Church Communications That Keeps Staff Unified | Amy Whitfield

[Music] [Music] one of the things that can be so one of the things that can be so one of the things that can be so frustrating for staff members is to feel frustrating for staff members is to feel frustrating for staff members is to feel like they don't know what's going on like they don't know what's going on like they don't know what's going on um you know people are going to agree um you know people are going to agree um you know people are going to agree with the vision or the direction or they with the vision or the direction or they with the vision or the direction or they may disagree with the vision or the may disagree with the vision or the may disagree with the vision or the direction your your leadership as a direction your your leadership as a direction your your leadership as a whole has to navigate through that but whole has to navigate through that but whole has to navigate through that but when somebody comes and asks a question when somebody comes and asks a question when somebody comes and asks a question about something or tells them something about something or tells them something about something or tells them something and their first response is I had no and their first response is I had no and their first response is I had no idea that is such a morale killer like idea that is such a morale killer like idea that is such a morale killer like that people just they don't like to feel that people just they don't like to feel that people just they don't like to feel uninformed or or ill-equipped and uninformed or or ill-equipped and uninformed or or ill-equipped and um so it really is important for us to um so it really is important for us to um so it really is important for us to communicate to our staff what's communicate to our staff what's communicate to our staff what's happening and then the why behind the happening and then the why behind the happening and then the why behind the what my name is Bart Blair and this is what my name is Bart Blair and this is what my name is Bart Blair and this is the the the 127th episode of the missional marketing 127th episode of the missional marketing 127th episode of the missional marketing podcast thanks so much for tuning in to podcast thanks so much for tuning in to podcast thanks so much for tuning in to this week's episode so we shall this week's episode so we shall this week's episode so we shall affectionately refer to it as season 4 affectionately refer to it as season 4 affectionately refer to it as season 4 episode 3 because we are in our fourth episode 3 because we are in our fourth episode 3 because we are in our fourth season so glad that you've tuned into season so glad that you've tuned into season so glad that you've tuned into this week's show if you haven't ever this week's show if you haven't ever this week's show if you haven't ever subscribed wherever you're listening subscribed wherever you're listening subscribed wherever you're listening make sure that you do that and if you're make sure that you do that and if you're make sure that you do that and if you're a person that likes to leave ratings in a person that likes to leave ratings in a person that likes to leave ratings in review come on you know you do it when review come on you know you do it when review come on you know you do it when you go to your favorite restaurant or you go to your favorite restaurant or you go to your favorite restaurant or stay in your favorite hotel or Resort stay in your favorite hotel or Resort stay in your favorite hotel or Resort make sure that you leave us a rating make sure that you leave us a rating make sure that you leave us a rating review leave us a five star review and review leave us a five star review and review leave us a five star review and let us know what you think of the show let us know what you think of the show let us know what you think of the show you know how the algorithms of the you know how the algorithms of the you know how the algorithms of the internet work and that will help more internet work and that will help more internet work and that will help more people find the podcast and our goal people find the podcast and our goal people find the podcast and our goal really is just to help churches grow by really is just to help churches grow by really is just to help churches grow by leveraging digital marketing and leveraging digital marketing and leveraging digital marketing and effective communication so the majority

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computer AI dot computer AI dot missionalmarketing.com that's AI dot missionalmarketing.com that's AI dot missionalmarketing.com that's AI dot missionalmarketing.com we have launched missionalmarketing.com we have launched missionalmarketing.com we have launched a complete website forum for all things a complete website forum for all things a complete website forum for all things related to artificial intelligence for related to artificial intelligence for related to artificial intelligence for churches we want to be a key resource churches we want to be a key resource churches we want to be a key resource for you and your team and your church to for you and your team and your church to for you and your team and your church to help you discern what tools are help you discern what tools are help you discern what tools are available to you how you can be available to you how you can be available to you how you can be leveraging those tools to reach more leveraging those tools to reach more leveraging those tools to reach more people for Jesus that's ultimately what people for Jesus that's ultimately what people for Jesus that's ultimately what we want to do is expand God's kingdom we want to do is expand God's kingdom we want to do is expand God's kingdom and we believe and we believe and we believe that uh there are some AI tools that are that uh there are some AI tools that are that uh there are some AI tools that are out there that uh can probably be very out there that uh can probably be very out there that uh can probably be very useful in helping us do that so make useful in helping us do that so make useful in helping us do that so make sure that you check that out AI dot sure that you check that out AI dot sure that you check that out AI dot missionmarketing.com missionmarketing.com missionmarketing.com um today's episode of our podcast is one um today's episode of our podcast is one um today's episode of our podcast is one that again I'm really excited uh to that again I'm really excited uh to that again I'm really excited uh to share with you uh the uh guest that we share with you uh the uh guest that we share with you uh the uh guest that we have is named Amy Whitfield she is the have is named Amy Whitfield she is the have is named Amy Whitfield she is the communications director at Summit Church communications director at Summit Church communications director at Summit Church in North Carolina I've known it of Amy in North Carolina I've known it of Amy in North Carolina I've known it of Amy for a really long time this was the for a really long time this was the for a really long time this was the first opportunity that I I got to first opportunity that I I got to first opportunity that I I got to actually meet her was when Jason and I actually meet her was when Jason and I actually meet her was when Jason and I interviewed her uh just a couple of interviewed her uh just a couple of interviewed her uh just a couple of weeks ago uh Amy has a long history in weeks ago uh Amy has a long history in weeks ago uh Amy has a long history in Communications but most related mostly Communications but most related mostly Communications but most related mostly related to denominational uh service she related to denominational uh service she related to denominational uh service she works uh with the southern baptist works uh with the southern baptist works uh with the southern baptist executive committee she's just done a executive committee she's just done a executive committee she's just done a lot of different things and she's going lot of different things and she's going lot of different things and she's going to share about that uh in this interview to share about that uh in this interview to share about that uh in this interview but she serves in a fantastic fast but she serves in a fantastic fast but she serves in a fantastic fast growing Church Summit Church is I don't growing Church Summit Church is I don't growing Church Summit Church is I don't know seven eight nine campuses I'm not know seven eight nine campuses I'm not know seven eight nine campuses I'm not sure how many locations they have I sure how many locations they have I sure how many locations they have I think she explains that in the podcast think she explains that in the podcast think she explains that in the podcast JD Greer is the senior pastor there JD Greer is the senior pastor there JD Greer is the senior pastor there phenomenal leader incredible community phenomenal leader incredible community phenomenal leader incredible community educator and Amy is just a wealth of educator and Amy is just a wealth of educator and Amy is just a wealth of knowledge and information in fact we're

knowledge and information in fact we're knowledge and information in fact we're going to bring her back on the show going to bring her back on the show going to bring her back on the show because she hit a few highlights on some because she hit a few highlights on some because she hit a few highlights on some things that we really need to do a things that we really need to do a things that we really need to do a deeper dive into that we didn't have the deeper dive into that we didn't have the deeper dive into that we didn't have the opportunity to do in this particular opportunity to do in this particular opportunity to do in this particular episode so we'll have Amy back on the episode so we'll have Amy back on the episode so we'll have Amy back on the podcast uh hopefully later on this fall podcast uh hopefully later on this fall podcast uh hopefully later on this fall again I want to thank you for tuning in again I want to thank you for tuning in again I want to thank you for tuning in to our show we know that you have a lot to our show we know that you have a lot to our show we know that you have a lot of choices about the podcast that you of choices about the podcast that you of choices about the podcast that you listen to and the fact that you would listen to and the fact that you would listen to and the fact that you would tune into this one just well it warms my tune into this one just well it warms my tune into this one just well it warms my heart makes me feel really good also heart makes me feel really good also heart makes me feel really good also don't forget I announced this in the don't forget I announced this in the don't forget I announced this in the first episode of this new season two first episode of this new season two first episode of this new season two weeks ago that we're going to be weeks ago that we're going to be weeks ago that we're going to be starting a new q a episode every month starting a new q a episode every month starting a new q a episode every month in fact next week's episode is going to in fact next week's episode is going to in fact next week's episode is going to be our first question response or be our first question response or be our first question response or question and answer episode we've been question and answer episode we've been question and answer episode we've been collecting questions from church collecting questions from church collecting questions from church Communications people and we would love Communications people and we would love Communications people and we would love to get your questions you can email to get your questions you can email to get your questions you can email those to me directly at b Blair those to me directly at b Blair those to me directly at b Blair missionalmarketing.com just put in your missionalmarketing.com just put in your missionalmarketing.com just put in your subject line questions for podcasts and subject line questions for podcasts and subject line questions for podcasts and we'll add them to our list and then tune we'll add them to our list and then tune we'll add them to our list and then tune in once a month when we drop those in once a month when we drop those in once a month when we drop those episodes so that you can hear Jason and episodes so that you can hear Jason and episodes so that you can hear Jason and me go through some of the questions that me go through some of the questions that me go through some of the questions that you and other Church Communications you and other Church Communications you and other Church Communications people are asking and we'll do our best people are asking and we'll do our best people are asking and we'll do our best to inform you based on the things that to inform you based on the things that to inform you based on the things that we know and the things that we we know and the things that we we know and the things that we experience or the things that we're experience or the things that we're experience or the things that we're learning from other comms Professionals learning from other comms Professionals learning from other comms Professionals in the church space again we appreciate in the church space again we appreciate in the church space again we appreciate you tuning in without any further delay you tuning in without any further delay you tuning in without any further delay here's the CEO of missional marketing here's the CEO of missional marketing here's the CEO of missional marketing Jason Hamrock and our interview with Amy Jason Hamrock and our interview with Amy Jason Hamrock and our interview with Amy Whitfield Whitfield Whitfield hey Amy welcome to the show how are you hey Amy welcome to the show how are you hey Amy welcome to the show how are you today I'm great thanks for having me today I'm great thanks for having me today I'm great thanks for having me it's nice to meet you all and to be a

it's nice to meet you all and to be a it's nice to meet you all and to be a part of this oh what a delight to have part of this oh what a delight to have part of this oh what a delight to have you on board I'm excited about our you on board I'm excited about our you on board I'm excited about our conversation because uh you work at a conversation because uh you work at a conversation because uh you work at a pretty decently sized Church pretty decently sized Church pretty decently sized Church yeah yeah yeah yes in your role yeah so I'm the yes in your role yeah so I'm the yes in your role yeah so I'm the executive director of communications at executive director of communications at executive director of communications at The Summit Church which is in Raleigh The Summit Church which is in Raleigh The Summit Church which is in Raleigh Durham North Carolina so we're in the Durham North Carolina so we're in the Durham North Carolina so we're in the the Research Triangle and we um we are the Research Triangle and we um we are the Research Triangle and we um we are yeah it's pretty decently sized church yeah it's pretty decently sized church yeah it's pretty decently sized church we run averaging right now around 10 000 we run averaging right now around 10 000 we run averaging right now around 10 000 um every week in worship and we have um every week in worship and we have um every week in worship and we have right now 12 campuses in our area we're right now 12 campuses in our area we're right now 12 campuses in our area we're about to launch our 13th so about to launch our 13th so about to launch our 13th so um and primarily uh live stream teaching um and primarily uh live stream teaching um and primarily uh live stream teaching from the broadcast campus every week to from the broadcast campus every week to from the broadcast campus every week to all the other campuses around so all the other campuses around so all the other campuses around so um it's a yeah it's it's an exciting um it's a yeah it's it's an exciting um it's a yeah it's it's an exciting it's an exciting place to be and I grew it's an exciting place to be and I grew it's an exciting place to be and I grew up in a very small church so our staff up in a very small church so our staff up in a very small church so our staff half is three times the size of my half is three times the size of my half is three times the size of my church that I grew up in so it's a big church that I grew up in so it's a big church that I grew up in so it's a big big difference big difference big difference but it's an interesting thing to do but it's an interesting thing to do but it's an interesting thing to do Communications because you're Communications because you're Communications because you're communicating to people in different communicating to people in different communicating to people in different communities all over the region communities all over the region communities all over the region um so that's been a fun I've been in um so that's been a fun I've been in um so that's been a fun I've been in this role for for two years now after this role for for two years now after this role for for two years now after most of my career being in most of my career being in most of my career being in denominational work and uh so now I feel denominational work and uh so now I feel denominational work and uh so now I feel like you know kind of on the front lines like you know kind of on the front lines like you know kind of on the front lines of of ministry but in a kind of an

of of ministry but in a kind of an of of ministry but in a kind of an interesting communication space okay so interesting communication space okay so interesting communication space okay so so two years in that role so two years in that role so two years in that role um I gotta because I've been a part of um I gotta because I've been a part of um I gotta because I've been a part of as a com director where we added as a com director where we added as a com director where we added campuses right and boy we learned a lot campuses right and boy we learned a lot campuses right and boy we learned a lot we oh yeah well we paid a lot of stupid we oh yeah well we paid a lot of stupid we oh yeah well we paid a lot of stupid taxes right we learn what not to do yeah taxes right we learn what not to do yeah taxes right we learn what not to do yeah okay so in two years time okay so in two years time okay so in two years time um what have you you know have you um what have you you know have you um what have you you know have you what have you learned and what have you what have you learned and what have you what have you learned and what have you adopted in in changed I'm guessing adopted in in changed I'm guessing adopted in in changed I'm guessing because you just said something just because you just said something just because you just said something just your footprint is huge yes your footprint is huge yes your footprint is huge yes campuses on a big so you got different campuses on a big so you got different campuses on a big so you got different people that you probably have to say people that you probably have to say people that you probably have to say different things and show different different things and show different different things and show different things too that that are connected tell things too that that are connected tell things too that that are connected tell me something that you've had to learn me something that you've had to learn me something that you've had to learn over two years over two years over two years yeah so yeah so yeah so um in some ways a lot of it the learning um in some ways a lot of it the learning um in some ways a lot of it the learning curve for me has been doing it at this curve for me has been doing it at this curve for me has been doing it at this level because the communications uh level because the communications uh level because the communications uh world that I had been in was in world that I had been in was in world that I had been in was in denominational entity work so I would denominational entity work so I would denominational entity work so I would have large you know Footprints but I'm have large you know Footprints but I'm have large you know Footprints but I'm trying to either increase enrollment at trying to either increase enrollment at trying to either increase enrollment at a school or I'm trying to kind of get a school or I'm trying to kind of get a school or I'm trying to kind of get announcements out I'm trying to announcements out I'm trying to announcements out I'm trying to advertise something this is really advertise something this is really advertise something this is really different because this is for these different because this is for these different because this is for these people this is their church this is people this is their church this is people this is their church this is their community and we're connecting their community and we're connecting their community and we're connecting with people in the area but as you just with people in the area but as you just with people in the area but as you just said you've got campuses all over said you've got campuses all over said you've got campuses all over they're in different counties if they're in different counties if they're in different counties if something uh if something happens in something uh if something happens in something uh if something happens in their community that you know is a big

their community that you know is a big their community that you know is a big deal either in the school system or deal either in the school system or deal either in the school system or something like sometimes they're so far something like sometimes they're so far something like sometimes they're so far apart that what's a huge issue in one apart that what's a huge issue in one apart that what's a huge issue in one part of the triangle is it's not that part of the triangle is it's not that part of the triangle is it's not that these folks don't care but it's not these folks don't care but it's not these folks don't care but it's not hitting them you know where they live so hitting them you know where they live so hitting them you know where they live so we're constantly having to Think Through we're constantly having to Think Through we're constantly having to Think Through how to speak in a unified way about our how to speak in a unified way about our how to speak in a unified way about our church and about our mission in the area church and about our mission in the area church and about our mission in the area while also being Nimble enough to while also being Nimble enough to while also being Nimble enough to address and respond to the needs of the address and respond to the needs of the address and respond to the needs of the communities around not just for our communities around not just for our communities around not just for our people to equip them but also for people people to equip them but also for people people to equip them but also for people who who may be coming in so it's kind of who who may be coming in so it's kind of who who may be coming in so it's kind of a an interesting fence to walk all the a an interesting fence to walk all the a an interesting fence to walk all the time to sort of time to sort of time to sort of keep that DNA that ethos of our church keep that DNA that ethos of our church keep that DNA that ethos of our church really spilling out but also recognize really spilling out but also recognize really spilling out but also recognize that they're doing it in different that they're doing it in different that they're doing it in different contexts have you changed much of the contexts have you changed much of the contexts have you changed much of the Communications team structure yeah so Communications team structure yeah so Communications team structure yeah so when I came in when I came in when I came in there were a handful there were a handful there were a handful that uh that uh that uh Summit was really trying to expand on Summit was really trying to expand on Summit was really trying to expand on you know one was to hone in and build a you know one was to hone in and build a you know one was to hone in and build a more robust more robust more robust internal communication strategy with the internal communication strategy with the internal communication strategy with the staff because that can be kind of staff because that can be kind of staff because that can be kind of interesting as well right you you got a interesting as well right you you got a interesting as well right you you got a 300 ish person staff we have a central 300 ish person staff we have a central 300 ish person staff we have a central staff and then we have campus teams all staff and then we have campus teams all staff and then we have campus teams all over the triangle and over the triangle and over the triangle and getting people first of all just getting

getting people first of all just getting getting people first of all just getting word out about anything you know what word out about anything you know what word out about anything you know what you don't want is that news about church you don't want is that news about church you don't want is that news about church initiatives uh changes that are initiatives uh changes that are initiatives uh changes that are happening to be just trickling out happening to be just trickling out happening to be just trickling out because folks don't feel like they're because folks don't feel like they're because folks don't feel like they're you know super connected you also want you know super connected you also want you know super connected you also want to make sure that as things happen to make sure that as things happen to make sure that as things happen you're equipping people so that if you're equipping people so that if you're equipping people so that if members come and ask them a question members come and ask them a question members come and ask them a question they don't feel caught off guard and so they don't feel caught off guard and so they don't feel caught off guard and so one of the first things I I did was to one of the first things I I did was to one of the first things I I did was to really sit down and help develop a really sit down and help develop a really sit down and help develop a robust strategy for how to communicate robust strategy for how to communicate robust strategy for how to communicate things to our staff before we ever even things to our staff before we ever even things to our staff before we ever even roll out into the church as a whole and roll out into the church as a whole and roll out into the church as a whole and so we have lots of you know different so we have lots of you know different so we have lots of you know different Circles of communication depending on Circles of communication depending on Circles of communication depending on the issue and then the other thing a lot the issue and then the other thing a lot the issue and then the other thing a lot of my background is in crisis management of my background is in crisis management of my background is in crisis management or crisis communication I like to say or crisis communication I like to say or crisis communication I like to say crisis communication more than anything crisis communication more than anything crisis communication more than anything because crises are going to happen and because crises are going to happen and because crises are going to happen and what people need is they need clear what people need is they need clear what people need is they need clear communication in the midst of it and so communication in the midst of it and so communication in the midst of it and so um so also when you're dealing with that um so also when you're dealing with that um so also when you're dealing with that many people a small crisis if it's many people a small crisis if it's many people a small crisis if it's handled well it's it you you are able to handled well it's it you you are able to handled well it's it you you are able to minister to people and to help them minister to people and to help them minister to people and to help them um yeah it can become a big one so what I yeah it can become a big one so what I love to do is to equip our our love to do is to equip our our love to do is to equip our our particularly our campus teams but to particularly our campus teams but to particularly our campus teams but to equip everyone to be able to step into a equip everyone to be able to step into a equip everyone to be able to step into a crisis and to handle it well and to care crisis and to handle it well and to care crisis and to handle it well and to care for people well and to be able to for people well and to be able to for people well and to be able to um to speak you know to speak well in

um to speak you know to speak well in um to speak you know to speak well in the moment because that can be very the moment because that can be very the moment because that can be very nerve-wracking so those were some of the nerve-wracking so those were some of the nerve-wracking so those were some of the first things that I really worked on first things that I really worked on first things that I really worked on when I came when I came when I came we already had a pretty good we already had a pretty good we already had a pretty good um um um a pretty good structure in place for a pretty good structure in place for a pretty good structure in place for programming and production and you know programming and production and you know programming and production and you know creative things like that and so a lot creative things like that and so a lot creative things like that and so a lot of those cylinders were firing and I of those cylinders were firing and I of those cylinders were firing and I came in and um and and I lead that team came in and um and and I lead that team came in and um and and I lead that team but they're some of the most amazing but they're some of the most amazing but they're some of the most amazing people ever and there's not you know not people ever and there's not you know not people ever and there's not you know not not a whole lot that I had had to change not a whole lot that I had had to change not a whole lot that I had had to change there I just get to come and really be a there I just get to come and really be a there I just get to come and really be a part of what they're what they're doing part of what they're what they're doing part of what they're what they're doing don't mess with the recipe right that's don't mess with the recipe right that's don't mess with the recipe right that's right that's right we're making good right that's right we're making good right that's right we're making good cookies here okay I want to go back to cookies here okay I want to go back to cookies here okay I want to go back to though you you said something that though you you said something that though you you said something that really caught my attention that was you really caught my attention that was you really caught my attention that was you had to build some strategies for had to build some strategies for had to build some strategies for internal Communications right and as a internal Communications right and as a internal Communications right and as a com director you know even if you have a com director you know even if you have a com director you know even if you have a staff of like 20 or 30 there's still staff of like 20 or 30 there's still staff of like 20 or 30 there's still a lot of times you know not everybody's a lot of times you know not everybody's a lot of times you know not everybody's on the same page so can you share with on the same page so can you share with on the same page so can you share with the audience maybe one or two things the audience maybe one or two things the audience maybe one or two things that you you found I'm that you you found I'm that you you found I'm laughing I'm I'm laughing because I laughing I'm I'm laughing because I laughing I'm I'm laughing because I served on a staff over the four and we served on a staff over the four and we served on a staff over the four and we had communication issues at a staff had communication issues at a staff had communication issues at a staff before so yeah it doesn't matter if before so yeah it doesn't matter if before so yeah it doesn't matter if you've got four or four hundred uh you've got four or four hundred uh you've got four or four hundred uh there's probably some principles here there's probably some principles here there's probably some principles here that we can learn sorry for interrupting that we can learn sorry for interrupting that we can learn sorry for interrupting you Jason it just made me laugh no one you Jason it just made me laugh no one you Jason it just made me laugh no one of the things that can be so frustrating of the things that can be so frustrating of the things that can be so frustrating for staff members is to feel like they for staff members is to feel like they for staff members is to feel like they don't know what's going on don't know what's going on don't know what's going on um you know people are going to agree um you know people are going to agree um you know people are going to agree with the vision or the direction or they with the vision or the direction or they with the vision or the direction or they may disagree with the vision or the

may disagree with the vision or the may disagree with the vision or the direction your your leadership as a direction your your leadership as a direction your your leadership as a whole has to navigate through that whole has to navigate through that whole has to navigate through that um but when somebody comes and asks a um but when somebody comes and asks a um but when somebody comes and asks a question about something or tells them question about something or tells them question about something or tells them something and their first response is I something and their first response is I something and their first response is I had no idea had no idea had no idea that is such a morale killer like that that is such a morale killer like that that is such a morale killer like that people just they don't like to feel people just they don't like to feel people just they don't like to feel uninformed or or ill-equipped and uninformed or or ill-equipped and uninformed or or ill-equipped and um so it really is important for us to um so it really is important for us to um so it really is important for us to communicate to our staff what's communicate to our staff what's communicate to our staff what's happening and then the why behind the happening and then the why behind the happening and then the why behind the what so even if they don't you know even what so even if they don't you know even what so even if they don't you know even if they say well I wouldn't do it that if they say well I wouldn't do it that if they say well I wouldn't do it that way they at least understand why so they way they at least understand why so they way they at least understand why so they can explain it to someone else can explain it to someone else can explain it to someone else um and I think it helps it helps them it um and I think it helps it helps them it um and I think it helps it helps them it helps them to say okay helps them to say okay helps them to say okay um I I might not do it that way or they um I I might not do it that way or they um I I might not do it that way or they may be great with it it you know it may be great with it it you know it may be great with it it you know it helps them to get behind it but even if helps them to get behind it but even if helps them to get behind it but even if they don't fully agree they don't fully agree they don't fully agree um we we really try to instill as a um we we really try to instill as a um we we really try to instill as a staff value giving one another the staff value giving one another the staff value giving one another the benefit of the doubt and it once you are benefit of the doubt and it once you are benefit of the doubt and it once you are transparent when you really share things transparent when you really share things transparent when you really share things and you explain we can give each other and you explain we can give each other and you explain we can give each other the benefit of the doubt and then they the benefit of the doubt and then they the benefit of the doubt and then they feel like they can go out and talk to feel like they can go out and talk to feel like they can go out and talk to people about it so we we try to do that people about it so we we try to do that people about it so we we try to do that on everything from whether it's an on everything from whether it's an on everything from whether it's an actual staff issue a direction of the actual staff issue a direction of the actual staff issue a direction of the church or sometimes when things are church or sometimes when things are church or sometimes when things are happening in our in the culture and the happening in our in the culture and the happening in our in the culture and the church is going to respond to it in some church is going to respond to it in some church is going to respond to it in some way it's going to be a maybe it's going

way it's going to be a maybe it's going way it's going to be a maybe it's going to be addressed in the sermon or there's to be addressed in the sermon or there's to be addressed in the sermon or there's something going out on social media our something going out on social media our something going out on social media our campus pastors don't need to be caught campus pastors don't need to be caught campus pastors don't need to be caught off guard that they have a church member off guard that they have a church member off guard that they have a church member coming up and say asking about something coming up and say asking about something coming up and say asking about something that got mentioned in the sermon about that got mentioned in the sermon about that got mentioned in the sermon about this issue we tell our campus pastors this issue we tell our campus pastors this issue we tell our campus pastors here's what's about to be said on the here's what's about to be said on the here's what's about to be said on the stage these are the resources we're stage these are the resources we're stage these are the resources we're going to share in the email that goes going to share in the email that goes going to share in the email that goes out on Monday out on Monday out on Monday um here's a here here is something to um here's a here here is something to um here's a here here is something to help you be able to answer questions and help you be able to answer questions and help you be able to answer questions and if you reach a question that you don't if you reach a question that you don't if you reach a question that you don't know how to answer then here's who to know how to answer then here's who to know how to answer then here's who to send them to like we want to we want to send them to like we want to we want to send them to like we want to we want to get them to the place where they feel get them to the place where they feel get them to the place where they feel stable and um and secure in how to how stable and um and secure in how to how stable and um and secure in how to how to respond and I that's that is a to respond and I that's that is a to respond and I that's that is a significant significant significant um ish significant thing particularly in um ish significant thing particularly in um ish significant thing particularly in a multi-site setting yeah yeah and that a multi-site setting yeah yeah and that a multi-site setting yeah yeah and that could be a pretty big pain point so could be a pretty big pain point so could be a pretty big pain point so you've helped to step in and alleviate you've helped to step in and alleviate you've helped to step in and alleviate that that that um so you lead a pretty big staff a team um so you lead a pretty big staff a team um so you lead a pretty big staff a team underneath you underneath you underneath you um tell us um tell us um tell us I'm happy be a little vulnerable here I'm happy be a little vulnerable here I'm happy be a little vulnerable here tell us something you're struggling with tell us something you're struggling with tell us something you're struggling with in leading your team and then tell us in leading your team and then tell us in leading your team and then tell us something like oh this I'm doing this something like oh this I'm doing this something like oh this I'm doing this with my team and it's working really with my team and it's working really with my team and it's working really really well really well really well um yeah so obviously I think one of the um yeah so obviously I think one of the um yeah so obviously I think one of the biggest struggles that we have as a team biggest struggles that we have as a team biggest struggles that we have as a team comes in the size and then comes in the size and then comes in the size and then um and then we have people doing so many um and then we have people doing so many um and then we have people doing so many different things and they're in different things and they're in different things and they're in different places uh so everybody's got

different places uh so everybody's got different places uh so everybody's got different schedules we aren't different schedules we aren't different schedules we aren't necessarily all together you know at necessarily all together you know at necessarily all together you know at once our offices are in different spots once our offices are in different spots once our offices are in different spots all over uh the the complex and then all over uh the the complex and then all over uh the the complex and then um and then obviously people keep um and then obviously people keep um and then obviously people keep different schedules because our different schedules because our different schedules because our production team they may need to be off production team they may need to be off production team they may need to be off doing something you know here or they're doing something you know here or they're doing something you know here or they're working evenings you know for for working evenings you know for for working evenings you know for for different events and so trying to stay different events and so trying to stay different events and so trying to stay connected is is is tough and especially connected is is is tough and especially connected is is is tough and especially because you have I mean turnover rate is because you have I mean turnover rate is because you have I mean turnover rate is always you got new people coming on or always you got new people coming on or always you got new people coming on or or maybe people they move or or or maybe people they move or or or maybe people they move or or something happens we're pretty heavy something happens we're pretty heavy something happens we're pretty heavy sending church so a lot of times we have sending church so a lot of times we have sending church so a lot of times we have folks that go out with church plants and folks that go out with church plants and folks that go out with church plants and and things like that so and things like that so and things like that so so just keeping folks connected can be a so just keeping folks connected can be a so just keeping folks connected can be a a real challenge a real challenge a real challenge we try to use a lot of different tools I we try to use a lot of different tools I we try to use a lot of different tools I mean we have lots of regular one-on-one mean we have lots of regular one-on-one mean we have lots of regular one-on-one meetings meetings meetings um between supervisors and and people um between supervisors and and people um between supervisors and and people directly under them we have you know a directly under them we have you know a directly under them we have you know a slack channels and you know things just slack channels and you know things just slack channels and you know things just to keep relationships going because we to keep relationships going because we to keep relationships going because we got to be able to trust each other got to be able to trust each other got to be able to trust each other especially when it you know when when especially when it you know when when especially when it you know when when things get crazy on a on a weekend or things get crazy on a on a weekend or things get crazy on a on a weekend or you know something like that so that's you know something like that so that's you know something like that so that's you trust is huge yeah absolutely yeah you trust is huge yeah absolutely yeah you trust is huge yeah absolutely yeah let me ask you a question uh Amy you let me ask you a question uh Amy you let me ask you a question uh Amy you know one of the the things that we hear know one of the the things that we hear know one of the the things that we hear uh when we talk about church staffs uh when we talk about church staffs uh when we talk about church staffs often is that Ministries will Silo right often is that Ministries will Silo right often is that Ministries will Silo right so you get a silo for children's so you get a silo for children's so you get a silo for children's ministry in a silo and students Ministry ministry in a silo and students Ministry ministry in a silo and students Ministry in a silo with marriage Ministry what in a silo with marriage Ministry what in a silo with marriage Ministry what have you and and oftentimes those siled

have you and and oftentimes those siled have you and and oftentimes those siled Ministries struggle engaging with each Ministries struggle engaging with each Ministries struggle engaging with each other they're not all pulling uh they're other they're not all pulling uh they're other they're not all pulling uh they're not all pushing the rock the same not all pushing the rock the same not all pushing the rock the same direction all the time you have so much direction all the time you have so much direction all the time you have so much diversity in your staff in what you're diversity in your staff in what you're diversity in your staff in what you're accomplishing internal external accomplishing internal external accomplishing internal external production uh how do you prevent silos production uh how do you prevent silos production uh how do you prevent silos from happening even within the ministry from happening even within the ministry from happening even within the ministry teams that you need yeah that is a teams that you need yeah that is a teams that you need yeah that is a constant a constant thing we're always constant a constant thing we're always constant a constant thing we're always having to fight and you always have to having to fight and you always have to having to fight and you always have to sort of get counter-intuitive you know sort of get counter-intuitive you know sort of get counter-intuitive you know your your instinct is to just go to your your your instinct is to just go to your your your instinct is to just go to your desk and sort of do your thing desk and sort of do your thing desk and sort of do your thing um and we always have to be checking and um and we always have to be checking and um and we always have to be checking and asking who else needs to know about this asking who else needs to know about this asking who else needs to know about this who you know one question that some of who you know one question that some of who you know one question that some of my immediate team were always saying who my immediate team were always saying who my immediate team were always saying who needs to be in this meeting who needs to needs to be in this meeting who needs to needs to be in this meeting who needs to be in this conversation is there anyone be in this conversation is there anyone be in this conversation is there anyone missing missing missing um and I got to tell you like humility um and I got to tell you like humility um and I got to tell you like humility and being willing to apologize you know and being willing to apologize you know and being willing to apologize you know quickly being quick to do that is such quickly being quick to do that is such quickly being quick to do that is such an important trait uh I just had an an important trait uh I just had an an important trait uh I just had an issue where we had something issue where we had something issue where we had something um on the teaching schedule some um on the teaching schedule some um on the teaching schedule some different uh schedules change with some different uh schedules change with some different uh schedules change with some different folks uh preaching and because different folks uh preaching and because different folks uh preaching and because we have a our primary JD Greer is our we have a our primary JD Greer is our we have a our primary JD Greer is our primary teaching pastor but then we have primary teaching pastor but then we have primary teaching pastor but then we have some other teaching pastors that are in some other teaching pastors that are in some other teaching pastors that are in the rotation there was this moment where the rotation there was this moment where the rotation there was this moment where um it was about three weeks between um it was about three weeks between um it was about three weeks between series and between like one big series series and between like one big series series and between like one big series ending and another one beginning and so ending and another one beginning and so ending and another one beginning and so we just we we had all the the

we just we we had all the the we just we we had all the the conversations and the the teaching conversations and the the teaching conversations and the the teaching Pastor that was going to be handling it Pastor that was going to be handling it Pastor that was going to be handling it during that time working with uh with during that time working with uh with during that time working with uh with the comms team and you know we're the comms team and you know we're the comms team and you know we're getting creative you know deliverables getting creative you know deliverables getting creative you know deliverables things like that settled in on what things like that settled in on what things like that settled in on what direction that would go and it just direction that would go and it just direction that would go and it just happened to be a direction that it would happened to be a direction that it would happened to be a direction that it would have been helpful for our next gen team have been helpful for our next gen team have been helpful for our next gen team to know about because of ways they could to know about because of ways they could to know about because of ways they could supplement it resource parents some supplement it resource parents some supplement it resource parents some action steps and nobody really remember action steps and nobody really remember action steps and nobody really remember it was a pretty last minute pivot and it was a pretty last minute pivot and it was a pretty last minute pivot and then it just wasn't communicated to them then it just wasn't communicated to them then it just wasn't communicated to them and that's a moment that when that and that's a moment that when that and that's a moment that when that happens and they're incredibly gracious happens and they're incredibly gracious happens and they're incredibly gracious people in the the leader over that team people in the the leader over that team people in the the leader over that team said hey can we get any information I said hey can we get any information I said hey can we get any information I mean in that moment I had to just say mean in that moment I had to just say mean in that moment I had to just say let me tell you exactly how this let me tell you exactly how this let me tell you exactly how this happened I'm going to walk you through happened I'm going to walk you through happened I'm going to walk you through here's how we got to the decision and here's how we got to the decision and here's how we got to the decision and here's how this direction was settled on here's how this direction was settled on here's how this direction was settled on for this mini sermon series for this mini sermon series for this mini sermon series um but when it got to me I should have um but when it got to me I should have um but when it got to me I should have remembered to bring you in and I didn't remembered to bring you in and I didn't remembered to bring you in and I didn't and I'm sorry and it's amazing how when and I'm sorry and it's amazing how when and I'm sorry and it's amazing how when that happens people can just regroup that happens people can just regroup that happens people can just regroup they don't you know they still feel seen they don't you know they still feel seen they don't you know they still feel seen they feel like okay it was a mistake as they feel like okay it was a mistake as they feel like okay it was a mistake as opposed to we're always getting you know opposed to we're always getting you know opposed to we're always getting you know left out in the silos so it left out in the silos so it left out in the silos so it honestly acknowledging that silos are honestly acknowledging that silos are honestly acknowledging that silos are going to happen and just trying to going to happen and just trying to going to happen and just trying to regroup all the time bring people back regroup all the time bring people back regroup all the time bring people back in you know in you know in you know yeah that's that that constant yeah that's that that constant yeah that's that that constant communication thing is so hard to

communication thing is so hard to communication thing is so hard to maintain consistently right yeah and maintain consistently right yeah and maintain consistently right yeah and that's that's critical and that we were that's that's critical and that we were that's that's critical and that we were kind of mentioned this earlier on the kind of mentioned this earlier on the kind of mentioned this earlier on the podcast of of our roles and um podcast of of our roles and um podcast of of our roles and um I it it needs to be we're servant I it it needs to be we're servant I it it needs to be we're servant leaders to the people leaders to the people leaders to the people above us above us above us the people that are below that that's the people that are below that that's the people that are below that that's report to us I like to flip that to say report to us I like to flip that to say report to us I like to flip that to say no no we're here to serve them and we're no no we're here to serve them and we're no no we're here to serve them and we're and we're here to apologize when we mess and we're here to apologize when we mess and we're here to apologize when we mess up because we mess up up because we mess up up because we mess up um and and but I think that goes a long um and and but I think that goes a long um and and but I think that goes a long way you have to keep constantly way you have to keep constantly way you have to keep constantly communicating and then you know just hey communicating and then you know just hey communicating and then you know just hey we're nobody's perfect around here so we're nobody's perfect around here so we're nobody's perfect around here so yeah and the good news is Jesus loves yeah and the good news is Jesus loves yeah and the good news is Jesus loves this regardless that's right that's this regardless that's right that's this regardless that's right that's right and that's where like we we also right and that's where like we we also right and that's where like we we also do a lot of work to communicate those do a lot of work to communicate those do a lot of work to communicate those staff values we have staff values we have staff values we have um certain ones where we are always uh um certain ones where we are always uh um certain ones where we are always uh like seeking to to work together to give like seeking to to work together to give like seeking to to work together to give one another the benefit of the doubt to one another the benefit of the doubt to one another the benefit of the doubt to seek out seek out seek out um feedback from others to give Godly um feedback from others to give Godly um feedback from others to give Godly affirmation and so we work to kind of affirmation and so we work to kind of affirmation and so we work to kind of entrench that in what we do as well so entrench that in what we do as well so entrench that in what we do as well so that we can then live it out yeah yeah that we can then live it out yeah yeah that we can then live it out yeah yeah that's good okay that's good okay that's good okay um um um you mentioned kind of the the thing that you mentioned kind of the the thing that you mentioned kind of the the thing that struggle with which is constantly struggle with which is constantly struggle with which is constantly communicating what's something that you communicating what's something that you communicating what's something that you you've really implemented well in your you've really implemented well in your you've really implemented well in your two years on the team that has really two years on the team that has really two years on the team that has really stuck and you feel like yeah this is stuck and you feel like yeah this is stuck and you feel like yeah this is this has helped our team a lot he yeah I this has helped our team a lot he yeah I this has helped our team a lot he yeah I mean one thing I think is that we have mean one thing I think is that we have mean one thing I think is that we have worked a lot on the the area I mentioned worked a lot on the the area I mentioned worked a lot on the the area I mentioned on crisis communication and that's been

on crisis communication and that's been on crisis communication and that's been something that for our team as a whole something that for our team as a whole something that for our team as a whole to sort of grasp as to sort of grasp as to sort of grasp as um as something that's important a lot um as something that's important a lot um as something that's important a lot of churches don't want to think about of churches don't want to think about of churches don't want to think about that because they it's like if I if I that because they it's like if I if I that because they it's like if I if I prepare for crisis then you know I then prepare for crisis then you know I then prepare for crisis then you know I then it's like I'm expecting it to happen and it's like I'm expecting it to happen and it's like I'm expecting it to happen and guess what we should expect it to happen guess what we should expect it to happen guess what we should expect it to happen um and so we've tried to really put a um and so we've tried to really put a um and so we've tried to really put a good uh at least I would say a to put good uh at least I would say a to put good uh at least I would say a to put action plans in place and to then action plans in place and to then action plans in place and to then prepare our uh staff team for those prepare our uh staff team for those prepare our uh staff team for those people who are more on the front lines people who are more on the front lines people who are more on the front lines for for for um our campus pastors and and others so um our campus pastors and and others so um our campus pastors and and others so our director of counseling because our director of counseling because our director of counseling because usually he he ends up being brought in usually he he ends up being brought in usually he he ends up being brought in you know to all that or our pastor you know to all that or our pastor you know to all that or our pastor counseling and and I end up and a lot of counseling and and I end up and a lot of counseling and and I end up and a lot of those conversations not necessarily with those conversations not necessarily with those conversations not necessarily with um with whatever is happening but just um with whatever is happening but just um with whatever is happening but just in helping in coaching and and kind of in helping in coaching and and kind of in helping in coaching and and kind of setting up you know the the plans and setting up you know the the plans and setting up you know the the plans and some of that's again beforehand where some of that's again beforehand where some of that's again beforehand where you're Preparing People for when this you're Preparing People for when this you're Preparing People for when this type of thing comes and then some of it type of thing comes and then some of it type of thing comes and then some of it is when they need advice is when they need advice is when they need advice um um um and I I think we have at least uh really and I I think we have at least uh really and I I think we have at least uh really set up some good action plans in place set up some good action plans in place set up some good action plans in place and the the thing that has been most and the the thing that has been most and the the thing that has been most gratifying in that is when now uh our gratifying in that is when now uh our gratifying in that is when now uh our staff members that find themselves in a staff members that find themselves in a staff members that find themselves in a in a situation they immediately they'll

in a situation they immediately they'll in a situation they immediately they'll call us and say okay I've done this this call us and say okay I've done this this call us and say okay I've done this this this and this and you're like great this and this and you're like great this and this and you're like great you're doing great you got it you know you're doing great you got it you know you're doing great you got it you know that's when you kind of know you know that's when you kind of know you know that's when you kind of know you know and again even as I say that I could get and again even as I say that I could get and again even as I say that I could get a call tomorrow and there's something a call tomorrow and there's something a call tomorrow and there's something that is uh incredibly difficult so we that is uh incredibly difficult so we that is uh incredibly difficult so we just we know in some ways that the Lord just we know in some ways that the Lord just we know in some ways that the Lord goes before us goes before us goes before us um in that and we have to really trust um in that and we have to really trust um in that and we have to really trust um but that's been I think an important um but that's been I think an important um but that's been I think an important thing to be able to to set up thing to be able to to set up thing to be able to to set up um now our as you mentioned like the um now our as you mentioned like the um now our as you mentioned like the there were some things particularly our there were some things particularly our there were some things particularly our weekend Services team they're incredible weekend Services team they're incredible weekend Services team they're incredible and I just I walked into that and said and I just I walked into that and said and I just I walked into that and said you guys are doing great you guys are doing great you guys are doing great keep at it and that's pretty much it you keep at it and that's pretty much it you keep at it and that's pretty much it you know and I I love that I mean they're know and I I love that I mean they're know and I I love that I mean they're they're so wonderful that I they're so wonderful that I they're so wonderful that I I really get to just worship with my I really get to just worship with my I really get to just worship with my family and and and be a part of things family and and and be a part of things family and and and be a part of things and and that is because there's just and and that is because there's just and and that is because there's just they're so incredible at what they do they're so incredible at what they do they're so incredible at what they do and that is a a real Joy and that is a a real Joy and that is a a real Joy um finding good people yeah okay I want um finding good people yeah okay I want um finding good people yeah okay I want to uh turn the corner a little bit let's to uh turn the corner a little bit let's to uh turn the corner a little bit let's talk a little bit about Summit Church talk a little bit about Summit Church talk a little bit about Summit Church you guys are you guys are you guys are big church big footprint a lot of I mean big church big footprint a lot of I mean big church big footprint a lot of I mean you're in Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh you're in Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh you're in Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh Durham I mean there's a lot of churches Durham I mean there's a lot of churches Durham I mean there's a lot of churches right all over the place yeah how do you right all over the place yeah how do you right all over the place yeah how do you guys guys guys do you try and separate yourself from do you try and separate yourself from do you try and separate yourself from other churches or do you just try to be other churches or do you just try to be other churches or do you just try to be authentic to who you are and and what authentic to who you are and and what authentic to who you are and and what you're about or what's the strategy you're about or what's the strategy you're about or what's the strategy there yeah

there yeah there yeah yeah I mean we have great relationships yeah I mean we have great relationships yeah I mean we have great relationships with churches in our area whether that's with churches in our area whether that's with churches in our area whether that's through through through um friendships Partnerships networks you um friendships Partnerships networks you um friendships Partnerships networks you know or uh we know or uh we know or uh we um we are connected with our state um we are connected with our state um we are connected with our state Baptist convention or our local Baptist convention or our local Baptist convention or our local Association so we'll have Association so we'll have Association so we'll have um things that we're doing cooperating um things that we're doing cooperating um things that we're doing cooperating with other people for the purpose of with other people for the purpose of with other people for the purpose of mission mission mission um but in some ways what we just try to um but in some ways what we just try to um but in some ways what we just try to do is be you know be who we are do is be you know be who we are do is be you know be who we are um we have uh some very clear things we um we have uh some very clear things we um we have uh some very clear things we put in front of our members to focus on put in front of our members to focus on put in front of our members to focus on um sending on you know multiplication um sending on you know multiplication um sending on you know multiplication whether that's in in their with their whether that's in in their with their whether that's in in their with their small groups or or whatever we really small groups or or whatever we really small groups or or whatever we really try I mean at the end of every Service try I mean at the end of every Service try I mean at the end of every Service uh whoever is sort of closing it out uh whoever is sort of closing it out uh whoever is sort of closing it out ends with you know Summit family you are ends with you know Summit family you are ends with you know Summit family you are sent the idea that they're living scent sent the idea that they're living scent sent the idea that they're living scent all week long all week long all week long um so that is kind of in the DNA and um so that is kind of in the DNA and um so that is kind of in the DNA and it's there in every campus you know for it's there in every campus you know for it's there in every campus you know for for every experience no no matter what for every experience no no matter what for every experience no no matter what um but we know that there are other um but we know that there are other um but we know that there are other great Mission focused churches as well great Mission focused churches as well great Mission focused churches as well we just want to be be a part of that but we just want to be be a part of that but we just want to be be a part of that but we really try to focus on we point to we really try to focus on we point to we really try to focus on we point to International missions we focus on International missions we focus on International missions we focus on evangelism a lot we focus on people evangelism a lot we focus on people evangelism a lot we focus on people finding where they can be finding where they can be finding where they can be um you know living wherever they are we um you know living wherever they are we um you know living wherever they are we say we want to make a movement of say we want to make a movement of say we want to make a movement of disciple making disciples in RDU and disciple making disciples in RDU and disciple making disciples in RDU and around the world around the world around the world that's our mission so yeah I like that

that's our mission so yeah I like that that's our mission so yeah I like that because you're you're just equipping the because you're you're just equipping the because you're you're just equipping the 99 to go get the one yes yes do you do 99 to go get the one yes yes do you do 99 to go get the one yes yes do you do much of you guys going after the one um yes I mean we have we have tons of um yes I mean we have we have tons of things that are like we have programs things that are like we have programs things that are like we have programs and things that are going all the time and things that are going all the time and things that are going all the time so it's a real mix I mean we we have so it's a real mix I mean we we have so it's a real mix I mean we we have lots of stuff that is happening lots of stuff that is happening lots of stuff that is happening at our churches we have Men's Ministry at our churches we have Men's Ministry at our churches we have Men's Ministry women's ministry women's ministry women's ministry um we have all kinds of things for um we have all kinds of things for um we have all kinds of things for families and kids families and kids families and kids um but we are trying to constantly equip um but we are trying to constantly equip um but we are trying to constantly equip people to uh through their small groups people to uh through their small groups people to uh through their small groups or through their serving teams with or through their serving teams with or through their serving teams with local Partners all over the triangle local Partners all over the triangle local Partners all over the triangle um before I was on staff I had a lot of um before I was on staff I had a lot of um before I was on staff I had a lot of friends that were there I worked with friends that were there I worked with friends that were there I worked with people from Summit in other spaces but I people from Summit in other spaces but I people from Summit in other spaces but I wasn't I wasn't even at the summit and I wasn't I wasn't even at the summit and I wasn't I wasn't even at the summit and I everywhere I went in the in the Triangle everywhere I went in the in the Triangle everywhere I went in the in the Triangle I was at a church that was about five I was at a church that was about five I was at a church that was about five minutes from my house at the time but minutes from my house at the time but minutes from my house at the time but everywhere I went in the Triangle you everywhere I went in the Triangle you everywhere I went in the Triangle you could almost predict if something good could almost predict if something good could almost predict if something good was happening there was someone from was happening there was someone from was happening there was someone from Summit involved people would say I'm a Summit involved people would say I'm a Summit involved people would say I'm a member at the summit and so there was member at the summit and so there was member at the summit and so there was that reputation among the the community that reputation among the the community that reputation among the the community in the and in the region already and so in the and in the region already and so in the and in the region already and so in some ways it's trying to just keep in some ways it's trying to just keep in some ways it's trying to just keep infusing that especially as as new infusing that especially as as new infusing that especially as as new people come we also have a have have people come we also have a have have people come we also have a have have really laid out for our church a real really laid out for our church a real really laid out for our church a real value value value um in an initiative toward ethnic Unity um in an initiative toward ethnic Unity um in an initiative toward ethnic Unity so to really demonstrate

so to really demonstrate so to really demonstrate um um um a desire to reflect the community that a desire to reflect the community that a desire to reflect the community that is is around us and so we we have some is is around us and so we we have some is is around us and so we we have some of our campuses are more you know of our campuses are more you know of our campuses are more you know ethnically diverse than others depending ethnically diverse than others depending ethnically diverse than others depending honestly on where they are but the goal honestly on where they are but the goal honestly on where they are but the goal is not to say well we just want to you is not to say well we just want to you is not to say well we just want to you know be you know be diverse for that for know be you know be diverse for that for know be you know be diverse for that for the sake of it but to really model Unity the sake of it but to really model Unity the sake of it but to really model Unity among people and not just going back you among people and not just going back you among people and not just going back you know you come in on Sunday and then you know you come in on Sunday and then you know you come in on Sunday and then you go back to your communities so there's go back to your communities so there's go back to your communities so there's been a lot of work toward that been a lot of work toward that been a lot of work toward that um among our people as well but a lot of um among our people as well but a lot of um among our people as well but a lot of it is just trying to just be who we are it is just trying to just be who we are it is just trying to just be who we are you know you know you know yeah yeah I I um yeah I so appreciate so yeah yeah I I um yeah I so appreciate so yeah yeah I I um yeah I so appreciate so so how are some of the things that you so how are some of the things that you so how are some of the things that you do as the leader of the communications do as the leader of the communications do as the leader of the communications team team team how do you help the Ministries in how do you help the Ministries in how do you help the Ministries in articulating that message or are there articulating that message or are there articulating that message or are there tools that you provide so that the 99 is tools that you provide so that the 99 is tools that you provide so that the 99 is equipped or is it just mostly like equipped or is it just mostly like equipped or is it just mostly like come on people from the stage go you come on people from the stage go you come on people from the stage go you know yeah no I mean a lot of what a lot know yeah no I mean a lot of what a lot know yeah no I mean a lot of what a lot of our team does then is to turn around of our team does then is to turn around of our team does then is to turn around and think like what's every touch point and think like what's every touch point and think like what's every touch point that that people are going to get so that that people are going to get so that that people are going to get so trying to make sure that our messaging trying to make sure that our messaging trying to make sure that our messaging strategy is fully integrated that what strategy is fully integrated that what strategy is fully integrated that what they get from the stage they get from the stage they get from the stage um you know again like I said I like our um you know again like I said I like our um you know again like I said I like our sermon is live streamed but then other sermon is live streamed but then other sermon is live streamed but then other parts of the service are handled locally parts of the service are handled locally parts of the service are handled locally you know announcements and and things you know announcements and and things you know announcements and and things like that so what's coming from uh the

like that so what's coming from uh the like that so what's coming from uh the sermon matches what they're hearing from sermon matches what they're hearing from sermon matches what they're hearing from their campus leaders which matches what their campus leaders which matches what their campus leaders which matches what they get in church-wide emails and they get in church-wide emails and they get in church-wide emails and campus emails and matches their campus emails and matches their campus emails and matches their interactions uh with campus pastors or interactions uh with campus pastors or interactions uh with campus pastors or the small group guide that goes out you the small group guide that goes out you the small group guide that goes out you know so a lot of what our team does is know so a lot of what our team does is know so a lot of what our team does is whether it's I mean obviously social whether it's I mean obviously social whether it's I mean obviously social media and you know emails things like media and you know emails things like media and you know emails things like that church-wide emails come from us but that church-wide emails come from us but that church-wide emails come from us but there's other places I mean there's an there's other places I mean there's an there's other places I mean there's an adult discipleship team that equips the adult discipleship team that equips the adult discipleship team that equips the small group so I'm in communication with small group so I'm in communication with small group so I'm in communication with them here's some language that we're them here's some language that we're them here's some language that we're using here are phrases that we're using using here are phrases that we're using using here are phrases that we're using here's something that's going to be said here's something that's going to be said here's something that's going to be said um in the sermon or something that that um in the sermon or something that that um in the sermon or something that that we're going to cover so we're talking to we're going to cover so we're talking to we're going to cover so we're talking to them we're talking to next-gen uh kind them we're talking to next-gen uh kind them we're talking to next-gen uh kind of like that one that I just said I of like that one that I just said I of like that one that I just said I missed where we didn't didn't get full missed where we didn't didn't get full missed where we didn't didn't get full circle and get them them in but to try circle and get them them in but to try circle and get them them in but to try and what we want is for there to be a and what we want is for there to be a and what we want is for there to be a seamless communication experience from seamless communication experience from seamless communication experience from members that if we have something we members that if we have something we members that if we have something we want them to hear and to know that we want them to hear and to know that we want them to hear and to know that we are immersing them in that that language are immersing them in that that language are immersing them in that that language oh I love I love that's a that's a oh I love I love that's a that's a oh I love I love that's a that's a really important nugget for everybody to really important nugget for everybody to really important nugget for everybody to hear that it's because we're all in the hear that it's because we're all in the hear that it's because we're all in the silos you can be in these silos where silos you can be in these silos where silos you can be in these silos where you know because all these Ministries you know because all these Ministries you know because all these Ministries are doing their thing and it's really are doing their thing and it's really are doing their thing and it's really important that there's consistent important that there's consistent important that there's consistent Communications because it's like it's Communications because it's like it's Communications because it's like it's that old adage that it takes seven touch that old adage that it takes seven touch that old adage that it takes seven touch points for marketing to happen right points for marketing to happen right points for marketing to happen right okay right when you have that under your

okay right when you have that under your okay right when you have that under your under your roof yeah and it and it works under your roof yeah and it and it works under your roof yeah and it and it works in both directions right so we will in both directions right so we will in both directions right so we will um first of all our uh our teaching team um first of all our uh our teaching team um first of all our uh our teaching team is very they are very open-handed and so is very they are very open-handed and so is very they are very open-handed and so we know uh at least you know some people we know uh at least you know some people we know uh at least you know some people know and participate in discussion or know and participate in discussion or know and participate in discussion or give feedback before the sermon so it give feedback before the sermon so it give feedback before the sermon so it works in both directions sometimes it's works in both directions sometimes it's works in both directions sometimes it's this is going to be covered this week so this is going to be covered this week so this is going to be covered this week so we want to want to make sure everyone is we want to want to make sure everyone is we want to want to make sure everyone is prepared to be saying the same thing prepared to be saying the same thing prepared to be saying the same thing other times it may be that I see a other times it may be that I see a other times it may be that I see a manuscript of the sermon beforehand and manuscript of the sermon beforehand and manuscript of the sermon beforehand and I get an opportunity to say hey this is I get an opportunity to say hey this is I get an opportunity to say hey this is amazing what you're saying here is a amazing what you're saying here is a amazing what you're saying here is a phrase that we've been using can we phrase that we've been using can we phrase that we've been using can we change this sentence to make a reference change this sentence to make a reference change this sentence to make a reference to the whole disciple you know or or to the whole disciple you know or or to the whole disciple you know or or whatever and whatever and whatever and um because so so then that way we make um because so so then that way we make um because so so then that way we make sure that what's being said down kind of sure that what's being said down kind of sure that what's being said down kind of at the Grassroots is also being said at at the Grassroots is also being said at at the Grassroots is also being said at the stage and what's being said on the the stage and what's being said on the the stage and what's being said on the stage is being said down the Grassroots stage is being said down the Grassroots stage is being said down the Grassroots yeah so it's it's the conduit that's yeah so it's it's the conduit that's yeah so it's it's the conduit that's there's no blockage there's no off there's no blockage there's no off there's no blockage there's no off limits it's back and forth I'd love that limits it's back and forth I'd love that limits it's back and forth I'd love that yeah yeah yeah Wow first time first time we've ever Wow first time first time we've ever Wow first time first time we've ever used the word blockage in a podcast uh used the word blockage in a podcast uh used the word blockage in a podcast uh sorry that just stood out to me I have Metamucil jokes coming and I'm I have Metamucil jokes coming and I'm just going to stop now you had to go just going to stop now you had to go just going to stop now you had to go there I'm glad I could provide that there I'm glad I could provide that there I'm glad I could provide that sorry sorry okay I told you I was just sorry sorry okay I told you I was just sorry sorry okay I told you I was just gonna pipe in and be funny every once in gonna pipe in and be funny every once in gonna pipe in and be funny every once in a while Amy you've got to have that in a while Amy you've got to have that in a while Amy you've got to have that in the podcast yes that's funny hey I'm

the podcast yes that's funny hey I'm the podcast yes that's funny hey I'm watching the clock uh yeah and I I want watching the clock uh yeah and I I want watching the clock uh yeah and I I want to know Amy if you'll share with us you to know Amy if you'll share with us you to know Amy if you'll share with us you know know know um who who you are learning from uh who um who who you are learning from uh who um who who you are learning from uh who do you listen to do you have books that do you listen to do you have books that do you listen to do you have books that you've read podcasts I do want to you've read podcasts I do want to you've read podcasts I do want to mention this I'm just going to say this mention this I'm just going to say this mention this I'm just going to say this I'm gonna put it on the podcast you I'm gonna put it on the podcast you I'm gonna put it on the podcast you talked a little bit or you've talked talked a little bit or you've talked talked a little bit or you've talked actually quite a bit about actually quite a bit about actually quite a bit about um your experience in crisis management um your experience in crisis management um your experience in crisis management crisis response and um what I would like crisis response and um what I would like crisis response and um what I would like to get you to do now is to say yes you to get you to do now is to say yes you to get you to do now is to say yes you will come back on our podcast and will come back on our podcast and will come back on our podcast and another date and we'll actually do a another date and we'll actually do a another date and we'll actually do a whole conversation about crisis response whole conversation about crisis response whole conversation about crisis response because I really believe you have a lot because I really believe you have a lot because I really believe you have a lot of experience there you've obviously put of experience there you've obviously put of experience there you've obviously put a plan together for your church and I a plan together for your church and I a plan together for your church and I think those that are listening to our think those that are listening to our think those that are listening to our our podcast would our podcast would our podcast would having having a little Master Class yeah having having a little Master Class yeah having having a little Master Class yeah on how to build a plan in their own on how to build a plan in their own on how to build a plan in their own church would be very helpful so uh if church would be very helpful so uh if church would be very helpful so uh if you'll say yes yes um okay so we'll do you'll say yes yes um okay so we'll do you'll say yes yes um okay so we'll do that we'll do that again we'll we'll that we'll do that again we'll we'll that we'll do that again we'll we'll schedule that sometime in the in in the schedule that sometime in the in in the schedule that sometime in the in in the upcoming months would love to do that upcoming months would love to do that upcoming months would love to do that but I'd love to know like but I'd love to know like but I'd love to know like how are you learning to get better at how are you learning to get better at how are you learning to get better at your job your job your job oh man oh man oh man um so I will tell you I'm a little bit I um so I will tell you I'm a little bit I um so I will tell you I'm a little bit I I don't always I don't always I don't always do the things that kind of the typical I do the things that kind of the typical I do the things that kind of the typical I have certain podcasts that I will catch have certain podcasts that I will catch have certain podcasts that I will catch when I can you know everybody loves to when I can you know everybody loves to when I can you know everybody loves to listen like Carrie newhoff and and some listen like Carrie newhoff and and some listen like Carrie newhoff and and some other you know leadership uh podcasts I other you know leadership uh podcasts I other you know leadership uh podcasts I love a lot of what Katie Allred in the love a lot of what Katie Allred in the love a lot of what Katie Allred in the church Communications folks do

church Communications folks do church Communications folks do um but I am much more of a uh I love to um but I am much more of a uh I love to um but I am much more of a uh I love to learn from watching great leaders and learn from watching great leaders and learn from watching great leaders and I'm a big history uh person and so I I'm a big history uh person and so I I'm a big history uh person and so I love great stories I love history I'm a love great stories I love history I'm a love great stories I love history I'm a big fan of documentaries documentary big fan of documentaries documentary big fan of documentaries documentary style podcasts things like that I learn style podcasts things like that I learn style podcasts things like that I learn more from more from more from um watching something like you know the um watching something like you know the um watching something like you know the American Experience on PBS or listening American Experience on PBS or listening American Experience on PBS or listening to interviews and interviewing anyone to interviews and interviewing anyone to interviews and interviewing anyone who's really great at what they do who's really great at what they do who's really great at what they do and just kind of whether it's learning and just kind of whether it's learning and just kind of whether it's learning from their mistakes from their mistakes from their mistakes um um um or or learning from you know the example or or learning from you know the example or or learning from you know the example so I that's I mean I it's a little it's so I that's I mean I it's a little it's so I that's I mean I it's a little it's a little bit different than a lot of a little bit different than a lot of a little bit different than a lot of folks folks folks um might do but that that's what I end um might do but that that's what I end um might do but that that's what I end up doing a lot biographies things like up doing a lot biographies things like up doing a lot biographies things like that that that I'm sort of similar I and I actually I'm sort of similar I and I actually I'm sort of similar I and I actually learn a lot just by talking with other learn a lot just by talking with other learn a lot just by talking with other churches yes because you know not that churches yes because you know not that churches yes because you know not that they're experts it's just together we're they're experts it's just together we're they're experts it's just together we're going back and forth I'm like oh that going back and forth I'm like oh that going back and forth I'm like oh that worked for you and then yeah yeah worked for you and then yeah yeah worked for you and then yeah yeah right yeah yeah that's good right yeah yeah that's good right yeah yeah that's good excellent well Amy I really appreciate excellent well Amy I really appreciate excellent well Amy I really appreciate you uh agreeing to to spend time with us you uh agreeing to to spend time with us you uh agreeing to to spend time with us you obviously have a ton on your plate you obviously have a ton on your plate you obviously have a ton on your plate in the church and uh you know what we in the church and uh you know what we in the church and uh you know what we didn't mention is that you actually do didn't mention is that you actually do didn't mention is that you actually do co-host another podcast yeah that you've co-host another podcast yeah that you've co-host another podcast yeah that you've been doing for eight almost nine years been doing for eight almost nine years been doing for eight almost nine years SBC weekly is that what it is SBC this SBC weekly is that what it is SBC this SBC weekly is that what it is SBC this week yeah so let's see this week yeah week yeah so let's see this week yeah week yeah so let's see this week yeah very very Niche audience it's uh for for

very very Niche audience it's uh for for very very Niche audience it's uh for for southern baptist churches to kind of southern baptist churches to kind of southern baptist churches to kind of keep track of what's going on in the keep track of what's going on in the keep track of what's going on in the Cooperative work Cooperative work Cooperative work um but uh yeah it's been going on for a um but uh yeah it's been going on for a um but uh yeah it's been going on for a long time so yeah yeah that's very cool long time so yeah yeah that's very cool long time so yeah yeah that's very cool we appreciate that uh if people wanted we appreciate that uh if people wanted we appreciate that uh if people wanted to get in touch with you or just find to get in touch with you or just find to get in touch with you or just find out more about Summit or what you're out more about Summit or what you're out more about Summit or what you're doing at the church how can they connect doing at the church how can they connect doing at the church how can they connect with you yeah yeah so I uh I'm on a sort with you yeah yeah so I uh I'm on a sort with you yeah yeah so I uh I'm on a sort of semi Hiatus from social media and of semi Hiatus from social media and of semi Hiatus from social media and that I don't post much but I am always that I don't post much but I am always that I don't post much but I am always listening and watching because you can't listening and watching because you can't listening and watching because you can't work in Communications and not so my work in Communications and not so my work in Communications and not so my Twitter handle is acwit um acwhit and I Twitter handle is acwit um acwhit and I Twitter handle is acwit um acwhit and I always my direct messages are open always my direct messages are open always my direct messages are open so people can reach out to me there so people can reach out to me there so people can reach out to me there um um um and that that's a that's a great way to and that that's a that's a great way to and that that's a that's a great way to to connect to connect to connect um but most of my most my energies in um but most of my most my energies in um but most of my most my energies in terms of my public stuff I've been terms of my public stuff I've been terms of my public stuff I've been working on some books and things like working on some books and things like working on some books and things like that and then the podcast as well but that and then the podcast as well but that and then the podcast as well but definitely folks can message me on definitely folks can message me on definitely folks can message me on Twitter what's the C stand for in the AC Twitter what's the C stand for in the AC Twitter what's the C stand for in the AC quit Caroline Caroline okay Amy Caroline quit Caroline Caroline okay Amy Caroline quit Caroline Caroline okay Amy Caroline all right sorry just had to ask when I all right sorry just had to ask when I all right sorry just had to ask when I hear you in there that's right hey Jason hear you in there that's right hey Jason hear you in there that's right hey Jason uh Amy mentioned our friend Katie Allred uh Amy mentioned our friend Katie Allred uh Amy mentioned our friend Katie Allred in the church Communications team and I in the church Communications team and I in the church Communications team and I think that this podcast episode is going think that this podcast episode is going think that this podcast episode is going to drop before the church Communications to drop before the church Communications to drop before the church Communications conference can you can can you tell our conference can you can can you tell our conference can you can can you tell our audience a little bit what's about audience a little bit what's about audience a little bit what's about what's happening with the church what's happening with the church what's happening with the church Communications conference Communications conference Communications conference it's coming up in Nashville September

it's coming up in Nashville September it's coming up in Nashville September 21st 22nd I believe and so Katie and I 21st 22nd I believe and so Katie and I 21st 22nd I believe and so Katie and I are hosting that and uh are hosting that and uh are hosting that and uh you are I didn't even know you are I didn't even know you are I didn't even know that's awesome I mean I've been getting that's awesome I mean I've been getting that's awesome I mean I've been getting all the stuff uh from it and I'm from all the stuff uh from it and I'm from all the stuff uh from it and I'm from Nashville so that's my home and oh all Nashville so that's my home and oh all Nashville so that's my home and oh all right all right yes we're pumped about right all right yes we're pumped about right all right yes we're pumped about this and I think the yeah you I don't this and I think the yeah you I don't this and I think the yeah you I don't know when this is gonna drop but yeah know when this is gonna drop but yeah know when this is gonna drop but yeah you want to be a part of that we're so you want to be a part of that we're so you want to be a part of that we're so excited we've been working on uh all the excited we've been working on uh all the excited we've been working on uh all the all the stuff that we're gonna roll out all the stuff that we're gonna roll out all the stuff that we're gonna roll out and we got some curriculum that's gonna and we got some curriculum that's gonna and we got some curriculum that's gonna be rolling out super pumped about that be rolling out super pumped about that be rolling out super pumped about that and our guests our speaker lineup is and our guests our speaker lineup is and our guests our speaker lineup is like through the roof awesome so uh it's like through the roof awesome so uh it's like through the roof awesome so uh it's gonna be a lot of fun Nashville 21st gonna be a lot of fun Nashville 21st gonna be a lot of fun Nashville 21st 22nd of September very cool right yeah 22nd of September very cool right yeah 22nd of September very cool right yeah hope to see a bunch of you there hey hope to see a bunch of you there hey hope to see a bunch of you there hey thanks again for tuning in to the show thanks again for tuning in to the show thanks again for tuning in to the show Amy thanks again for being our guest if Amy thanks again for being our guest if Amy thanks again for being our guest if you haven't subscribed wherever you're you haven't subscribed wherever you're you haven't subscribed wherever you're listening to this podcast make sure you listening to this podcast make sure you listening to this podcast make sure you do that and if you're not watching our do that and if you're not watching our do that and if you're not watching our YouTube channel you can go over and you YouTube channel you can go over and you YouTube channel you can go over and you can actually see Amy's reaction to my can actually see Amy's reaction to my can actually see Amy's reaction to my conversation about blockage and conversation about blockage and conversation about blockage and Metamucil which might make worth Metamucil which might make worth Metamucil which might make worth watching it on YouTube worthwhile and we watching it on YouTube worthwhile and we watching it on YouTube worthwhile and we always post a question uh in the always post a question uh in the always post a question uh in the comments section on our YouTube uh and comments section on our YouTube uh and comments section on our YouTube uh and would love to have some dialogue with would love to have some dialogue with would love to have some dialogue with you and a question about some something you and a question about some something you and a question about some something that was in the conversation so if that was in the conversation so if that was in the conversation so if you're you're watching on our YouTube you're you're watching on our YouTube you're you're watching on our YouTube channel make sure that you respond to channel make sure that you respond to channel make sure that you respond to that question and let's have some that question and let's have some that question and let's have some dialogue thanks again for tuning in to dialogue thanks again for tuning in to dialogue thanks again for tuning in to another episode of mission wolf another episode of mission wolf another episode of mission wolf marketing podcast