Digital Readiness for Advent / Christmas 2020

/
Are you ready for Christmas_.png

Digital Advent / Christmas  2020

Be ready! People are seeking meaningful, spiritual connections more than ever. 

Deck the Halls:

  • Create a unique Holiday invitation / online event to create some curiosity and encourage new guests.  For example, consider creating a FB event for Lessons and Carols that emphasizes festive, holiday music

  • Banner / Cover Photo on social platforms and website: Should be seasonal - ie. festive for Christmas or somber for Advent. Choose a theme and image that best reflects the flavour of your approach to the season. Consider using this image on your bulletins as well. This will create a more consistent, reliable experience for your guests and let them know that someone is tending to details and someone cares.

  • All Information must be accurate: include links to websites or other digital platforms. Verify all details. This can seem obvious but can make or break your credibility for visitors who are getting to know you for the first time or who are deciding if they wish to continue supporting you. Remember, you are building trust and this means being accurate, transparent and reliable.  

  • What is in it for them? If someone is visiting your page, they are seeking something. Perhaps they are seeking comfort or community. Create content that has value to the seeker. Make it easy for them to access you and your offerings. 

  • Pinned Post at top of page / Latest Tweet or share, Keep it Fresh! Must clearly indicate the most relevant and seasonal event that you hope to welcome guests to be a part of. Update regularly! Guests will be encouraged if they visit your page and notice that you have recently updated your content. It’s as though they knocked and somebody answered the door. Reply promptly to any inquiries. Be as interactive as possible.

  • Aesthetics Matter: When communicating events or services, consider including an image or graphic. It is best to use pictures from your own church that reflect your identity as a community. Photos should be good quality, bright,  colourful etc. Consider using the same image on the bulletin of the service. This will create a sense of familiarity, cohesiveness and brand recognition. ie. graphics / images for Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve service, Christmas Pageant, or a listing of all your services on one graphic. Choose colours and fonts that will reflect your brand, personality and aesthetic as a church. Once you have done this, be intentional and consistent with your communications. For example, you may choose three colours and one font for your Advent / Christmas offerings and this could serve as your template throughout. You may use a free graphic design program such as Canva for ideas, templates, colour schemes etc. 

  • Make all information clear, readable, relevant and provide helpful details to encourage and assist those who are considering visiting. For example, Covid-19 protocol? Parking? Wheelchair access? Donations? How? What to wear? Come early? Coffee afterwards? Which door? What to expect… etc.

Open the Presents: Prepare easy online giving options and speak openly about the importance of giving.

  • Donation Buttons are easy to install. Canada Helps already has every charity in Canada registered on their site. Contact them and follow the steps to upload the link. People are carrying less cash and are enjoying the convenience of online giving now more than ever. WIthout online giving options you are at risk of losing patrons who may feel called to contribute. It is free and safe. 

  • Be specific and identify a ministry. Over the holidays, when you are welcoming new guests either in person or online, find creative ways to request financial support for a specific ministry (children’s program, washroom reno, website costs etc…) Encourage monthly giving and remind patrons of the benefits of giving especially during a these trying pandemic times

  • Giving as a spiritual practice: When donors contribute to your charity, this opens a reciprocal relationship and deepens your connection. Emphasize the importance of this relationship and find ways of cherishing and honouring givers. How can you do this? Use social media to express words of gratitude, notes of thanks, be transparent and open in terms of your budget and spending habits,  Write blogs, sermons and create a series of posts about the importance of your donors. Invite donors to share their thoughts about giving online, etc. 

Tree Topper:  How to build and maintain a digital community

  • Capture email addresses of guests to follow up, thank, invite, encourage and inquire about them and their faith journey. Build relationships with a solid email correspondence. Use Mailchimp or other email platforms to keep your lists organized and provide beautiful email templates. 

  • Speak to your existing community about the importance of digital engagement. Encourage members to go on social and “check in” and “like” the parish FB page, rate the church, invite their friends to like/follow as well.

  • When your church is empty, this does not mean that your job is over. You may continue to connect with existing and potential parishioners via email, website, blogs, video and social media posts. “The service has ended, but the worship has begun…”

Questions to wonder about

  • How can you interact meaningfully with your digital community? What does your community seek? What is meaningful in your context?

  • Consider a digital survey to get feedback. 

  • Remember that it is possible (online) to pray, inspire, worship, ask questions, inquire, dialogue, reflect and more. A digital community is a real community and can be infused with the Holy Spirit, therefore capable of connecting in wonderful and surprising ways!

Be ready! People are seeking meaningful, spiritual connections more than ever.