neighborhood events so they can invite the people they want to reach in a more intimate setting.  But, make sure there is ample resource for how to use the money on the website or on print pieces. And of course, be good stewards with who you give it to… I know some pastors are shuttering right now….
4. Follow up!! Follow up!! Get a system into place that can review the effectiveness of the event.  What was the turnout? What was the budget?  What was the best part? The worst?  Should you actually repeat it?  This also includes follow up with the new visitors.  If you can do a raffle to capture information, it’s a great opportunity to set yourself up for solid follow up. Not to be confused with lousy, shallow, stinky follow (i.e. none).

Good luck and God speed!!!  Don’t fall over though. Wow, I’m full of good ones today.

Photo By: *Micky