The Church Announcements Formula [Building Block #6]

church. We are so excited. This church. We are so excited. This Saturday, 10:00 a.m. at the East Campus, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. at the East Campus, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. at the East Campus, not the main one. Men's brunch. You can not the main one. Men's brunch. You can not the main one. Men's brunch. You can sign up in the lobby. We're going sign up in the lobby. We're going sign up in the lobby. We're going digital now. Someone's there. They can digital now. Someone's there. They can digital now. Someone's there. They can help you if you get stuck. We're help you if you get stuck. We're help you if you get stuck. We're excited. That's what most church excited. That's what most church excited. That's what most church announcement sounds like. A pile of announcement sounds like. A pile of announcement sounds like. A pile of dates, times, locations, logistics, all dates, times, locations, logistics, all dates, times, locations, logistics, all delivered from stage while people delivered from stage while people delivered from stage while people quietly tune out. [music] And we keep quietly tune out. [music] And we keep quietly tune out. [music] And we keep doing it because we assume if people doing it because we assume if people doing it because we assume if people just have enough information, they will just have enough information, they will just have enough information, they will act on it. But they won't. Information act on it. But they won't. Information act on it. But they won't. Information does not move people. Inspiration does. does not move people. Inspiration does. does not move people. Inspiration does. So today, we're handing you the formula So today, we're handing you the formula So today, we're handing you the formula that finally fixes church announcements that finally fixes church announcements that finally fixes church announcements for good. And we're not just going to for good. And we're not just going to for good. And we're not just going to explain it. We're going to take real explain it. We're going to take real explain it. We're going to take real church announcements, give them a church announcements, give them a church announcements, give them a listen, and then rewrite [music] them listen, and then rewrite [music] them listen, and then rewrite [music] them live. live. live. >> Well, hey there and welcome to the >> Well, hey there and welcome to the >> Well, hey there and welcome to the ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Sheer, your host. I'm jo by my Brady Sheer, your host. I'm jo by my Brady Sheer, your host. I'm jo by my co-host. We call him father formula. co-host. We call him father formula. co-host. We call him father formula. It's Alexander Mills. It's Alexander Mills. It's Alexander Mills. >> Hello. Hello. >> Hello. Hello. >> Hello. Hello. >> Today we're continuing our series >> Today we're continuing our series >> Today we're continuing our series through the seven building blocks, the through the seven building blocks, the through the seven building blocks, the methodology to once and for all solve methodology to once and for all solve methodology to once and for all solve church communications, chaos, friction, church communications, chaos, friction, church communications, chaos, friction, overall badness. To recap, overall badness. To recap, overall badness. To recap, >> we are today onto building block number >> we are today onto building block number >> we are today onto building block number se, pardon me. And the seven building se, pardon me. And the seven building se, pardon me. And the seven building blocks go like this in order. Number blocks go like this in order. Number blocks go like this in order. Number one, assign levels to every ministry.

one, assign levels to every ministry. one, assign levels to every ministry. Number two, publish policy. Number Number two, publish policy. Number Number two, publish policy. Number three, give each ministry a home. Number three, give each ministry a home. Number three, give each ministry a home. Number four, supply promotions playbooks. four, supply promotions playbooks. four, supply promotions playbooks. Number five, create the weekly bulletin. Number five, create the weekly bulletin. Number five, create the weekly bulletin. Number six, that's today, commit to the Number six, that's today, commit to the Number six, that's today, commit to the church announcements formula. And number church announcements formula. And number church announcements formula. And number seven, next week, launch your central seven, next week, launch your central seven, next week, launch your central hub. We have a playlist on this YouTube hub. We have a playlist on this YouTube hub. We have a playlist on this YouTube channel for the ProChurch Tool Show channel for the ProChurch Tool Show channel for the ProChurch Tool Show where you can see all seven building where you can see all seven building where you can see all seven building blocks episodes. And if you're wanting blocks episodes. And if you're wanting blocks episodes. And if you're wanting to kind of do a speedrun through the to kind of do a speedrun through the to kind of do a speedrun through the entire church communications methodology entire church communications methodology entire church communications methodology known as the seven building blocks, if known as the seven building blocks, if known as the seven building blocks, if you go to the Brady Sheerer YouTube you go to the Brady Sheerer YouTube you go to the Brady Sheerer YouTube channel, we have a church communications channel, we have a church communications channel, we have a church communications master class where in 30 minutes I go master class where in 30 minutes I go master class where in 30 minutes I go through the entire methodology with through the entire methodology with through the entire methodology with examples and breakdowns. But the purpose examples and breakdowns. But the purpose examples and breakdowns. But the purpose of these podcasts is to do a bit of a of these podcasts is to do a bit of a of these podcasts is to do a bit of a deeper dive. And on this show, we're deeper dive. And on this show, we're deeper dive. And on this show, we're looking specifically at church looking specifically at church looking specifically at church announcements. We're going to look at announcements. We're going to look at announcements. We're going to look at some real church announcements, analyze some real church announcements, analyze some real church announcements, analyze them up against the formula that we them up against the formula that we them up against the formula that we recommend, and then do some rewrites to recommend, and then do some rewrites to recommend, and then do some rewrites to show how we would adjust them to improve show how we would adjust them to improve show how we would adjust them to improve upon them. Father formula, thoughts upon them. Father formula, thoughts upon them. Father formula, thoughts before we dive in? before we dive in? before we dive in? >> Yeah, I think we've established >> Yeah, I think we've established >> Yeah, I think we've established throughout this series so far, we're in throughout this series so far, we're in throughout this series so far, we're in week six of the series. I think we've week six of the series. I think we've week six of the series. I think we've established that everything we do at established that everything we do at established that everything we do at church is church communications.

church is church communications. church is church communications. Everything that is said from the moment Everything that is said from the moment Everything that is said from the moment your service begins to the moment it your service begins to the moment it your service begins to the moment it ends is church communications. There's ends is church communications. There's ends is church communications. There's inter kind of ministry church inter kind of ministry church inter kind of ministry church communications between ministry leaders. communications between ministry leaders. communications between ministry leaders. There's ministry leaders down to their There's ministry leaders down to their There's ministry leaders down to their uh the folks who belong to the ministry uh the folks who belong to the ministry uh the folks who belong to the ministry church communications. But often when we church communications. But often when we church communications. But often when we think about church comms, the think about church comms, the think about church comms, the announcements time during that service announcements time during that service announcements time during that service is is one of the the you know pre-minent is is one of the the you know pre-minent is is one of the the you know pre-minent moments that comes up. It's like oh this moments that comes up. It's like oh this moments that comes up. It's like oh this is when the church comm's director kind is when the church comm's director kind is when the church comm's director kind of gets their their moment to of gets their their moment to of gets their their moment to communicate to the church about stuff communicate to the church about stuff communicate to the church about stuff and things. and we we've been handling a and things. and we we've been handling a and things. and we we've been handling a lot of church announcements lately, lot of church announcements lately, lot of church announcements lately, analyzing them here at ProChurch Tools. analyzing them here at ProChurch Tools. analyzing them here at ProChurch Tools. And um we've been talking about church And um we've been talking about church And um we've been talking about church communications for as long as we've been communications for as long as we've been communications for as long as we've been talking. Uh we just recently passed talking. Uh we just recently passed talking. Uh we just recently passed episode 900 of this podcast. And if you episode 900 of this podcast. And if you episode 900 of this podcast. And if you go all the way back to the beginning, go all the way back to the beginning, go all the way back to the beginning, it's always kind of been about it's always kind of been about it's always kind of been about churchcoms. Um Brady Sheerer, the man, churchcoms. Um Brady Sheerer, the man, churchcoms. Um Brady Sheerer, the man, the myth, the legend, has probably no the myth, the legend, has probably no the myth, the legend, has probably no certainly presented more church certainly presented more church certainly presented more church announcements than any human being on announcements than any human being on announcements than any human being on earth, which is a staggering stat.

earth, which is a staggering stat. earth, which is a staggering stat. >> So this is a domain that we've been >> So this is a domain that we've been >> So this is a domain that we've been handling and and handling and and handling and and >> how can you make such a claim? Because I >> how can you make such a claim? Because I >> how can you make such a claim? Because I every [laughter] time I make that claim, every [laughter] time I make that claim, every [laughter] time I make that claim, I'm like, well, I guess I have to share I'm like, well, I guess I have to share I'm like, well, I guess I have to share why. why. why. >> Yeah. I mean, for one of the first paid >> Yeah. I mean, for one of the first paid >> Yeah. I mean, for one of the first paid things that this company ever did was a things that this company ever did was a things that this company ever did was a service called ProChurch Announcements. service called ProChurch Announcements. service called ProChurch Announcements. Pro Video announcements video Pro Video announcements video Pro Video announcements video announcements. announcements. announcements. >> Yeah. it predated you. So like you know >> Yeah. it predated you. So like you know >> Yeah. it predated you. So like you know you're like I can't remember you're like I can't remember you're like I can't remember >> where churches would hundreds of >> where churches would hundreds of >> where churches would hundreds of churches a week would send in their churches a week would send in their churches a week would send in their announcement script and you would stand announcement script and you would stand announcement script and you would stand in this room and not always in this room in this room and not always in this room in this room and not always in this room but this was the final room but this was the final room but this was the final room >> and and present these church >> and and present these church >> and and present these church announcements to camera and send them announcements to camera and send them announcements to camera and send them back to the church and they would show back to the church and they would show back to the church and they would show them on video in their church. them on video in their church. them on video in their church. >> Um >> Um >> Um >> so that wasund and usually like 100 to >> so that wasund and usually like 100 to >> so that wasund and usually like 100 to 200 announcements a week I was 200 announcements a week I was 200 announcements a week I was delivering delivering delivering >> for for a long decade. >> for for a long decade. >> for for a long decade. >> That's like do the math. That's so many >> That's like do the math. That's so many >> That's like do the math. That's so many church announcements. Maybe there's church announcements. Maybe there's church announcements. Maybe there's someone else who could beat that. someone else who could beat that. someone else who could beat that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But either way, you know, top five >> But either way, you know, top five >> But either way, you know, top five probably. probably. probably. >> Yes. Yeah. So, yeah, it's just a domain >> Yes. Yeah. So, yeah, it's just a domain >> Yes. Yeah. So, yeah, it's just a domain we've been we've had ours in for a long we've been we've had ours in for a long we've been we've had ours in for a long time. And uh and this is the formula to time. And uh and this is the formula to time. And uh and this is the formula to have a su for that moment in your have a su for that moment in your have a su for that moment in your service to be successful to ensure that service to be successful to ensure that service to be successful to ensure that folks are not tuning out to ensure that folks are not tuning out to ensure that folks are not tuning out to ensure that you're not going to get that feedback you're not going to get that feedback you're not going to get that feedback after the event that you've been after the event that you've been after the event that you've been announcing for weeks. Somebody's saying, announcing for weeks. Somebody's saying, announcing for weeks. Somebody's saying, "Hey, I didn't know that happened." Oh, "Hey, I didn't know that happened." Oh, "Hey, I didn't know that happened." Oh, we've been announcing it. Well, yeah, we've been announcing it. Well, yeah, we've been announcing it. Well, yeah, you have, but people have not been you have, but people have not been you have, but people have not been paying attention. So, this is it. This paying attention. So, this is it. This paying attention. So, this is it. This is the formula, baby.

is the formula, baby. is the formula, baby. >> Yeah. And the reason that we do this is >> Yeah. And the reason that we do this is >> Yeah. And the reason that we do this is because we know how unenviable because we know how unenviable because we know how unenviable unenviable of a position it is to be the unenviable of a position it is to be the unenviable of a position it is to be the person delivering announcements. Why person delivering announcements. Why person delivering announcements. Why would you're just paying us to do it? would you're just paying us to do it? would you're just paying us to do it? Because they're [laughter] like, just so Because they're [laughter] like, just so Because they're [laughter] like, just so I don't have to. And the novelty of I don't have to. And the novelty of I don't have to. And the novelty of putting announcements in a video, and putting announcements in a video, and putting announcements in a video, and we're going to look at some video we're going to look at some video we're going to look at some video announcements in this episode through announcements in this episode through announcements in this episode through church examples. The idea of putting church examples. The idea of putting church examples. The idea of putting announcements into a video package was announcements into a video package was announcements into a video package was like, okay, if we can just make them like, okay, if we can just make them like, okay, if we can just make them shorter, because video will assuredly be shorter, because video will assuredly be shorter, because video will assuredly be shorter than the 5, 10, 15 minutes that shorter than the 5, 10, 15 minutes that shorter than the 5, 10, 15 minutes that we're spending on stage each week, that we're spending on stage each week, that we're spending on stage each week, that will mean that the announcement portion will mean that the announcement portion will mean that the announcement portion of service is not detracting from the of service is not detracting from the of service is not detracting from the worship and sermon part. But if we're worship and sermon part. But if we're worship and sermon part. But if we're not replacing this information dump on not replacing this information dump on not replacing this information dump on people with something superior, even if people with something superior, even if people with something superior, even if we shorten them, there's still so much we shorten them, there's still so much we shorten them, there's still so much being left on the table. And we get it. being left on the table. And we get it. being left on the table. And we get it. worship team, delivering the sermon, you worship team, delivering the sermon, you worship team, delivering the sermon, you know, delivering any of the liturgies, know, delivering any of the liturgies, know, delivering any of the liturgies, communion, whatever, the sacraments, communion, whatever, the sacraments, communion, whatever, the sacraments, like great. The person in charge of like great. The person in charge of like great. The person in charge of announcements, not always fun. But announcements, not always fun. But announcements, not always fun. But >> the reason it matters so much is >> the reason it matters so much is >> the reason it matters so much is because, you know, the way we describe because, you know, the way we describe because, you know, the way we describe it in my church is services exist to it in my church is services exist to it in my church is services exist to like experience God and for people to like experience God and for people to like experience God and for people to like experience church for the first like experience church for the first like experience church for the first time. But the substantive work of time. But the substantive work of time. But the substantive work of disciplehip and transformation is disciplehip and transformation is disciplehip and transformation is happening in the ministries where you're happening in the ministries where you're happening in the ministries where you're walking in step with other people.

walking in step with other people. walking in step with other people. >> And so the reason we do announcements to >> And so the reason we do announcements to >> And so the reason we do announcements to get people involved in women's brunch, get people involved in women's brunch, get people involved in women's brunch, to get people involved in VBS, to get to get people involved in VBS, to get to get people involved in VBS, to get people involved in men's ministry people involved in men's ministry people involved in men's ministry >> is because we know >> is because we know >> is because we know >> that life is meant to be done together. >> that life is meant to be done together. >> that life is meant to be done together. >> And if all we're doing is sitting in the >> And if all we're doing is sitting in the >> And if all we're doing is sitting in the pews as passive spectators in church, pews as passive spectators in church, pews as passive spectators in church, hey, it's better than not going to hey, it's better than not going to hey, it's better than not going to church. But that is not the end goal. We church. But that is not the end goal. We church. But that is not the end goal. We believe that more life change comes from believe that more life change comes from believe that more life change comes from more next steps, moving people from more next steps, moving people from more next steps, moving people from passive spectators to active passive spectators to active passive spectators to active participants. That's the reason we have participants. That's the reason we have participants. That's the reason we have announcements. I don't want anyone to announcements. I don't want anyone to announcements. I don't want anyone to lose sight of that because when you just lose sight of that because when you just lose sight of that because when you just read from a bulletin or read from a read from a bulletin or read from a read from a bulletin or read from a piece of paper every single week, you piece of paper every single week, you piece of paper every single week, you can kind of get stale with it and just can kind of get stale with it and just can kind of get stale with it and just be like, "Oh, I don't like this. The be like, "Oh, I don't like this. The be like, "Oh, I don't like this. The people in the pews don't like this." people in the pews don't like this." people in the pews don't like this." Well, there is an alternative. There is Well, there is an alternative. There is Well, there is an alternative. There is a better way. And that better way makes a better way. And that better way makes a better way. And that better way makes a difference in terms of like the a difference in terms of like the a difference in terms of like the mission of your church and why you exist mission of your church and why you exist mission of your church and why you exist to begin with. to begin with. to begin with. So, let's get to the description for So, let's get to the description for So, let's get to the description for building block number six. As I've said building block number six. As I've said building block number six. As I've said in every episode, in the description of in every episode, in the description of in every episode, in the description of this episode, whether you're listening this episode, whether you're listening this episode, whether you're listening or watching, you will find a link to the or watching, you will find a link to the or watching, you will find a link to the seven building blocks PDF where all seven building blocks PDF where all seven building blocks PDF where all seven are explained in full. Make sure seven are explained in full. Make sure seven are explained in full. Make sure to download that. Number six, commit to to download that. Number six, commit to to download that. Number six, commit to the church announcements formula. What the church announcements formula. What the church announcements formula. What this building block is, standardizing this building block is, standardizing this building block is, standardizing every announcement around a single every announcement around a single every announcement around a single formula. That is one story plus one next formula. That is one story plus one next formula. That is one story plus one next step. Why does this matter? Because step. Why does this matter? Because step. Why does this matter? Because [snorts] information does not move [snorts] information does not move [snorts] information does not move people. Inspiration does. And multiple people. Inspiration does. And multiple people. Inspiration does. And multiple next steps kill response. It's a next steps kill response. It's a next steps kill response. It's a two-part formula.

two-part formula. two-part formula. >> We want to lead with inspiration, not >> We want to lead with inspiration, not >> We want to lead with inspiration, not information. That's the story element. information. That's the story element. information. That's the story element. We'll get into that a bit more. But the We'll get into that a bit more. But the We'll get into that a bit more. But the second part is where churches tend to second part is where churches tend to second part is where churches tend to mess things up more. mess things up more. mess things up more. >> Where every announcement starts ending >> Where every announcement starts ending >> Where every announcement starts ending up with a different next step or lacking up with a different next step or lacking up with a different next step or lacking next steps altogether. And what happens next steps altogether. And what happens next steps altogether. And what happens is people can be inspired to do is people can be inspired to do is people can be inspired to do something, but if they're not certain, something, but if they're not certain, something, but if they're not certain, if their instinct isn't confident of if their instinct isn't confident of if their instinct isn't confident of where they need to go to take that next where they need to go to take that next where they need to go to take that next step, that friction point just becomes step, that friction point just becomes step, that friction point just becomes like, I'll do it later. And then it like, I'll do it later. And then it like, I'll do it later. And then it never gets done. never gets done. never gets done. >> So, how do you do this? First, you want >> So, how do you do this? First, you want >> So, how do you do this? First, you want to limit stage announcements to three or to limit stage announcements to three or to limit stage announcements to three or fewer. Now, if you're like, how could fewer. Now, if you're like, how could fewer. Now, if you're like, how could this be done? Well, we've actually done this be done? Well, we've actually done this be done? Well, we've actually done all the hard work and the heavy lifting all the hard work and the heavy lifting all the hard work and the heavy lifting through the previous five building through the previous five building through the previous five building blocks. All of these building blocks blocks. All of these building blocks blocks. All of these building blocks stack on top stack on top stack on top >> of the previous. They're meant to be >> of the previous. They're meant to be >> of the previous. They're meant to be installed in sequence at your church at installed in sequence at your church at installed in sequence at your church at this point because we've assigned levels this point because we've assigned levels this point because we've assigned levels to every ministry because we've to every ministry because we've to every ministry because we've installed the policy. Because we've installed the policy. Because we've installed the policy. Because we've created ministry post collections, created ministry post collections, created ministry post collections, because we've deployed promotion because we've deployed promotion because we've deployed promotion playbooks, because we've installed the playbooks, because we've installed the playbooks, because we've installed the weekly bulletin, 1 2 3 4 5 building weekly bulletin, 1 2 3 4 5 building weekly bulletin, 1 2 3 4 5 building blocks, blocks, blocks, >> we do not have the burden on the Sunday >> we do not have the burden on the Sunday >> we do not have the burden on the Sunday morning stage to go through every single morning stage to go through every single morning stage to go through every single thing in hopes that people will latch on thing in hopes that people will latch on thing in hopes that people will latch on to them. What do we know? The more you to them. What do we know? The more you to them. What do we know? The more you announce, the less they listen. So, if announce, the less they listen. So, if announce, the less they listen. So, if you're going to commit to this formula, you're going to commit to this formula, you're going to commit to this formula, it's not realistic to go up there and do it's not realistic to go up there and do it's not realistic to go up there and do seven announcements where it's one story seven announcements where it's one story seven announcements where it's one story plus one next step because it would just plus one next step because it would just plus one next step because it would just be a little bit too much, a little be a little bit too much, a little be a little bit too much, a little bloated.

bloated. bloated. >> And that's seven is not an exaggeration. >> And that's seven is not an exaggeration. >> And that's seven is not an exaggeration. >> That's the average. Yes, we have >> That's the average. Yes, we have >> That's the average. Yes, we have completed thousands of audits for completed thousands of audits for completed thousands of audits for churches at this point. And in those churches at this point. And in those churches at this point. And in those audits that we deliver, we look at how audits that we deliver, we look at how audits that we deliver, we look at how many announcements are doing many announcements are doing many announcements are doing >> and it's like it's in between like six >> and it's like it's in between like six >> and it's like it's in between like six and a half and seven and a half. kind of and a half and seven and a half. kind of and a half and seven and a half. kind of like floating around in that number. So like floating around in that number. So like floating around in that number. So that that is the average and the average that that is the average and the average that that is the average and the average destinations destinations destinations >> is eight. >> is eight. >> is eight. >> Yes, >> Yes, >> Yes, >> eight. Now that's not per service. >> eight. Now that's not per service. >> eight. Now that's not per service. That's across three services. We track That's across three services. We track That's across three services. We track seven announcements roughly per service. seven announcements roughly per service. seven announcements roughly per service. But across three different services, But across three different services, But across three different services, we're doing eight different we're doing eight different we're doing eight different destinations. And we'll kind of get into destinations. And we'll kind of get into destinations. And we'll kind of get into like real examples of these like real examples of these like real examples of these destinations. destinations. destinations. >> But how is it possible that a person on >> But how is it possible that a person on >> But how is it possible that a person on Tuesday could be like, "Right, okay. Tuesday could be like, "Right, okay. Tuesday could be like, "Right, okay. They told a great story about women's They told a great story about women's They told a great story about women's brunch. That sounded pretty cool. Was I brunch. That sounded pretty cool. Was I brunch. That sounded pretty cool. Was I supposed to scan a QR code or talk to supposed to scan a QR code or talk to supposed to scan a QR code or talk to Sister Karen or go to the website? Or Sister Karen or go to the website? Or Sister Karen or go to the website? Or did I have to sign up in the lobby? Oh, did I have to sign up in the lobby? Oh, did I have to sign up in the lobby? Oh, it's a church center app. Can I go to it's a church center app. Can I go to it's a church center app. Can I go to our website? Is it our website with a our website? Is it our website with a our website? Is it our website with a certain route? Right. >> July. Like, [laughter] >> July. Like, [laughter] >> and then the inst it's, okay, I don't >> and then the inst it's, okay, I don't >> and then the inst it's, okay, I don't know. And then someone comes up to you know. And then someone comes up to you know. And then someone comes up to you in the lobby and goes like, where's that in the lobby and goes like, where's that in the lobby and goes like, where's that thing again? You're like, wait, why?

thing again? You're like, wait, why? thing again? You're like, wait, why? Why? Why do they know? I'm always Why? Why do they know? I'm always Why? Why do they know? I'm always talking about it because it's not talking about it because it's not talking about it because it's not realistic for them to remember eight realistic for them to remember eight realistic for them to remember eight different destinations. That's not different destinations. That's not different destinations. That's not possible. These poor people in your possible. These poor people in your possible. These poor people in your church, they're suffering. church, they're suffering. church, they're suffering. >> Yeah. That's why you have to do both >> Yeah. That's why you have to do both >> Yeah. That's why you have to do both steps, right? It's a two-part formula. steps, right? It's a two-part formula. steps, right? It's a two-part formula. You got to do both parts. One story plus You got to do both parts. One story plus You got to do both parts. One story plus one single next step. And this is done one single next step. And this is done one single next step. And this is done when people stop asking, "Where do I go when people stop asking, "Where do I go when people stop asking, "Where do I go for more info?" They stop saying, "I did for more info?" They stop saying, "I did for more info?" They stop saying, "I did not even know that event was happening." not even know that event was happening." not even know that event was happening." Why are we leading with story? The power Why are we leading with story? The power Why are we leading with story? The power of story cannot be overstated. And we'll of story cannot be overstated. And we'll of story cannot be overstated. And we'll get into some of the the the brain get into some of the the the brain get into some of the the the brain chemistry reasons for this, but let's chemistry reasons for this, but let's chemistry reasons for this, but let's start with scripture. We know that start with scripture. We know that start with scripture. We know that storytelling is the single most powerful storytelling is the single most powerful storytelling is the single most powerful form of human communication. And Jesus form of human communication. And Jesus form of human communication. And Jesus knew this as well. In Robert Stein's knew this as well. In Robert Stein's knew this as well. In Robert Stein's book, The Message and Method of Jesus's book, The Message and Method of Jesus's book, The Message and Method of Jesus's teachings, he takes inventory of the teachings, he takes inventory of the teachings, he takes inventory of the synoptic gospels and finds that no less synoptic gospels and finds that no less synoptic gospels and finds that no less than 35% of the time that Jesus is than 35% of the time that Jesus is than 35% of the time that Jesus is teaching, he's using story. So Jesus teaching, he's using story. So Jesus teaching, he's using story. So Jesus comes to earth and is tasked with among comes to earth and is tasked with among comes to earth and is tasked with among other things disseminating this new idea other things disseminating this new idea other things disseminating this new idea of the kingdom of God. Hey, of the kingdom of God. Hey, of the kingdom of God. Hey, >> how did you you've heard it this way. >> how did you you've heard it this way. >> how did you you've heard it this way. This is how it actually is. He's This is how it actually is. He's This is how it actually is. He's introducing this new covenant. And introducing this new covenant. And introducing this new covenant. And instead of just being like, "Okay, we're instead of just being like, "Okay, we're instead of just being like, "Okay, we're going to talk about the very dense going to talk about the very dense going to talk about the very dense specifics," he's using stories of lost specifics," he's using stories of lost specifics," he's using stories of lost coins and sheep and wine and gardening coins and sheep and wine and gardening coins and sheep and wine and gardening and planting and all these different and planting and all these different and planting and all these different things. Why? Because to communicate this things. Why? Because to communicate this things. Why? Because to communicate this brand new idea, the best way was to use brand new idea, the best way was to use brand new idea, the best way was to use everyday experiences everyday experiences everyday experiences >> and ways of life that people could >> and ways of life that people could >> and ways of life that people could easily latch on to. One of the easily latch on to. One of the easily latch on to. One of the underrated things about story that makes underrated things about story that makes underrated things about story that makes it so awesome is because it is not like

it so awesome is because it is not like it so awesome is because it is not like onetoone descriptive. What I mean by onetoone descriptive. What I mean by onetoone descriptive. What I mean by that is it's not like, hey, this is the that is it's not like, hey, this is the that is it's not like, hey, this is the rule and we're going to document it for rule and we're going to document it for rule and we're going to document it for you and explain it to you. What a story you and explain it to you. What a story you and explain it to you. What a story does is it does what this table does does is it does what this table does does is it does what this table does that we're uh podcasting out right now. that we're uh podcasting out right now. that we're uh podcasting out right now. It's this open table where everyone can It's this open table where everyone can It's this open table where everyone can come and sit because when Alex hears a come and sit because when Alex hears a come and sit because when Alex hears a story, he brings his set of life story, he brings his set of life story, he brings his set of life experiences to it. And when I tell a experiences to it. And when I tell a experiences to it. And when I tell a story, I bring my set of life story, I bring my set of life story, I bring my set of life experiences to it. And you listening, experiences to it. And you listening, experiences to it. And you listening, you watching bring your own set of you watching bring your own set of you watching bring your own set of experiences and the communicator told experiences and the communicator told experiences and the communicator told the exact same story, but every single the exact same story, but every single the exact same story, but every single person heard a different ventricle of person heard a different ventricle of person heard a different ventricle of truth, a different like shade or lens to truth, a different like shade or lens to truth, a different like shade or lens to it because they're talking about brunch. it because they're talking about brunch. it because they're talking about brunch. And you're like, "Well, I have a lot of And you're like, "Well, I have a lot of And you're like, "Well, I have a lot of brunch experiences. That means something brunch experiences. That means something brunch experiences. That means something different to me than maybe Alex." Now, different to me than maybe Alex." Now, different to me than maybe Alex." Now, if I say brunch is on Saturday at 10:00 if I say brunch is on Saturday at 10:00 if I say brunch is on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at this restaurant, that's the same a.m. at this restaurant, that's the same a.m. at this restaurant, that's the same for everyone. But if I tell a story for everyone. But if I tell a story for everyone. But if I tell a story about that, Alex thinks of a fond memory about that, Alex thinks of a fond memory about that, Alex thinks of a fond memory he has of brunch. And there's a brunch he has of brunch. And there's a brunch he has of brunch. And there's a brunch announcement coming up that we are going announcement coming up that we are going announcement coming up that we are going to rewrite. [laughter] And so this is to rewrite. [laughter] And so this is to rewrite. [laughter] And so this is all foreshadowing into the brunch all foreshadowing into the brunch all foreshadowing into the brunch rewrite that's coming up. But if it's rewrite that's coming up. But if it's rewrite that's coming up. But if it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough good enough for Jesus, it's good enough good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for us.

for us. for us. >> Well, and that's, you know, that gets to >> Well, and that's, you know, that gets to >> Well, and that's, you know, that gets to the neurobiology part of it, which is the neurobiology part of it, which is the neurobiology part of it, which is when a story is told and we're we hear when a story is told and we're we hear when a story is told and we're we hear it, our nature on a chemical and and you it, our nature on a chemical and and you it, our nature on a chemical and and you know, a a brain level is to position know, a a brain level is to position know, a a brain level is to position ourselves, find our place in the story ourselves, find our place in the story ourselves, find our place in the story that's being told. And it happens on a that's being told. And it happens on a that's being told. And it happens on a subconscious level to the point where um subconscious level to the point where um subconscious level to the point where um we've talked about it so many times on we've talked about it so many times on we've talked about it so many times on the show, your pastor does it hopefully the show, your pastor does it hopefully the show, your pastor does it hopefully every week. Um when a story begins being every week. Um when a story begins being every week. Um when a story begins being shared, if you were disassociated shared, if you were disassociated shared, if you were disassociated before, your brain locks in. When your before, your brain locks in. When your before, your brain locks in. When your brain hears that a story is being told, brain hears that a story is being told, brain hears that a story is being told, subconsciously, you look up from your subconsciously, you look up from your subconsciously, you look up from your phone or you wake up from your little phone or you wake up from your little phone or you wake up from your little Sunday nap during the during the sermon Sunday nap during the during the sermon Sunday nap during the during the sermon and you start to pay attention in a way and you start to pay attention in a way and you start to pay attention in a way that maybe you weren't paying attention that maybe you weren't paying attention that maybe you weren't paying attention before. It's happening unconsciously, before. It's happening unconsciously, before. It's happening unconsciously, but it's happening. And your your brain but it's happening. And your your brain but it's happening. And your your brain is looking for your place in that story. is looking for your place in that story. is looking for your place in that story. Which is why 2,000 years later after the Which is why 2,000 years later after the Which is why 2,000 years later after the death, resurrection, and ascension of death, resurrection, and ascension of death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, to keep that truth alive, Jesus Christ, to keep that truth alive, Jesus Christ, to keep that truth alive, what do we do? We just continue what do we do? We just continue what do we do? We just continue retelling the story of Jesus. It is the retelling the story of Jesus. It is the retelling the story of Jesus. It is the vehicle for how we vehicle for how we vehicle for how we learn and experience the most learn and experience the most learn and experience the most existential truths of the universe by existential truths of the universe by existential truths of the universe by just retelling the story of Jesus and in just retelling the story of Jesus and in just retelling the story of Jesus and in turn finding our place in the story. So, turn finding our place in the story. So, turn finding our place in the story. So, it's why it is the most powerful form of it's why it is the most powerful form of it's why it is the most powerful form of human communication. And it's why it's human communication. And it's why it's human communication. And it's why it's the perfect vehicle for earning the perfect vehicle for earning the perfect vehicle for earning attention and inspiring folks to take

attention and inspiring folks to take attention and inspiring folks to take the next step in their journey with the next step in their journey with the next step in their journey with Jesus that you want them to take through Jesus that you want them to take through Jesus that you want them to take through your church when you're announcing your church when you're announcing your church when you're announcing women's brunch. For example, there's a women's brunch. For example, there's a women's brunch. For example, there's a book called The Storytelling Animal, and book called The Storytelling Animal, and book called The Storytelling Animal, and it documents what Alex is saying about it documents what Alex is saying about it documents what Alex is saying about maybe you're sitting in service and maybe you're sitting in service and maybe you're sitting in service and you're just like not really paying you're just like not really paying you're just like not really paying attention. attention. attention. >> Attention is a scarce resource. Yeah, >> Attention is a scarce resource. Yeah, >> Attention is a scarce resource. Yeah, >> it's morearce >> it's morearce >> it's morearce >> to illustrate my wife and I tried to >> to illustrate my wife and I tried to >> to illustrate my wife and I tried to watch a show last night watch a show last night watch a show last night that parallels another show that we that parallels another show that we that parallels another show that we like. like. like. >> Okay, >> Okay, >> Okay, >> the show that we like was made in 2026. >> the show that we like was made in 2026. >> the show that we like was made in 2026. So, we watched like a different version So, we watched like a different version So, we watched like a different version of the show and we thought, "Oh, let's of the show and we thought, "Oh, let's of the show and we thought, "Oh, let's go back and start at a previous season." go back and start at a previous season." go back and start at a previous season." So, we started it like in 2020. We So, we started it like in 2020. We So, we started it like in 2020. We didn't go all the way back because I didn't go all the way back because I didn't go all the way back because I could tell from like the thumbnails that could tell from like the thumbnails that could tell from like the thumbnails that it was shot on like, you know, a GoPro. it was shot on like, you know, a GoPro. it was shot on like, you know, a GoPro. >> And the pacing of this show was so much >> And the pacing of this show was so much >> And the pacing of this show was so much slower slower slower >> than the pacing of the basically >> than the pacing of the basically >> than the pacing of the basically identical show from a different country identical show from a different country identical show from a different country >> in 2026. >> in 2026. >> in 2026. To me, what I saw when I'm watching it To me, what I saw when I'm watching it To me, what I saw when I'm watching it is, okay, wow, the producers of these is, okay, wow, the producers of these is, okay, wow, the producers of these shows have dramatically changed how they shows have dramatically changed how they shows have dramatically changed how they produce them and put them together produce them and put them together produce them and put them together because they understand that like if because they understand that like if because they understand that like if they're not consistently moving to a new they're not consistently moving to a new they're not consistently moving to a new camera angle and a new story beat with a camera angle and a new story beat with a camera angle and a new story beat with a new backing track, like you cannot just new backing track, like you cannot just new backing track, like you cannot just sit for like 2 minutes with a singular sit for like 2 minutes with a singular sit for like 2 minutes with a singular conversation with like two different conversation with like two different conversation with like two different camera angles. It's just not going to camera angles. It's just not going to camera angles. It's just not going to work anymore. And I thought, wow, in six work anymore. And I thought, wow, in six work anymore. And I thought, wow, in six years, how much attention must have years, how much attention must have years, how much attention must have fractured for that change to have taken fractured for that change to have taken fractured for that change to have taken place?

place? place? >> Attention is a scarce resource. And in >> Attention is a scarce resource. And in >> Attention is a scarce resource. And in this book, the storytelling animal, what this book, the storytelling animal, what this book, the storytelling animal, what it talks about is up to a third of our it talks about is up to a third of our it talks about is up to a third of our waking hours are spent uh spent in this waking hours are spent uh spent in this waking hours are spent uh spent in this daydreaming state. So up to a third of daydreaming state. So up to a third of daydreaming state. So up to a third of waking hours, I guarantee you one of waking hours, I guarantee you one of waking hours, I guarantee you one of those waking hours when you are tasked those waking hours when you are tasked those waking hours when you are tasked with sitting in a pew and listening to a with sitting in a pew and listening to a with sitting in a pew and listening to a person talking, person talking, person talking, >> that's prime day. This is not about you >> that's prime day. This is not about you >> that's prime day. This is not about you as like a communicator. This is about as like a communicator. This is about as like a communicator. This is about just so much of life is I'm going to just so much of life is I'm going to just so much of life is I'm going to look at my phone or I have a task in look at my phone or I have a task in look at my phone or I have a task in front of me or I'm completing something front of me or I'm completing something front of me or I'm completing something or I'm talking to a child or I'm talking or I'm talking to a child or I'm talking or I'm talking to a child or I'm talking to another person. Those are not going to another person. Those are not going to another person. Those are not going to be the hours where daydreaming is to be the hours where daydreaming is to be the hours where daydreaming is beginning for the most part. But when beginning for the most part. But when beginning for the most part. But when you are just like sitting and like you are just like sitting and like you are just like sitting and like >> you know for the next 20 30 40 60 plus >> you know for the next 20 30 40 60 plus >> you know for the next 20 30 40 60 plus minutes I am just going to be listening minutes I am just going to be listening minutes I am just going to be listening to this person in silence. Those are to this person in silence. Those are to this person in silence. Those are prime day. And you know how I know this? prime day. And you know how I know this? prime day. And you know how I know this? Because when I do a meeting with Because when I do a meeting with Because when I do a meeting with [laughter] these folks, it doesn't [laughter] these folks, it doesn't [laughter] these folks, it doesn't matter what I'm saying. I could tell, matter what I'm saying. I could tell, matter what I'm saying. I could tell, you know, I got to bring them back. I you know, I got to bring them back. I you know, I got to bring them back. I gotta bring them back. And I try to use gotta bring them back. And I try to use gotta bring them back. And I try to use story because I know it works in our story because I know it works in our story because I know it works in our meetings just as much just as much as it meetings just as much just as much as it meetings just as much just as much as it works from stage when we deliver works from stage when we deliver works from stage when we deliver announcements.

announcements. announcements. >> Storytelling is the only form of human >> Storytelling is the only form of human >> Storytelling is the only form of human communication that forces our brains, as communication that forces our brains, as communication that forces our brains, as Alex said, subconsciously to pay Alex said, subconsciously to pay Alex said, subconsciously to pay attention. This is from the National attention. This is from the National attention. This is from the National Library of Medicine. Quote, "Stories Library of Medicine. Quote, "Stories Library of Medicine. Quote, "Stories have the power to affect our attitudes, have the power to affect our attitudes, have the power to affect our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors." So it's not beliefs, and behaviors." So it's not beliefs, and behaviors." So it's not just attention. It's not just that we just attention. It's not just that we just attention. It's not just that we can break that daydreaming state and can break that daydreaming state and can break that daydreaming state and bring people back in to talk to them bring people back in to talk to them bring people back in to talk to them about women's brunch. And you've been to about women's brunch. And you've been to about women's brunch. And you've been to women's brunch. I have it. You've been, women's brunch. I have it. You've been, women's brunch. I have it. You've been, you know, it's good. You want more women you know, it's good. You want more women you know, it's good. You want more women to come to brunch. If you just stand up to come to brunch. If you just stand up to come to brunch. If you just stand up there and go information over there and go information over there and go information over inspiration, not only will you not get inspiration, not only will you not get inspiration, not only will you not get their attention, that's not going to their attention, that's not going to their attention, that's not going to influence their attitudes, beliefs, and influence their attitudes, beliefs, and influence their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Storytelling is this magical behaviors. Storytelling is this magical behaviors. Storytelling is this magical form of human communication. We can only form of human communication. We can only form of human communication. We can only thank the Lord for designing humans this thank the Lord for designing humans this thank the Lord for designing humans this way. Like every single way of way. Like every single way of way. Like every single way of communicating breaks. Oh, we used to be communicating breaks. Oh, we used to be communicating breaks. Oh, we used to be able to communicate through email able to communicate through email able to communicate through email broken. Oh, text messaging broken. broken. Oh, text messaging broken. broken. Oh, text messaging broken. Whatever there is, it will not exist Whatever there is, it will not exist Whatever there is, it will not exist indefinitely because marketers ruin indefinitely because marketers ruin indefinitely because marketers ruin everything. Maybe SMS is still working everything. Maybe SMS is still working everything. Maybe SMS is still working at your church. It's not to say it's at your church. It's not to say it's at your church. It's not to say it's broken right now, but it will not exist broken right now, but it will not exist broken right now, but it will not exist forever. Story will. And if you can forever. Story will. And if you can forever. Story will. And if you can learn to be a good communicator and learn to be a good communicator and learn to be a good communicator and storytell, storytell, storytell, >> you will always be able to inspire >> you will always be able to inspire >> you will always be able to inspire people in your church to get involved people in your church to get involved people in your church to get involved and to change their attitudes, beliefs, and to change their attitudes, beliefs, and to change their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. We talked about moving and behaviors. We talked about moving and behaviors. We talked about moving people from passive spectators to active people from passive spectators to active people from passive spectators to active participants. What's that? It's a change participants. What's that? It's a change participants. What's that? It's a change of behavior. And it probably needs to be of behavior. And it probably needs to be of behavior. And it probably needs to be uh preceded by a change of belief. A uh preceded by a change of belief. A uh preceded by a change of belief. A person who thinks, well, I'm not the person who thinks, well, I'm not the person who thinks, well, I'm not the type of person to be a greeter.

type of person to be a greeter. type of person to be a greeter. >> I'm not the type of person to like >> I'm not the type of person to like >> I'm not the type of person to like volunteer in kids ministry. I'm not the volunteer in kids ministry. I'm not the volunteer in kids ministry. I'm not the type of person to like to give in that type of person to like to give in that type of person to like to give in that way sacrificially. Storytelling can way sacrificially. Storytelling can way sacrificially. Storytelling can change that belief. change that belief. change that belief. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Think about this way. And this is a bit >> Think about this way. And this is a bit >> Think about this way. And this is a bit of a trope, so I don't want you to think of a trope, so I don't want you to think of a trope, so I don't want you to think of it negatively, but think about a of it negatively, but think about a of it negatively, but think about a conference that you've been in and conference that you've been in and conference that you've been in and worship ends, the speaker hasn't come up worship ends, the speaker hasn't come up worship ends, the speaker hasn't come up yet. And who walks on stage? World yet. And who walks on stage? World yet. And who walks on stage? World Vision Compassion International. And you Vision Compassion International. And you Vision Compassion International. And you sit there and if you've been through it sit there and if you've been through it sit there and if you've been through it enough times, you're like, enough times, you're like, enough times, you're like, [clears throat] I will not sponsor a [clears throat] I will not sponsor a [clears throat] I will not sponsor a child today. [laughter] child today. [laughter] child today. [laughter] >> I have four on my fridge already. >> I have four on my fridge already. >> I have four on my fridge already. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Or if it's the first time, and again, >> Or if it's the first time, and again, >> Or if it's the first time, and again, try to see this with new lens. Why is it try to see this with new lens. Why is it try to see this with new lens. Why is it so commonly done this way? Because it is so commonly done this way? Because it is so commonly done this way? Because it is so effective. So, think of it through so effective. So, think of it through so effective. So, think of it through that lens. Someone comes up and they're that lens. Someone comes up and they're that lens. Someone comes up and they're like, "I'm going to tell you the story like, "I'm going to tell you the story like, "I'm going to tell you the story about the kid whose photo you're seeing about the kid whose photo you're seeing about the kid whose photo you're seeing behind me." They don't tell you, they behind me." They don't tell you, they behind me." They don't tell you, they don't lead with, "By the way, it's $25 a don't lead with, "By the way, it's $25 a don't lead with, "By the way, it's $25 a month. This person lives in this month. This person lives in this month. This person lives in this country. This is their name. This is country. This is their name. This is country. This is their name. This is their birth date. No photo. What do you their birth date. No photo. What do you their birth date. No photo. What do you think?" That would be all information. think?" That would be all information. think?" That would be all information. That does not move anyone. That does not That does not move anyone. That does not That does not move anyone. That does not change someone's beliefs, attitudes, or change someone's beliefs, attitudes, or change someone's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. But that storytelling is so behaviors. But that storytelling is so behaviors. But that storytelling is so potent and so powerful that even if you potent and so powerful that even if you potent and so powerful that even if you go into it being like I will not be go into it being like I will not be go into it being like I will not be moved by this not because I don't care moved by this not because I don't care moved by this not because I don't care but BECAUSE I AM ONE PERSON.

but BECAUSE I AM ONE PERSON. but BECAUSE I AM ONE PERSON. >> YEAH. >> YEAH. >> YEAH. >> You can still be convinced because >> You can still be convinced because >> You can still be convinced because that's how powerful storytelling is. that's how powerful storytelling is. that's how powerful storytelling is. >> It's not manipulative, right? >> It's not manipulative, right? >> It's not manipulative, right? >> No. Not if you're doing it for good and >> No. Not if you're doing it for good and >> No. Not if you're doing it for good and like not like you can use story to like not like you can use story to like not like you can use story to manipulate people. manipulate people. manipulate people. >> Mh. >> Mh. >> Mh. >> But if the motivation is pure >> But if the motivation is pure >> But if the motivation is pure >> and you're not lying, >> and you're not lying, >> and you're not lying, >> but do use it for good. Okay. >> but do use it for good. Okay. >> but do use it for good. Okay. >> Yes. Sometimes in my meetings I use >> Yes. Sometimes in my meetings I use >> Yes. Sometimes in my meetings I use storytelling for evil. storytelling for evil. storytelling for evil. >> We'll see what you do later on this >> We'll see what you do later on this >> We'll see what you do later on this afternoon. afternoon. afternoon. >> So that's a story. What about we You can >> So that's a story. What about we You can >> So that's a story. What about we You can only have one next step then after that. only have one next step then after that. only have one next step then after that. Right. Right. Right. >> Right. One next step. So our approach is >> Right. One next step. So our approach is >> Right. One next step. So our approach is to establish a nextstep script that gets to establish a nextstep script that gets to establish a nextstep script that gets repeated after every single repeated after every single repeated after every single announcement. So here's the formula I announcement. So here's the formula I announcement. So here's the formula I recommend that you use. Head to recommend that you use. Head to recommend that you use. Head to lifeabundant.info or visit the lifeabundant.info or visit the lifeabundant.info or visit the lifeabundant.info kiosk in the lobby. lifeabundant.info kiosk in the lobby. lifeabundant.info kiosk in the lobby. Replace your church's URL. So, if your Replace your church's URL. So, if your Replace your church's URL. So, if your church's URL is hopeurch.com, church's URL is hopeurch.com, church's URL is hopeurch.com, head to hopechurch.com or visit the head to hopechurch.com or visit the head to hopechurch.com or visit the hopechurch.com kiosk in the lobby. So, hopechurch.com kiosk in the lobby. So, hopechurch.com kiosk in the lobby. So, what I like to do is present the digital what I like to do is present the digital what I like to do is present the digital option and the physical option, both of option and the physical option, both of option and the physical option, both of which ultimately route to the same which ultimately route to the same which ultimately route to the same database behind the scenes, database behind the scenes, database behind the scenes, >> right? You've got folks in your church >> right? You've got folks in your church >> right? You've got folks in your church who are elderly and and maybe don't have who are elderly and and maybe don't have who are elderly and and maybe don't have a smart device or a computer at home.

a smart device or a computer at home. a smart device or a computer at home. They go to the lobby or the blue wall or They go to the lobby or the blue wall or They go to the lobby or the blue wall or however your church talks about it and however your church talks about it and however your church talks about it and there they're greeted by someone in your there they're greeted by someone in your there they're greeted by someone in your church, a volunteer, a staff member church, a volunteer, a staff member church, a volunteer, a staff member maybe who is going to help them walk maybe who is going to help them walk maybe who is going to help them walk through that next step online. So like through that next step online. So like through that next step online. So like you said, it's leading to the same you said, it's leading to the same you said, it's leading to the same place. It's not two different signup place. It's not two different signup place. It's not two different signup areas that some staff or volunteer has areas that some staff or volunteer has areas that some staff or volunteer has to like collate later. It's it's the to like collate later. It's it's the to like collate later. It's it's the same destination. It's just with a same destination. It's just with a same destination. It's just with a little bit of inerson help if it's little bit of inerson help if it's little bit of inerson help if it's required or someone's more comfortable required or someone's more comfortable required or someone's more comfortable doing that. Building block number seven. doing that. Building block number seven. doing that. Building block number seven. Next week, the final building block, Next week, the final building block, Next week, the final building block, everything leads to that. everything leads to that. everything leads to that. >> Launch your central hub. We are going to >> Launch your central hub. We are going to >> Launch your central hub. We are going to talk about this destination and how to talk about this destination and how to talk about this destination and how to make it work. If you're listening and make it work. If you're listening and make it work. If you're listening and you heard that script and we're like, you heard that script and we're like, you heard that script and we're like, well, in my church, we'd actually x, y, well, in my church, we'd actually x, y, well, in my church, we'd actually x, y, and z. Well, if if it was my church, we and z. Well, if if it was my church, we and z. Well, if if it was my church, we actually couldn't do that's fine. The actually couldn't do that's fine. The actually couldn't do that's fine. The magic is not in the script. The magic is magic is not in the script. The magic is magic is not in the script. The magic is in the consistency. And this is the part in the consistency. And this is the part in the consistency. And this is the part that I see churches miss all the time. that I see churches miss all the time. that I see churches miss all the time. >> It's not that they can't figure out the >> It's not that they can't figure out the >> It's not that they can't figure out the tech. it's that they don't implement it tech. it's that they don't implement it tech. it's that they don't implement it consistently. And what has been the consistently. And what has been the consistently. And what has been the common theme throughout these seven common theme throughout these seven common theme throughout these seven building blocks? Vigilance in keeping building blocks? Vigilance in keeping building blocks? Vigilance in keeping them the thing.

them the thing. them the thing. >> Someone says in the comments, "Well, a >> Someone says in the comments, "Well, a >> Someone says in the comments, "Well, a policy only works if people follow it." policy only works if people follow it." policy only works if people follow it." And I go, "Yeah, vows in a marriage only And I go, "Yeah, vows in a marriage only And I go, "Yeah, vows in a marriage only work if people follow it. Rules of the work if people follow it. Rules of the work if people follow it. Rules of the road only work. If I decide to drive on road only work. If I decide to drive on road only work. If I decide to drive on the right and I'm in North America, Alex the right and I'm in North America, Alex the right and I'm in North America, Alex will be killed by me will be killed by me will be killed by me >> or, you know, we'll hit each other." >> or, you know, we'll hit each other." >> or, you know, we'll hit each other." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But if Alex and I both agree, you know >> But if Alex and I both agree, you know >> But if Alex and I both agree, you know what? Wait, did I get that wrong? what? Wait, did I get that wrong? what? Wait, did I get that wrong? >> Yeah, we drive on the right here. You >> Yeah, we drive on the right here. You >> Yeah, we drive on the right here. You got Ireland. got Ireland. got Ireland. >> I've been in too many places. Too many >> I've been in too many places. Too many >> I've been in too many places. Too many places lately. places lately. places lately. >> If wherever I am, I [laughter] decide >> If wherever I am, I [laughter] decide >> If wherever I am, I [laughter] decide and Alex decides we are going to drive and Alex decides we are going to drive and Alex decides we are going to drive on the correct side of the highway for on the correct side of the highway for on the correct side of the highway for our continent and our country, we will our continent and our country, we will our continent and our country, we will be fine. But you're right. If we break be fine. But you're right. If we break be fine. But you're right. If we break those rules, it won't work. That's not a those rules, it won't work. That's not a those rules, it won't work. That's not a problem with the rules. It's a problem with the rules. It's a problem with the rules. It's a [laughter] problem with a neglect of the [laughter] problem with a neglect of the [laughter] problem with a neglect of the rules of contact that we have all agreed rules of contact that we have all agreed rules of contact that we have all agreed to live by. to live by. to live by. Let's talk about different types of Let's talk about different types of Let's talk about different types of stories before we get into the rewrites. stories before we get into the rewrites. stories before we get into the rewrites. You don't always have to tell a personal You don't always have to tell a personal You don't always have to tell a personal story about something that has happened story about something that has happened story about something that has happened to you. to you. to you. >> Sometimes you can tell a story shared >> Sometimes you can tell a story shared >> Sometimes you can tell a story shared with permission about people in your with permission about people in your with permission about people in your church. And a great way to lead into church. And a great way to lead into church. And a great way to lead into that was, you know, a story was shared that was, you know, a story was shared that was, you know, a story was shared with me about a person in this church.

with me about a person in this church. with me about a person in this church. And suddenly now you're telling it from And suddenly now you're telling it from And suddenly now you're telling it from a first point of view or from like the a first point of view or from like the a first point of view or from like the second point of view, second point of view, second point of view, >> but all you need is that little thing. >> but all you need is that little thing. >> but all you need is that little thing. Okay, a story was shared with me by a Okay, a story was shared with me by a Okay, a story was shared with me by a person in this church. So, if I'm doing person in this church. So, if I'm doing person in this church. So, if I'm doing women's brunch, maybe I'm not going to women's brunch, maybe I'm not going to women's brunch, maybe I'm not going to lead with, "We had a great July women's lead with, "We had a great July women's lead with, "We had a great July women's brunch and I crashed the party." But I brunch and I crashed the party." But I brunch and I crashed the party." But I could say, "Uh, story was shared with me could say, "Uh, story was shared with me could say, "Uh, story was shared with me by my wife and then she was at women's by my wife and then she was at women's by my wife and then she was at women's brunch and then like I'm right into it brunch and then like I'm right into it brunch and then like I'm right into it even though I'm a man who was presumably even though I'm a man who was presumably even though I'm a man who was presumably not invited to women's brunch." not invited to women's brunch." not invited to women's brunch." >> Sometimes even just a narrative framing >> Sometimes even just a narrative framing >> Sometimes even just a narrative framing or an anecdote works. We did an entire or an anecdote works. We did an entire or an anecdote works. We did an entire episode called like great announcements episode called like great announcements episode called like great announcements versus good versus average. And we versus good versus average. And we versus good versus average. And we started with like a pure started with like a pure started with like a pure informationbased announcement and we informationbased announcement and we informationbased announcement and we went through five different rewrites. went through five different rewrites. went through five different rewrites. You can go back five, six, seven, eight You can go back five, six, seven, eight You can go back five, six, seven, eight weeks and find it there. weeks and find it there. weeks and find it there. >> And those were all examples of >> And those were all examples of >> And those were all examples of anecdote/narrative framing where the anecdote/narrative framing where the anecdote/narrative framing where the grander story of the church and its grander story of the church and its grander story of the church and its mission and the people that are being mission and the people that are being mission and the people that are being reached by this church and their life reached by this church and their life reached by this church and their life transformation that's taking place, all transformation that's taking place, all transformation that's taking place, all of that is narrative. And you sometimes of that is narrative. And you sometimes of that is narrative. And you sometimes don't even have to talk about a specific don't even have to talk about a specific don't even have to talk about a specific person. And that narrative story based person. And that narrative story based person. And that narrative story based framing that's anchored to the story of framing that's anchored to the story of framing that's anchored to the story of the church, your church, and then the the church, your church, and then the the church, your church, and then the story of the church, global church can story of the church, global church can story of the church, global church can work. In terms of like order of potency, work. In terms of like order of potency, work. In terms of like order of potency, I think a personal story is always best.

I think a personal story is always best. I think a personal story is always best. Secondary story would be next best. And Secondary story would be next best. And Secondary story would be next best. And then the anecdote/narrative framing then the anecdote/narrative framing then the anecdote/narrative framing would be third best. But all are great. would be third best. But all are great. would be third best. But all are great. All are dramatically superior to the All are dramatically superior to the All are dramatically superior to the information dump that we are going to information dump that we are going to information dump that we are going to get to now get to now get to now >> with three real examples. Mhm. >> with three real examples. Mhm. >> with three real examples. Mhm. >> So the first one, it is for at this >> So the first one, it is for at this >> So the first one, it is for at this point the infamous women's brunch. This point the infamous women's brunch. This point the infamous women's brunch. This is a church of under 200. is a church of under 200. is a church of under 200. >> Okay, >> Okay, >> Okay, >> let's take a listen. >> let's take a listen. >> let's take a listen. >> So, all right ladies, all ages here, we >> So, all right ladies, all ages here, we >> So, all right ladies, all ages here, we are going to have a brunch. I don't know are going to have a brunch. I don't know are going to have a brunch. I don't know about you, I like to eat, but I also about you, I like to eat, but I also about you, I like to eat, but I also like to uh hang out with you guys, too. like to uh hang out with you guys, too. like to uh hang out with you guys, too. So, we want to connect with you on So, we want to connect with you on So, we want to connect with you on Saturday, May 23rd at 10 a.m. up at our Saturday, May 23rd at 10 a.m. up at our Saturday, May 23rd at 10 a.m. up at our Penin campus. I don't know if you've Penin campus. I don't know if you've Penin campus. I don't know if you've ever been there, but there's this thing ever been there, but there's this thing ever been there, but there's this thing called Google, and I've been told it called Google, and I've been told it called Google, and I've been told it will get you there. And uh yeah, but will get you there. And uh yeah, but will get you there. And uh yeah, but we're going to do some signups in the we're going to do some signups in the we're going to do some signups in the lobby digitally. So, there's a QR code lobby digitally. So, there's a QR code lobby digitally. So, there's a QR code in the lobby. All of our signups are in the lobby. All of our signups are in the lobby. All of our signups are kind of going that way. I don't know how kind of going that way. I don't know how kind of going that way. I don't know how to do it, so I even asked somebody. So, to do it, so I even asked somebody. So, to do it, so I even asked somebody. So, if you need help, feel free to ask if you need help, feel free to ask if you need help, feel free to ask somebody. How do I sign up? Sign me up somebody. How do I sign up? Sign me up somebody. How do I sign up? Sign me up and we'll do that. The person and people and we'll do that. The person and people and we'll do that. The person and people in the lobby are going to be Lauren and in the lobby are going to be Lauren and in the lobby are going to be Lauren and Jacob today. So, they are they're techy.

Jacob today. So, they are they're techy. Jacob today. So, they are they're techy. They know all that stuff. They'll help They know all that stuff. They'll help They know all that stuff. They'll help you out. All right. you out. All right. you out. All right. >> Okay. So, >> Okay. So, >> Okay. So, I have the transcription for this I have the transcription for this I have the transcription for this announcement here. announcement here. announcement here. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And I'm looking at it right now, and I'm >> And I'm looking at it right now, and I'm >> And I'm looking at it right now, and I'm I'm just going to kind of like recap it I'm just going to kind of like recap it I'm just going to kind of like recap it briefly briefly. All right, ladies, all briefly briefly. All right, ladies, all briefly briefly. All right, ladies, all ages here, we're going to have a brunch. ages here, we're going to have a brunch. ages here, we're going to have a brunch. I don't know about you, I like to eat, I don't know about you, I like to eat, I don't know about you, I like to eat, but I also like to hang out with you but I also like to hang out with you but I also like to hang out with you guys as well. That one sentence, I don't guys as well. That one sentence, I don't guys as well. That one sentence, I don't know about you, I like to eat, but I know about you, I like to eat, but I know about you, I like to eat, but I also like to hang out with you guys, also like to hang out with you guys, also like to hang out with you guys, too, is the only part of this too, is the only part of this too, is the only part of this announcement that could even be announcement that could even be announcement that could even be interpreted as like storybased personal interpreted as like storybased personal interpreted as like storybased personal anecdote. this individual is sharing anecdote. this individual is sharing anecdote. this individual is sharing about themselves and talking about the about themselves and talking about the about themselves and talking about the value of women's brunch kind of like value of women's brunch kind of like value of women's brunch kind of like indirectly. Aside from that, then it indirectly. Aside from that, then it indirectly. Aside from that, then it goes to date, time, location, how to get goes to date, time, location, how to get goes to date, time, location, how to get there, how to sign up, QR code, lobby, there, how to sign up, QR code, lobby, there, how to sign up, QR code, lobby, how the signups are changing to digital how the signups are changing to digital how the signups are changing to digital and you need to do it. If you need help, and you need to do it. If you need help, and you need to do it. If you need help, ask somebody to sign up. Sign up, who to ask somebody to sign up. Sign up, who to ask somebody to sign up. Sign up, who to look for, two specific names of people look for, two specific names of people look for, two specific names of people to look for to sign up. They're techie. to look for to sign up. They're techie. to look for to sign up. They're techie. if you can't sign up. So, like that was if you can't sign up. So, like that was if you can't sign up. So, like that was a good 30 to 60 seconds and virtually a good 30 to 60 seconds and virtually a good 30 to 60 seconds and virtually all information.

all information. all information. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, if I was to redo that announcement >> So, if I was to redo that announcement >> So, if I was to redo that announcement here, here's what I would do. I would here, here's what I would do. I would here, here's what I would do. I would get the information off right away. This get the information off right away. This get the information off right away. This person was looking at a slide on the person was looking at a slide on the person was looking at a slide on the screen and that's always like a great screen and that's always like a great screen and that's always like a great way of doing this. Now, they used like a way of doing this. Now, they used like a way of doing this. Now, they used like a slide with some like just little like slide with some like just little like slide with some like just little like text and a clip art like little graphic. text and a clip art like little graphic. text and a clip art like little graphic. I always would recommend just take a I always would recommend just take a I always would recommend just take a photo with a phone from the last woman's photo with a phone from the last woman's photo with a phone from the last woman's brunch. Show don't tell. This is a part brunch. Show don't tell. This is a part brunch. Show don't tell. This is a part of the inspiration over information of the inspiration over information of the inspiration over information methodology, which is a picture is worth methodology, which is a picture is worth methodology, which is a picture is worth a thousand words. So, if all you did was a thousand words. So, if all you did was a thousand words. So, if all you did was this exact same announcement, but this exact same announcement, but this exact same announcement, but instead of like the graphic that has the instead of like the graphic that has the instead of like the graphic that has the text and the background that is text and the background that is text and the background that is impersonal, keep all the text up there, impersonal, keep all the text up there, impersonal, keep all the text up there, time, date, campus, that's fine, but time, date, campus, that's fine, but time, date, campus, that's fine, but have the background be a photo from the have the background be a photo from the have the background be a photo from the women's brunch. Take it with a phone. women's brunch. Take it with a phone. women's brunch. Take it with a phone. There's no excuse now in terms of like There's no excuse now in terms of like There's no excuse now in terms of like tech. Your phone is awesome. Go watch on tech. Your phone is awesome. Go watch on tech. Your phone is awesome. Go watch on the Brady Shearer channel the church the Brady Shearer channel the church the Brady Shearer channel the church smartphone photography master class. It smartphone photography master class. It smartphone photography master class. It shows you how to make them look awesome. shows you how to make them look awesome. shows you how to make them look awesome. They don't even need to look awesome. They don't even need to look awesome. They don't even need to look awesome. Just use the auto mode and that would be Just use the auto mode and that would be Just use the auto mode and that would be perfect because now I'm hearing brunch perfect because now I'm hearing brunch perfect because now I'm hearing brunch described. And even if all you did was described. And even if all you did was described. And even if all you did was give me information in your words give me information in your words give me information in your words inspiration, show don't tell is what I inspiration, show don't tell is what I inspiration, show don't tell is what I would see.

would see. would see. >> We can do more. If it was me, I would >> We can do more. If it was me, I would >> We can do more. If it was me, I would say, "Hey, we've got women's brunch say, "Hey, we've got women's brunch say, "Hey, we've got women's brunch coming up. Date time location done in 5 coming up. Date time location done in 5 coming up. Date time location done in 5 seconds. Just get it out of the way so seconds. Just get it out of the way so seconds. Just get it out of the way so that people can see it." I would then that people can see it." I would then that people can see it." I would then immediately transition to let me tell immediately transition to let me tell immediately transition to let me tell you about one of my experiences with you about one of my experiences with you about one of my experiences with brunch. This fine gentleman across the brunch. This fine gentleman across the brunch. This fine gentleman across the table from me. Him and I were once on a table from me. Him and I were once on a table from me. Him and I were once on a filming trip. filming trip. filming trip. >> Now, he would not be at the table, but I >> Now, he would not be at the table, but I >> Now, he would not be at the table, but I would mention him. Everyone knows Alex. would mention him. Everyone knows Alex. would mention him. Everyone knows Alex. We're a small church. This is a church We're a small church. This is a church We're a small church. This is a church under 200. People know Alex. And we were under 200. People know Alex. And we were under 200. People know Alex. And we were doing this filming trip and we were had doing this filming trip and we were had doing this filming trip and we were had to get up really early. It was like 5:00 to get up really early. It was like 5:00 to get up really early. It was like 5:00 a.m. wake up call. No, like 3:00 a.m. a.m. wake up call. No, like 3:00 a.m. a.m. wake up call. No, like 3:00 a.m. wake up call. We're filming at 5 a.m. wake up call. We're filming at 5 a.m. wake up call. We're filming at 5 a.m. for sunrise in the middle of the summer for sunrise in the middle of the summer for sunrise in the middle of the summer far up north in Canada. And you know, far up north in Canada. And you know, far up north in Canada. And you know, 9:00 a.m. finishes, our work for the day 9:00 a.m. finishes, our work for the day 9:00 a.m. finishes, our work for the day is done. And we needed refuge. And we is done. And we needed refuge. And we is done. And we needed refuge. And we stumbled into this little like brunch stumbled into this little like brunch stumbled into this little like brunch spot on the side of a mountain and we spot on the side of a mountain and we spot on the side of a mountain and we were looking at the different things on were looking at the different things on were looking at the different things on the menu and we saw the normals that are the menu and we saw the normals that are the menu and we saw the normals that are all great. French toast, pancakes, all great. French toast, pancakes, all great. French toast, pancakes, >> eggs benedict. >> eggs benedict. >> eggs benedict. >> Sure. Heard of it. And then I saw >> Sure. Heard of it. And then I saw >> Sure. Heard of it. And then I saw something I hadn't seen before. something I hadn't seen before. something I hadn't seen before. Shakshuka. I was like, what is that? And Shakshuka. I was like, what is that? And Shakshuka. I was like, what is that? And it's describing egg and tomato and it's describing egg and tomato and it's describing egg and tomato and >> warm spices. Oh. Oh yeah. Have you heard >> warm spices. Oh. Oh yeah. Have you heard >> warm spices. Oh. Oh yeah. Have you heard he heard of this like spice blend? It's he heard of this like spice blend? It's he heard of this like spice blend? It's like, no, I don't know. And it comes in like, no, I don't know. And it comes in like, no, I don't know. And it comes in a cast iron pan and it comes out and we a cast iron pan and it comes out and we a cast iron pan and it comes out and we both have it's just piping hot. It was both have it's just piping hot. It was both have it's just piping hot. It was perfect. We were so cold and I thought, perfect. We were so cold and I thought, perfect. We were so cold and I thought, you know, I'm not even a big brunch guy, you know, I'm not even a big brunch guy, you know, I'm not even a big brunch guy, but in that moment, but in that moment, but in that moment, >> I was converted to brunch. And that's >> I was converted to brunch. And that's >> I was converted to brunch. And that's what's great about brunch is that there what's great about brunch is that there what's great about brunch is that there are so many different food options. It's are so many different food options. It's are so many different food options. It's basically a meal contrived by humans to basically a meal contrived by humans to basically a meal contrived by humans to break every rule of normal dining. And break every rule of normal dining. And break every rule of normal dining. And we'd love to have you at Women's Brunch.

we'd love to have you at Women's Brunch. we'd love to have you at Women's Brunch. Like I hammed it up a little bit there Like I hammed it up a little bit there Like I hammed it up a little bit there because this podcast like it doesn't because this podcast like it doesn't because this podcast like it doesn't have to be that long. But have to be that long. But have to be that long. But >> hopefully I painted a word picture for >> hopefully I painted a word picture for >> hopefully I painted a word picture for you. And guess what? This is how this you. And guess what? This is how this you. And guess what? This is how this happens in churches of all sizes. You happens in churches of all sizes. You happens in churches of all sizes. You just learned something about me. just learned something about me. just learned something about me. >> You learned that I went on a filming >> You learned that I went on a filming >> You learned that I went on a filming trip. You learned that Alex and I were trip. You learned that Alex and I were trip. You learned that Alex and I were together. You learned that I don't together. You learned that I don't together. You learned that I don't really care for brunch that often. You really care for brunch that often. You really care for brunch that often. You learned that I had Shakshuka. You learned that I had Shakshuka. You learned that I had Shakshuka. You learned about Shakshuka perhaps. And now learned about Shakshuka perhaps. And now learned about Shakshuka perhaps. And now when you and I run into each other at when you and I run into each other at when you and I run into each other at women's brunch or at something else, you women's brunch or at something else, you women's brunch or at something else, you have like a a talking point that's have like a a talking point that's have like a a talking point that's probably going to like start something. probably going to like start something. probably going to like start something. And this is what we see all the time. And this is what we see all the time. And this is what we see all the time. When you commit to just good types of When you commit to just good types of When you commit to just good types of communication, it doesn't just work in a communication, it doesn't just work in a communication, it doesn't just work in a silo. It ends up cascading in other silo. It ends up cascading in other silo. It ends up cascading in other ways. The language you use becomes the ways. The language you use becomes the ways. The language you use becomes the culture you build. That is what is true. culture you build. That is what is true. culture you build. That is what is true. It's what Alex said at the top of this It's what Alex said at the top of this It's what Alex said at the top of this episode. Church communications permeates episode. Church communications permeates episode. Church communications permeates every single thing in your church. It's every single thing in your church. It's every single thing in your church. It's not this department. not this department. not this department. >> It's what every department runs on. The >> It's what every department runs on. The >> It's what every department runs on. The graphic you made example of that's graphic you made example of that's graphic you made example of that's church communications, right? Like church communications, right? Like church communications, right? Like choosing to put a photo from last year's choosing to put a photo from last year's choosing to put a photo from last year's woman women's brunch compared to tasking woman women's brunch compared to tasking woman women's brunch compared to tasking someone with like coming up with a someone with like coming up with a someone with like coming up with a graphic and they just go into Canva and graphic and they just go into Canva and graphic and they just go into Canva and use Canva AI to come up with a graphic.

use Canva AI to come up with a graphic. use Canva AI to come up with a graphic. It's like that was communications. And It's like that was communications. And It's like that was communications. And so often we believe the lie that like so often we believe the lie that like so often we believe the lie that like church communications is only what we church communications is only what we church communications is only what we say during particular moments of the say during particular moments of the say during particular moments of the service or what have you. Like service or what have you. Like service or what have you. Like everything that we do to communicate the everything that we do to communicate the everything that we do to communicate the story that we're trying to tell is story that we're trying to tell is story that we're trying to tell is church comms. And I think you just did a church comms. And I think you just did a church comms. And I think you just did a a um you made a very good example of a um you made a very good example of a um you made a very good example of what it could look like for um someone what it could look like for um someone what it could look like for um someone who isn't attending the event. You're who isn't attending the event. You're who isn't attending the event. You're not going to women's brunch. You're not going to women's brunch. You're not going to women's brunch. You're Brady the man and you're the comm's Brady the man and you're the comm's Brady the man and you're the comm's director at this church and there's no director at this church and there's no director at this church and there's no woman available to do women's brunch woman available to do women's brunch woman available to do women's brunch announcements today because she's sick announcements today because she's sick announcements today because she's sick and our church has 14 people. So you got and our church has 14 people. So you got and our church has 14 people. So you got to get up there and you need to tell a to get up there and you need to tell a to get up there and you need to tell a story about to to communicate to inspire story about to to communicate to inspire story about to to communicate to inspire people to come to Women's Brunch. And people to come to Women's Brunch. And people to come to Women's Brunch. And you can't tell a story about being at you can't tell a story about being at you can't tell a story about being at Women's Brunch last year. you can do is Women's Brunch last year. you can do is Women's Brunch last year. you can do is use that personal anecdote. And so that use that personal anecdote. And so that use that personal anecdote. And so that was a a great example of, you know, if was a a great example of, you know, if was a a great example of, you know, if you're tasked with doing the you're tasked with doing the you're tasked with doing the announcement for a ministry that you're announcement for a ministry that you're announcement for a ministry that you're not involved in or you're not allowed to not involved in or you're not allowed to not involved in or you're not allowed to go to cuz you're not a lady, there's go to cuz you're not a lady, there's go to cuz you're not a lady, there's still a way to tell an effective story. still a way to tell an effective story. still a way to tell an effective story. Yeah. And let's imagine the people at Yeah. And let's imagine the people at Yeah. And let's imagine the people at women's brunch, maybe this never gets women's brunch, maybe this never gets women's brunch, maybe this never gets back to me. They're sitting around the back to me. They're sitting around the back to me. They're sitting around the table and one of them goes, "Oh my gosh, table and one of them goes, "Oh my gosh, table and one of them goes, "Oh my gosh, look, there's Shak Shuka. Do you look, there's Shak Shuka. Do you look, there's Shak Shuka. Do you remember, "Oh, Shaka." And they're remember, "Oh, Shaka." And they're remember, "Oh, Shaka." And they're they're talking about it because it was they're talking about it because it was they're talking about it because it was a memorable moment in service, not just a memorable moment in service, not just a memorable moment in service, not just me like pitching information. Another me like pitching information. Another me like pitching information. Another version of this is if I don't have a version of this is if I don't have a version of this is if I don't have a personal story about brunch, but who personal story about brunch, but who personal story about brunch, but who doesn't? Is to say something like, you doesn't? Is to say something like, you doesn't? Is to say something like, you know, a story was shared with me about know, a story was shared with me about know, a story was shared with me about the last woman's brunch that they had the last woman's brunch that they had the last woman's brunch that they had like this fresh squeezed juice that one like this fresh squeezed juice that one like this fresh squeezed juice that one person got and then it looks so good person got and then it looks so good person got and then it looks so good that like everyone else got it. Turns that like everyone else got it. Turns that like everyone else got it. Turns out it was made with like mango and this

out it was made with like mango and this out it was made with like mango and this like you know um herb or whatever and it like you know um herb or whatever and it like you know um herb or whatever and it was a big hit. Like I'm just telling a was a big hit. Like I'm just telling a was a big hit. Like I'm just telling a story that was relayed to me about story that was relayed to me about story that was relayed to me about women's brunch. I can do it in 15 women's brunch. I can do it in 15 women's brunch. I can do it in 15 seconds. seconds. seconds. >> People are seeing a photo of women's >> People are seeing a photo of women's >> People are seeing a photo of women's brunch. They see the dates. Why are we brunch. They see the dates. Why are we brunch. They see the dates. Why are we doing all this work? I'm not trying to doing all this work? I'm not trying to doing all this work? I'm not trying to create more work for you. We want to create more work for you. We want to create more work for you. We want to change the attitudes, beliefs, and change the attitudes, beliefs, and change the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of people in your church. behaviors of people in your church. behaviors of people in your church. Storytelling is the only form of human Storytelling is the only form of human Storytelling is the only form of human communication that has been proven to do communication that has been proven to do communication that has been proven to do that and will always be proven to do that and will always be proven to do that and will always be proven to do that. You learn this skill once. You that. You learn this skill once. You that. You learn this skill once. You have it forever. This is not a social have it forever. This is not a social have it forever. This is not a social media tactic that you're like, I'm going media tactic that you're like, I'm going media tactic that you're like, I'm going to learn this and in 6 months it's going to learn this and in 6 months it's going to learn this and in 6 months it's going to go away. No, we're not suggesting to go away. No, we're not suggesting to go away. No, we're not suggesting that. We've been talking about story for that. We've been talking about story for that. We've been talking about story for 93 episodes. 93 episodes. 93 episodes. >> We talk about this announcement formula >> We talk about this announcement formula >> We talk about this announcement formula for as long as I've worked here. for as long as I've worked here. for as long as I've worked here. >> That's true. This is like one of the >> That's true. This is like one of the >> That's true. This is like one of the building blocks that is actually not building blocks that is actually not building blocks that is actually not new. The final two have existed for new. The final two have existed for new. The final two have existed for close to a decade and sometimes there close to a decade and sometimes there close to a decade and sometimes there were friction points before those that were friction points before those that were friction points before those that ran into ran into ran into 10 years of working with thousands of 10 years of working with thousands of 10 years of working with thousands of churches. We unearthed surfaced the churches. We unearthed surfaced the churches. We unearthed surfaced the first five building blocks and now the first five building blocks and now the first five building blocks and now the methodology all comes together. methodology all comes together. methodology all comes together. >> One thing before we move on these >> One thing before we move on these >> One thing before we move on these announcements they come from churches announcements they come from churches announcements they come from churches that have given us permission to share that have given us permission to share that have given us permission to share them.

them. them. >> I watched the entire announcement >> I watched the entire announcement >> I watched the entire announcement section for this church that we just section for this church that we just section for this church that we just watched watched watched >> and it was pretty lengthy. And you know >> and it was pretty lengthy. And you know >> and it was pretty lengthy. And you know where it led to was they made an where it led to was they made an where it led to was they made an announcement that their youth pastor was announcement that their youth pastor was announcement that their youth pastor was moving on not to another church but to a moving on not to another church but to a moving on not to another church but to a different department of ministry. He was different department of ministry. He was different department of ministry. He was actually moving into church comms moving actually moving into church comms moving actually moving into church comms moving moving out of youth ministry. moving out of youth ministry. moving out of youth ministry. >> And it was a beautiful moment. He came >> And it was a beautiful moment. He came >> And it was a beautiful moment. He came up and he shared um there were some up and he shared um there were some up and he shared um there were some elders from the church who came up and elders from the church who came up and elders from the church who came up and prayed for him. prayed for him. prayed for him. >> And that's where the announcement >> And that's where the announcement >> And that's where the announcement section led to. And if you lose the section led to. And if you lose the section led to. And if you lose the attention, attention, attention, >> right, >> right, >> right, >> of folks early on in the announcement >> of folks early on in the announcement >> of folks early on in the announcement section because you're just leaning on section because you're just leaning on section because you're just leaning on kind of like an information dump and and kind of like an information dump and and kind of like an information dump and and and you don't lean into story, you are and you don't lean into story, you are and you don't lean into story, you are putting at risk what is happening next. putting at risk what is happening next. putting at risk what is happening next. So for this church, it was this really So for this church, it was this really So for this church, it was this really beautiful moment. For most churches, beautiful moment. For most churches, beautiful moment. For most churches, it's the sermon that comes up next. And it's the sermon that comes up next. And it's the sermon that comes up next. And when when yeah, I guess when we we make when when yeah, I guess when we we make when when yeah, I guess when we we make opportunity for folks to tune out opportunity for folks to tune out opportunity for folks to tune out because we're not leveraging the power because we're not leveraging the power because we're not leveraging the power of storytelling, we sacrifice their of storytelling, we sacrifice their of storytelling, we sacrifice their attention. attention. attention. >> We're not just creating opportunities. >> We're not just creating opportunities. >> We're not just creating opportunities. We're basically making the decision for We're basically making the decision for We're basically making the decision for them.

them. them. >> Yeah. We just sacrifice their attention >> Yeah. We just sacrifice their attention >> Yeah. We just sacrifice their attention for what's coming next. And in this for what's coming next. And in this for what's coming next. And in this case, you know, a beautiful moment, but case, you know, a beautiful moment, but case, you know, a beautiful moment, but in many cases, it's the sermon, which is in many cases, it's the sermon, which is in many cases, it's the sermon, which is I mean, you want people paying attention I mean, you want people paying attention I mean, you want people paying attention for every part of church, but like the for every part of church, but like the for every part of church, but like the sermon is the bulk of the the content, sermon is the bulk of the the content, sermon is the bulk of the the content, the the presentation of the gospel. Um, the the presentation of the gospel. Um, the the presentation of the gospel. Um, and unfortunately a lot of of church and unfortunately a lot of of church and unfortunately a lot of of church people in the pews are tuning out during people in the pews are tuning out during people in the pews are tuning out during that precious transition time between that precious transition time between that precious transition time between worship and the sermon when it it it worship and the sermon when it it it worship and the sermon when it it it ends up being 7 8 12 announcements. So ends up being 7 8 12 announcements. So ends up being 7 8 12 announcements. So what do people do in this case? what do people do in this case? what do people do in this case? Sometimes churches will just say, you Sometimes churches will just say, you Sometimes churches will just say, you know what, we're going to opt out of know what, we're going to opt out of know what, we're going to opt out of announcements altogether. announcements altogether. announcements altogether. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> We're going to do something where we put >> We're going to do something where we put >> We're going to do something where we put maybe announcements at the very maybe announcements at the very maybe announcements at the very beginning. We put them at the very end beginning. We put them at the very end beginning. We put them at the very end of service or maybe we go into video of service or maybe we go into video of service or maybe we go into video announcements to ensure that our announcements to ensure that our announcements to ensure that our announcement section is no longer than 3 announcement section is no longer than 3 announcement section is no longer than 3 minutes. That prevents it going from 5 minutes. That prevents it going from 5 minutes. That prevents it going from 5 10 15 people are coming on stage, people 10 15 people are coming on stage, people 10 15 people are coming on stage, people are reading pieces of paper and now are reading pieces of paper and now are reading pieces of paper and now you've compromised the momentum of the you've compromised the momentum of the you've compromised the momentum of the service. So, the next example comes from service. So, the next example comes from service. So, the next example comes from a church of 200 to 500 in Wilson, North a church of 200 to 500 in Wilson, North a church of 200 to 500 in Wilson, North Carolina, and they've opted in for video Carolina, and they've opted in for video Carolina, and they've opted in for video announcements. Now, if you're curious announcements. Now, if you're curious announcements. Now, if you're curious where these examples came from, they've where these examples came from, they've where these examples came from, they've all come from churches that went to all come from churches that went to all come from churches that went to church.com and got their church chaos church.com and got their church chaos church.com and got their church chaos score. It's free, takes about 3 minutes score. It's free, takes about 3 minutes score. It's free, takes about 3 minutes to submit. And what we do is we put to submit. And what we do is we put to submit. And what we do is we put together a full personalized report of together a full personalized report of together a full personalized report of your church's communications with the your church's communications with the your church's communications with the headline being a score of 0 to 100. The headline being a score of 0 to 100. The headline being a score of 0 to 100. The lower the score, the healthier the lower the score, the healthier the lower the score, the healthier the ministry, the less chaos. That's a good ministry, the less chaos. That's a good ministry, the less chaos. That's a good thing. There are four different thing. There are four different thing. There are four different >> quadrants that we can put you into. Low >> quadrants that we can put you into. Low >> quadrants that we can put you into. Low chaos, moderate chaos, high chaos,

chaos, moderate chaos, high chaos, chaos, moderate chaos, high chaos, critical chaos. This is a very useful critical chaos. This is a very useful critical chaos. This is a very useful starting point for figuring out where starting point for figuring out where starting point for figuring out where you're at. The way that we compile these you're at. The way that we compile these you're at. The way that we compile these numbers and all the observations into numbers and all the observations into numbers and all the observations into this report for you are we get three this report for you are we get three this report for you are we get three services from you. full services, not services from you. full services, not services from you. full services, not just sermons, announcements, worship, just sermons, announcements, worship, just sermons, announcements, worship, the beginning parts, the transitions, the beginning parts, the transitions, the beginning parts, the transitions, the end parts, and then your website. We the end parts, and then your website. We the end parts, and then your website. We >> diagnose every single word that said >> diagnose every single word that said >> diagnose every single word that said from stage and that gets compiled into from stage and that gets compiled into from stage and that gets compiled into this, you know, 15 to 30 page report. this, you know, 15 to 30 page report. this, you know, 15 to 30 page report. Again, it's all free. Church chaos.com. Again, it's all free. Church chaos.com. Again, it's all free. Church chaos.com. So, this church went and did that. So, this church went and did that. So, this church went and did that. Church of 200 to 500, Wilson, North Church of 200 to 500, Wilson, North Church of 200 to 500, Wilson, North Carolina. They're doing video Carolina. They're doing video Carolina. They're doing video announcements. Let's give part of those announcements. Let's give part of those announcements. Let's give part of those video announcements a brief listen. Next video announcements a brief listen. Next video announcements a brief listen. Next week, we're having a parent child week, we're having a parent child week, we're having a parent child dedication. So, if you've recently had a dedication. So, if you've recently had a dedication. So, if you've recently had a child and you want to dedicate your child and you want to dedicate your child and you want to dedicate your family to the Lord, this is a great family to the Lord, this is a great family to the Lord, this is a great opportunity to do it, you can sign up on opportunity to do it, you can sign up on opportunity to do it, you can sign up on the Church Center app. We've got several the Church Center app. We've got several the Church Center app. We've got several things going on on May 17th. The first things going on on May 17th. The first things going on on May 17th. The first of which is a baptism. And so, if you of which is a baptism. And so, if you of which is a baptism. And so, if you want to profess your faith publicly in want to profess your faith publicly in want to profess your faith publicly in Jesus Christ, then we invite you to sign Jesus Christ, then we invite you to sign Jesus Christ, then we invite you to sign up on the Church Center app. There's up on the Church Center app. There's up on the Church Center app. There's also some information there. If you have also some information there. If you have also some information there. If you have a child that's been asking about it, a child that's been asking about it, a child that's been asking about it, there's some information there that'll there's some information there that'll there's some information there that'll help you have that conversation. Also, help you have that conversation. Also, help you have that conversation. Also, we're having a membership class on May we're having a membership class on May we're having a membership class on May 17th, and this is for those who are 17th, and this is for those who are 17th, and this is for those who are interested in being a Covenant member of interested in being a Covenant member of interested in being a Covenant member of Eastgate Church. Please check out the Eastgate Church. Please check out the Eastgate Church. Please check out the details and sign up on the Church Center details and sign up on the Church Center details and sign up on the Church Center app. Then, that afternoon and evening, app. Then, that afternoon and evening, app. Then, that afternoon and evening, both campuses are going to be getting both campuses are going to be getting both campuses are going to be getting together on the lawn in front of our together on the lawn in front of our together on the lawn in front of our Wilson campus, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. We're Wilson campus, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. We're Wilson campus, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. We're going to be having our hot diggity dog going to be having our hot diggity dog going to be having our hot diggity dog church picnic. And so, the hot dogs will church picnic. And so, the hot dogs will church picnic. And so, the hot dogs will be provided. Everyone's going to bring a be provided. Everyone's going to bring a be provided. Everyone's going to bring a side dish and a dessert and a drink to side dish and a dessert and a drink to side dish and a dessert and a drink to share. You can also bring whatever lawn

share. You can also bring whatever lawn share. You can also bring whatever lawn games you might want to bring and a games you might want to bring and a games you might want to bring and a chair or blanket to sit at. We're going chair or blanket to sit at. We're going chair or blanket to sit at. We're going to be setting up volleyball and having to be setting up volleyball and having to be setting up volleyball and having other kinds of games. Um, so it's going other kinds of games. Um, so it's going other kinds of games. Um, so it's going to be a great time. Come on out and join to be a great time. Come on out and join to be a great time. Come on out and join us. Now, today we still have a table in us. Now, today we still have a table in us. Now, today we still have a table in the lobby for Compassion International. the lobby for Compassion International. the lobby for Compassion International. And this is where you can learn more and And this is where you can learn more and And this is where you can learn more and also sponsor a child uh through their also sponsor a child uh through their also sponsor a child uh through their child sponsorship program. So, if you child sponsorship program. So, if you child sponsorship program. So, if you are interested, please stop by the are interested, please stop by the are interested, please stop by the table, ask your questions, and get table, ask your questions, and get table, ask your questions, and get involved. All right, let's prepare our involved. All right, let's prepare our involved. All right, let's prepare our hearts and minds for worship. We worship hearts and minds for worship. We worship hearts and minds for worship. We worship through singing together, hearing God's through singing together, hearing God's through singing together, hearing God's word, and also the fellowship of word, and also the fellowship of word, and also the fellowship of Christian community. So, no matter where Christian community. So, no matter where Christian community. So, no matter where you're joining us from, go and stand you're joining us from, go and stand you're joining us from, go and stand your feet because our service starts your feet because our service starts your feet because our service starts now. now. now. >> Okay, let's start by talking about the >> Okay, let's start by talking about the >> Okay, let's start by talking about the good. This set of video announcements good. This set of video announcements good. This set of video announcements was filmed in what looks like the was filmed in what looks like the was filmed in what looks like the church's lobby. And so, what's really church's lobby. And so, what's really church's lobby. And so, what's really nice about this is nice about this is nice about this is >> or maybe it was filmed in our studio. >> or maybe it was filmed in our studio. >> or maybe it was filmed in our studio. You'll never know. [laughter] You'll never know. [laughter] You'll never know. [laughter] >> Maybe that was me. AI, right? >> Maybe that was me. AI, right? >> Maybe that was me. AI, right? >> AI. There's a lot of things we can do >> AI. There's a lot of things we can do >> AI. There's a lot of things we can do now. now. now. >> Whoa. This whole time people would say >> Whoa. This whole time people would say >> Whoa. This whole time people would say during our video announcements like, during our video announcements like, during our video announcements like, "Wait, does this guy attend our church?" "Wait, does this guy attend our church?" "Wait, does this guy attend our church?" >> We just missed it. We got out of church >> We just missed it. We got out of church >> We just missed it. We got out of church announcements just before the uh AI tech announcements just before the uh AI tech announcements just before the uh AI tech uh made it available. uh made it available. uh made it available. >> Send me your like send me a voice sample >> Send me your like send me a voice sample >> Send me your like send me a voice sample of your pastor whomever you WANT of your pastor whomever you WANT of your pastor whomever you WANT REPRESENTED AND OH, REPRESENTED AND OH, REPRESENTED AND OH, >> that's a shame. We can get back in.

>> that's a shame. We can get back in. >> that's a shame. We can get back in. >> I mean, talk about >> I mean, talk about >> I mean, talk about >> turn the studio back into it. >> turn the studio back into it. >> turn the studio back into it. >> Talk about being genuine and >> Talk about being genuine and >> Talk about being genuine and transparent. It's probably not ideal. transparent. It's probably not ideal. transparent. It's probably not ideal. So, these were filmed in that church's So, these were filmed in that church's So, these were filmed in that church's lobby, which I always love because lobby, which I always love because lobby, which I always love because instead of filming against a backdrop instead of filming against a backdrop instead of filming against a backdrop with like a fancy green screen or black with like a fancy green screen or black with like a fancy green screen or black screen, which has its place, screen, which has its place, screen, which has its place, >> you get a sense of place for this >> you get a sense of place for this >> you get a sense of place for this church. and I've never been, but it church. and I've never been, but it church. and I've never been, but it gives a lot more personality. gives a lot more personality. gives a lot more personality. >> Again, the principle of show don't tell >> Again, the principle of show don't tell >> Again, the principle of show don't tell that is doing a lot of heavy lifting, that is doing a lot of heavy lifting, that is doing a lot of heavy lifting, which is great. Yeah, which is great. Yeah, which is great. Yeah, >> those announcements were also very >> those announcements were also very >> those announcements were also very brief. We started the countdown at about brief. We started the countdown at about brief. We started the countdown at about like 58 seconds and they went through like 58 seconds and they went through like 58 seconds and they went through like four, five, six different like four, five, six different like four, five, six different announcements. Now, I do have one one announcements. Now, I do have one one announcements. Now, I do have one one small note. [laughter] small note. [laughter] small note. [laughter] >> I know exactly what you're going to say. >> I know exactly what you're going to say. >> I know exactly what you're going to say. >> I don't know exactly how the countdown >> I don't know exactly how the countdown >> I don't know exactly how the countdown was being applied, was being applied, was being applied, but the countdown goes to zero and the but the countdown goes to zero and the but the countdown goes to zero and the announcements are not done. keep going. announcements are not done. keep going. announcements are not done. keep going. And if they're pre-recorded, And if they're pre-recorded, And if they're pre-recorded, [gasps] shouldn't we know when the [gasps] shouldn't we know when the [gasps] shouldn't we know when the announcement's end? That so that's the announcement's end? That so that's the announcement's end? That so that's the only thing, just a small thing because I only thing, just a small thing because I only thing, just a small thing because I remember the first time watching this, remember the first time watching this, remember the first time watching this, I'm like, "Okay." And then the I'm like, "Okay." And then the I'm like, "Okay." And then the announcements continue. I was like, announcements continue. I was like, announcements continue. I was like, "Wait a minute. "Wait a minute. "Wait a minute. >> They got you. >> They got you. >> They got you. >> Wait a minute." >> Wait a minute." >> Wait a minute." >> And in the moment, I was I was taken out >> And in the moment, I was I was taken out >> And in the moment, I was I was taken out of the announcement, not just because it of the announcement, not just because it of the announcement, not just because it was information, but because the was information, but because the was information, but because the precedent, the expectation had been set precedent, the expectation had been set precedent, the expectation had been set that these announcements would be that these announcements would be that these announcements would be ending, and they didn't.

ending, and they didn't. ending, and they didn't. >> Small thing again. Maybe the overlay of >> Small thing again. Maybe the overlay of >> Small thing again. Maybe the overlay of the countdown was like live because this the countdown was like live because this the countdown was like live because this was a combination of online service in was a combination of online service in was a combination of online service in person pre-recorded to a live element. person pre-recorded to a live element. person pre-recorded to a live element. If so, forgive me. Okay. But but it If so, forgive me. Okay. But but it If so, forgive me. Okay. But but it wasn't clear to me. wasn't clear to me. wasn't clear to me. >> Small things. >> Small things. >> Small things. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] >> The other Yes. The other good part was >> The other Yes. The other good part was >> The other Yes. The other good part was that it was the church center app as the that it was the church center app as the that it was the church center app as the consistent destination at the end of consistent destination at the end of consistent destination at the end of every announcement. You heard it. every announcement. You heard it. every announcement. You heard it. >> Now for using a central hub, I don't >> Now for using a central hub, I don't >> Now for using a central hub, I don't love using an app because there is the love using an app because there is the love using an app because there is the friction point that it needs to be friction point that it needs to be friction point that it needs to be downloaded. But the fact that it was downloaded. But the fact that it was downloaded. But the fact that it was mentioned at the end of every single mentioned at the end of every single mentioned at the end of every single announcement, I know if I go to this announcement, I know if I go to this announcement, I know if I go to this church where I have to go to take my church where I have to go to take my church where I have to go to take my next step. And that is the magic of it. next step. And that is the magic of it. next step. And that is the magic of it. Now, it won't happen in a single Now, it won't happen in a single Now, it won't happen in a single service. That singular destination service. That singular destination service. That singular destination taking place. It's the type of vigilance taking place. It's the type of vigilance taking place. It's the type of vigilance that that that >> pays off over weeks and months of >> pays off over weeks and months of >> pays off over weeks and months of building consistent culture. But that building consistent culture. But that building consistent culture. But that stood out to me and I'm pretty confident stood out to me and I'm pretty confident stood out to me and I'm pretty confident this church has listened to a lot of our this church has listened to a lot of our this church has listened to a lot of our advice and put a lot of that advice into advice and put a lot of that advice into advice and put a lot of that advice into action. So, how could we take this and action. So, how could we take this and action. So, how could we take this and improve it even more? Well, we talked improve it even more? Well, we talked improve it even more? Well, we talked about three announcements or fewer being about three announcements or fewer being about three announcements or fewer being the ideal. I want you to imagine those the ideal. I want you to imagine those the ideal. I want you to imagine those four, five, six announcements.

four, five, six announcements. four, five, six announcements. >> They were all done in like a minute to >> They were all done in like a minute to >> They were all done in like a minute to 90 seconds. 90 seconds. 90 seconds. >> Can't know for sure. [laughter] >> If you tried to do a story for every >> If you tried to do a story for every single one of those, that would probably single one of those, that would probably single one of those, that would probably be difficult. be difficult. be difficult. >> Yeah. because you heard my shakshuka >> Yeah. because you heard my shakshuka >> Yeah. because you heard my shakshuka story and again I was hamming it up a story and again I was hamming it up a story and again I was hamming it up a little bit brunch pun intended to like little bit brunch pun intended to like little bit brunch pun intended to like elongate it for the purpose of the elongate it for the purpose of the elongate it for the purpose of the podcast podcast podcast >> so you can make it shorter but you're >> so you can make it shorter but you're >> so you can make it shorter but you're not going to get six announcements done not going to get six announcements done not going to get six announcements done no no no >> in 60 to 90 seconds when you're using >> in 60 to 90 seconds when you're using >> in 60 to 90 seconds when you're using story story story >> so >> so >> so >> ideally we're installing the seven >> ideally we're installing the seven >> ideally we're installing the seven building blocks and we don't feel building blocks and we don't feel building blocks and we don't feel compelled to do every single one of compelled to do every single one of compelled to do every single one of those announcements because here's what those announcements because here's what those announcements because here's what I would say to this church yes you have I would say to this church yes you have I would say to this church yes you have avoided a few traps you've made sure avoided a few traps you've made sure avoided a few traps you've made sure that your announcements are not that your announcements are not that your announcements are not detracting from the overall momentum of detracting from the overall momentum of detracting from the overall momentum of service because they're at the very service because they're at the very service because they're at the very beginning and they're short enough that beginning and they're short enough that beginning and they're short enough that they can't do that much damage. Great. they can't do that much damage. Great. they can't do that much damage. Great. >> You have consistently promoted a single >> You have consistently promoted a single >> You have consistently promoted a single next step, one destination. Great. next step, one destination. Great. next step, one destination. Great. >> The problem is none of those >> The problem is none of those >> The problem is none of those announcements for me are going to be announcements for me are going to be announcements for me are going to be memorable.

memorable. memorable. >> I've watched it three times. I could not >> I've watched it three times. I could not >> I've watched it three times. I could not tell you what they are. The only one I tell you what they are. The only one I tell you what they are. The only one I remember is the compassion one, remember is the compassion one, remember is the compassion one, >> right? And why do I remember that? >> right? And why do I remember that? >> right? And why do I remember that? Because we just made a joke about Because we just made a joke about Because we just made a joke about compassion earlier in this episode. compassion earlier in this episode. compassion earlier in this episode. >> What do I remember? I remember the >> What do I remember? I remember the >> What do I remember? I remember the lobby. I can distinctly see it in my lobby. I can distinctly see it in my lobby. I can distinctly see it in my mind's eye and I remember the mind's eye and I remember the mind's eye and I remember the destination because it was the one thing destination because it was the one thing destination because it was the one thing that was repeated. I don't remember the that was repeated. I don't remember the that was repeated. I don't remember the other things and I prepared it. I've other things and I prepared it. I've other things and I prepared it. I've watched it now multiple times for the watched it now multiple times for the watched it now multiple times for the sake of sake of sake of >> like >> like >> like >> talking about it on this show. >> talking about it on this show. >> talking about it on this show. >> So to think that the church could >> So to think that the church could >> So to think that the church could remember it remember it remember it >> and and and then and this is the problem >> and and and then and this is the problem >> and and and then and this is the problem with announcements overall. Like there with announcements overall. Like there with announcements overall. Like there is no perfect time for it. We've talked is no perfect time for it. We've talked is no perfect time for it. We've talked about this before. You do it at the about this before. You do it at the about this before. You do it at the beginning of service. You haven't now beginning of service. You haven't now beginning of service. You haven't now detracted momentum from middle of detracted momentum from middle of detracted momentum from middle of service. Guess what? Half the church service. Guess what? Half the church service. Guess what? Half the church didn't even see it cuz they weren't even didn't even see it cuz they weren't even didn't even see it cuz they weren't even on time. So that is the one problem of on time. So that is the one problem of on time. So that is the one problem of putting them first. putting them first. putting them first. >> Yeah. So it just accentuates why we talk >> Yeah. So it just accentuates why we talk >> Yeah. So it just accentuates why we talk about, you know, three or fewer about, you know, three or fewer about, you know, three or fewer announcements. We talked to Luke announcements. We talked to Luke announcements. We talked to Luke Simmons, pastor of Ironwood Church, uh Simmons, pastor of Ironwood Church, uh Simmons, pastor of Ironwood Church, uh large church, and he was on our show and large church, and he was on our show and large church, and he was on our show and he's like, "Yeah, I hear you. We prefer he's like, "Yeah, I hear you. We prefer he's like, "Yeah, I hear you. We prefer to do one announcement and we're like, to do one announcement and we're like, to do one announcement and we're like, "Oh, "Oh, "Oh, >> I see you. I see your game." >> I see you. I see your game." >> I see you. I see your game." >> If you if you knew, and this is the this >> If you if you knew, and this is the this >> If you if you knew, and this is the this is like the gamble that you're making, is like the gamble that you're making, is like the gamble that you're making, like the the wager internally is, okay, like the the wager internally is, okay, like the the wager internally is, okay, I know that if I did a hundred I know that if I did a hundred I know that if I did a hundred announcements, basically no one would do announcements, basically no one would do announcements, basically no one would do anything. if I did five announcements, anything. if I did five announcements, anything. if I did five announcements, how many people would get involved how many people would get involved how many people would get involved versus if I did three versus if I did versus if I did three versus if I did versus if I did three versus if I did one. You can never know with certainty.

one. You can never know with certainty. one. You can never know with certainty. We can know with best practices and we We can know with best practices and we We can know with best practices and we can pretty confidently can pretty confidently can pretty confidently guess. But if I told you if you do one guess. But if I told you if you do one guess. But if I told you if you do one announcement, you will see in a church announcement, you will see in a church announcement, you will see in a church of, let's say, you know, 2,000, 50 of, let's say, you know, 2,000, 50 of, let's say, you know, 2,000, 50 people take a next step. If you do three people take a next step. If you do three people take a next step. If you do three announcements, 40 people will take a announcements, 40 people will take a announcements, 40 people will take a next step. And if you do five or more, next step. And if you do five or more, next step. And if you do five or more, 25 people will take a next step. What 25 people will take a next step. What 25 people will take a next step. What would you do? Would you say, "Well, I'd would you do? Would you say, "Well, I'd would you do? Would you say, "Well, I'd rather 40 people take next steps across rather 40 people take next steps across rather 40 people take next steps across multiple ministries than 50 take one multiple ministries than 50 take one multiple ministries than 50 take one next step." For me, I would always next step." For me, I would always next step." For me, I would always prioritize the most amount of people prioritize the most amount of people prioritize the most amount of people taking a next step. And it's a balance. taking a next step. And it's a balance. taking a next step. And it's a balance. You You might not think it's realistic You You might not think it's realistic You You might not think it's realistic to do one single announcement every to do one single announcement every to do one single announcement every single week. You install all the single week. You install all the single week. You install all the building blocks and guess what? You have building blocks and guess what? You have building blocks and guess what? You have a ton of flexibility, a ton of flexibility, a ton of flexibility, >> right? Sunday's no longer your savior. >> right? Sunday's no longer your savior. >> right? Sunday's no longer your savior. >> Exactly. You can pivot. You have >> Exactly. You can pivot. You have >> Exactly. You can pivot. You have optionality. That all exists. Great. But optionality. That all exists. Great. But optionality. That all exists. Great. But let's say you're like, "Well, we have to let's say you're like, "Well, we have to let's say you're like, "Well, we have to do at least three." To me, the next step do at least three." To me, the next step do at least three." To me, the next step number is what matters the most because number is what matters the most because number is what matters the most because I want people getting involved and life I want people getting involved and life I want people getting involved and life change taking place. So, if you could change taking place. So, if you could change taking place. So, if you could know with certainty, yeah, one know with certainty, yeah, one know with certainty, yeah, one announcement equals 50 people taking an announcement equals 50 people taking an announcement equals 50 people taking an ext announcements means 40. I would take ext announcements means 40. I would take ext announcements means 40. I would take those 10 extra people getting involved those 10 extra people getting involved those 10 extra people getting involved because because because >> this is not the only Sunday service, >> this is not the only Sunday service, >> this is not the only Sunday service, >> right?

>> right? >> right? >> This is not the Super Bowl. I do not >> This is not the Super Bowl. I do not >> This is not the Super Bowl. I do not have one ad only. have one ad only. have one ad only. >> There's a new Sunday every single week. >> There's a new Sunday every single week. >> There's a new Sunday every single week. And so if I can get more people to take And so if I can get more people to take And so if I can get more people to take more next steps in the aggregate over more next steps in the aggregate over more next steps in the aggregate over time, that life change and disciplehip time, that life change and disciplehip time, that life change and disciplehip transformation and the church's transformation and the church's transformation and the church's fulfillment of mission is compounding fulfillment of mission is compounding fulfillment of mission is compounding week over week, month over month, year week over week, month over month, year week over week, month over month, year over year. over year. over year. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Let's imagine you're this church, >> Let's imagine you're this church, >> Let's imagine you're this church, Wilson, North Carolina, 200 to 500 Wilson, North Carolina, 200 to 500 Wilson, North Carolina, 200 to 500 people, and you say, Brady, people, and you say, Brady, people, and you say, Brady, >> you know that I'm implementing stuff >> you know that I'm implementing stuff >> you know that I'm implementing stuff that you talk about because you can see that you talk about because you can see that you talk about because you can see it and you can hear it. it and you can hear it. it and you can hear it. >> I will never do three or fewer >> I will never do three or fewer >> I will never do three or fewer announcements. [laughter] announcements. [laughter] announcements. [laughter] Fine. You just don't want to listen. Fine. You just don't want to listen. Fine. You just don't want to listen. break the rules. That's your break the rules. That's your break the rules. That's your prerogative. If it was me, what I would prerogative. If it was me, what I would prerogative. If it was me, what I would do then is in the scope of a video do then is in the scope of a video do then is in the scope of a video announcement, I would tell one story announcement, I would tell one story announcement, I would tell one story >> and I would link all of these >> and I would link all of these >> and I would link all of these opportunities together. opportunities together. opportunities together. >> Okay? So, we've saw we we saw this in a >> Okay? So, we've saw we we saw this in a >> Okay? So, we've saw we we saw this in a previous episode in this building block previous episode in this building block previous episode in this building block series where a very smart woman got on series where a very smart woman got on series where a very smart woman got on stage and talked about small groups and stage and talked about small groups and stage and talked about small groups and she did it under the guise of her she did it under the guise of her she did it under the guise of her becoming a mom. becoming a mom. becoming a mom. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And her story was, I don't know if you >> And her story was, I don't know if you >> And her story was, I don't know if you knew this, I recently became a mom.

knew this, I recently became a mom. knew this, I recently became a mom. Anecdote about motherhood. Anecdote Anecdote about motherhood. Anecdote Anecdote about motherhood. Anecdote about it being difficult. anecdote about it being difficult. anecdote about it being difficult. anecdote about, wow, it's so great to be part of about, wow, it's so great to be part of about, wow, it's so great to be part of a church family. And people brought me a church family. And people brought me a church family. And people brought me meals. It was so great. And that meals. It was so great. And that meals. It was so great. And that transitioned to, you know, what's great transitioned to, you know, what's great transitioned to, you know, what's great about community, maybe you're not a new about community, maybe you're not a new about community, maybe you're not a new mother, small groups. You know what's mother, small groups. You know what's mother, small groups. You know what's great about community? Maybe you're a great about community? Maybe you're a great about community? Maybe you're a kid, youth group. You know what's great kid, youth group. You know what's great kid, youth group. You know what's great about community? Men's ministry. And she about community? Men's ministry. And she about community? Men's ministry. And she took like one of the core missional took like one of the core missional took like one of the core missional identities of the church, used a story identities of the church, used a story identities of the church, used a story to illustrate the core identity, and to illustrate the core identity, and to illustrate the core identity, and then from there said, "Next step, next then from there said, "Next step, next then from there said, "Next step, next step, next step, next step." step, next step, next step." step, next step, next step." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So I can't remember all these, but we >> So I can't remember all these, but we >> So I can't remember all these, but we know that compassion was in there. We know that compassion was in there. We know that compassion was in there. We know baptism was in there. There was a know baptism was in there. There was a know baptism was in there. There was a baby vacation. Okay. So together we can baby vacation. Okay. So together we can baby vacation. Okay. So together we can piece together some of so a single story piece together some of so a single story piece together some of so a single story could talk about like you know getting could talk about like you know getting could talk about like you know getting involved at the church. You know man involved at the church. You know man involved at the church. You know man when I was new to church blah blah and when I was new to church blah blah and when I was new to church blah blah and getting involved and here's how I got getting involved and here's how I got getting involved and here's how I got involved. Here's a personal story about involved. Here's a personal story about involved. Here's a personal story about me. Here's a story I heard about me. Here's a story I heard about me. Here's a story I heard about somebody else. No matter where you're at somebody else. No matter where you're at somebody else. No matter where you're at right now we want you to get involved. right now we want you to get involved. right now we want you to get involved. Maybe it's baby dedication. Slide with a Maybe it's baby dedication. Slide with a Maybe it's baby dedication. Slide with a photo. Maybe it's baptism. Slide with a photo. Maybe it's baptism. Slide with a photo. Maybe it's baptism. Slide with a photo. Maybe it's new members class. photo. Maybe it's new members class. photo. Maybe it's new members class. Slide with a photo. Slide with a photo. Slide with a photo. >> And the next step is all the same. >> And the next step is all the same. >> And the next step is all the same. >> Exactly. Every one of these go to the >> Exactly. Every one of these go to the >> Exactly. Every one of these go to the church center app. find the next step church center app. find the next step church center app. find the next step for you. More potent, same amount of for you. More potent, same amount of for you. More potent, same amount of time, still following the church time, still following the church time, still following the church announcements formula.

announcements formula. announcements formula. >> So, you've got everyone tuned in during >> So, you've got everyone tuned in during >> So, you've got everyone tuned in during the story because you're sharing a story the story because you're sharing a story the story because you're sharing a story about family. And then when it comes about family. And then when it comes about family. And then when it comes time to go to blitz through those five time to go to blitz through those five time to go to blitz through those five opportunities for next steps, opportunities for next steps, opportunities for next steps, dedication, baptism, new members, class, dedication, baptism, new members, class, dedication, baptism, new members, class, compassion, whatever it is, you have compassion, whatever it is, you have compassion, whatever it is, you have earned everyone's attention. Everyone, a earned everyone's attention. Everyone, a earned everyone's attention. Everyone, a lot of uh more attention than if you lot of uh more attention than if you lot of uh more attention than if you weren't telling a story. You've earned a weren't telling a story. You've earned a weren't telling a story. You've earned a ton of attention. ton of attention. ton of attention. >> You've not purposely neglected >> You've not purposely neglected >> You've not purposely neglected everyone's attention. So then when the everyone's attention. So then when the everyone's attention. So then when the next step hits that's applicable to me, next step hits that's applicable to me, next step hits that's applicable to me, I don't have kids, but I want to get I don't have kids, but I want to get I don't have kids, but I want to get baptized. Then I can take my next step baptized. Then I can take my next step baptized. Then I can take my next step right there. Y right there. Y right there. Y >> um because you have my attention. So >> um because you have my attention. So >> um because you have my attention. So it's you're right. You can ad there is a it's you're right. You can ad there is a it's you're right. You can ad there is a way to announce more than three things way to announce more than three things way to announce more than three things if you want. if you want. if you want. >> Um just >> Um just >> Um just >> maybe we shouldn't even talk about this. >> maybe we shouldn't even talk about this. >> maybe we shouldn't even talk about this. [laughter] You know, these these are [laughter] You know, these these are [laughter] You know, these these are advanced maneuvers. You know, we should advanced maneuvers. You know, we should advanced maneuvers. You know, we should take the Dave Ramsey approach. Seven take the Dave Ramsey approach. Seven take the Dave Ramsey approach. Seven baby steps. Well, Dave, can I get a baby steps. Well, Dave, can I get a baby steps. Well, Dave, can I get a credit card if there's 0% interest rate credit card if there's 0% interest rate credit card if there's 0% interest rate and I'm a billionaire? No credit cards and I'm a billionaire? No credit cards and I'm a billionaire? No credit cards ever. [laughter] Okay, but Dave, what if ever. [laughter] Okay, but Dave, what if ever. [laughter] Okay, but Dave, what if X, Y, and Z? I don't care what letters X, Y, and Z? I don't care what letters X, Y, and Z? I don't care what letters of the alphabet you put in. No credit of the alphabet you put in. No credit of the alphabet you put in. No credit cards ever. Maybe that's what we should cards ever. Maybe that's what we should cards ever. Maybe that's what we should be doing here, right? Three or fewer. be doing here, right? Three or fewer. be doing here, right? Three or fewer. Well, but but what IF I HAD NO, NO, NO, Well, but but what IF I HAD NO, NO, NO, Well, but but what IF I HAD NO, NO, NO, [laughter] NO, NO, NO. Three or fewer, [laughter] NO, NO, NO. Three or fewer, [laughter] NO, NO, NO. Three or fewer, no matter the rule. All right, final no matter the rule. All right, final no matter the rule. All right, final church example. Final announcement church example. Final announcement church example. Final announcement example. This is a church again of 200 example. This is a church again of 200 example. This is a church again of 200 to 500 people, a church in Pennsylvania.

to 500 people, a church in Pennsylvania. to 500 people, a church in Pennsylvania. >> We have a baptism interest meeting >> We have a baptism interest meeting >> We have a baptism interest meeting coming up on May 17th. Um maybe you saw coming up on May 17th. Um maybe you saw coming up on May 17th. Um maybe you saw baptisms at Easter or this is something baptisms at Easter or this is something baptisms at Easter or this is something you've been thinking about. Maybe you you've been thinking about. Maybe you you've been thinking about. Maybe you have questions about what baptism is, have questions about what baptism is, have questions about what baptism is, why do we do it, what does it mean. This why do we do it, what does it mean. This why do we do it, what does it mean. This is a meeting where you can come get is a meeting where you can come get is a meeting where you can come get those questions answered and maybe help those questions answered and maybe help those questions answered and maybe help figure out if you want to be baptized. figure out if you want to be baptized. figure out if you want to be baptized. Now, I want to clarify a couple things. Now, I want to clarify a couple things. Now, I want to clarify a couple things. May 17th is a busy morning here. So, May 17th is a busy morning here. So, May 17th is a busy morning here. So, there's meetings before and after there's meetings before and after there's meetings before and after church. So, before the service, there is church. So, before the service, there is church. So, before the service, there is a pre child dedication meeting before a pre child dedication meeting before a pre child dedication meeting before the service. After the service is the the service. After the service is the the service. After the service is the baptism meeting. Both are in the baptism meeting. Both are in the baptism meeting. Both are in the community room. So, it can get community room. So, it can get community room. So, it can get confusing. Both events though are on confusing. Both events though are on confusing. Both events though are on church center under events and on the church center under events and on the church center under events and on the website. So if you need to check to website. So if you need to check to website. So if you need to check to clarify what time you need to be here, clarify what time you need to be here, clarify what time you need to be here, you can check either of those places. you can check either of those places. you can check either of those places. This this announcement reminds me of This this announcement reminds me of This this announcement reminds me of when you visit a restaurant for the when you visit a restaurant for the when you visit a restaurant for the first time and the server comes up to first time and the server comes up to first time and the server comes up to you and be like, "Yeah, we do things a you and be like, "Yeah, we do things a you and be like, "Yeah, we do things a little different here. [laughter] little different here. [laughter] little different here. [laughter] Our starters are our mains. Our mains Our starters are our mains. Our mains Our starters are our mains. Our mains are sharables and every drink is served are sharables and every drink is served are sharables and every drink is served with a swizzle straw." Now, now and we with a swizzle straw." Now, now and we with a swizzle straw." Now, now and we actually don't accept what restaurant actually don't accept what restaurant actually don't accept what restaurant is.

is. is. >> We don't accept payments at the end. You >> We don't accept payments at the end. You >> We don't accept payments at the end. You have to pay now. have to pay now. have to pay now. >> And what happens is we're going to spin >> And what happens is we're going to spin >> And what happens is we're going to spin a wheel. And it's just like needlessly a wheel. And it's just like needlessly a wheel. And it's just like needlessly like now this church is talking about like now this church is talking about like now this church is talking about the logistics of a Sunday that are the logistics of a Sunday that are the logistics of a Sunday that are distinct. Yes. distinct. Yes. distinct. Yes. >> The reason I use the restaurant analogy >> The reason I use the restaurant analogy >> The reason I use the restaurant analogy that is obviously imperfect that is obviously imperfect that is obviously imperfect >> is that every server has to go to the >> is that every server has to go to the >> is that every server has to go to the table and they have to go, "Okay, look, table and they have to go, "Okay, look, table and they have to go, "Okay, look, we do things a little different here." we do things a little different here." we do things a little different here." because they know that this is unusual because they know that this is unusual because they know that this is unusual based to the expectation and the norm. based to the expectation and the norm. based to the expectation and the norm. >> And what invariably happens is you end >> And what invariably happens is you end >> And what invariably happens is you end up asking multiple questions and you up asking multiple questions and you up asking multiple questions and you have a server who's visiting your table have a server who's visiting your table have a server who's visiting your table and you can like work on whatever this and you can like work on whatever this and you can like work on whatever this restaurant's unique thing is together. restaurant's unique thing is together. restaurant's unique thing is together. This person delivering that announcement This person delivering that announcement This person delivering that announcement from stage knows that we're doing a bit from stage knows that we're doing a bit from stage knows that we're doing a bit of a different thing on Sunday. And I of a different thing on Sunday. And I of a different thing on Sunday. And I know that it's going to create know that it's going to create know that it's going to create disruption in getting people involved. disruption in getting people involved. disruption in getting people involved. So, I'm going to do my very best to walk So, I'm going to do my very best to walk So, I'm going to do my very best to walk you through like we have a thing here you through like we have a thing here you through like we have a thing here now. Now, normally we don't, but we're now. Now, normally we don't, but we're now. Now, normally we don't, but we're going to have a thing here and then it's going to have a thing here and then it's going to have a thing here and then it's going to be followed by this thing here, going to be followed by this thing here, going to be followed by this thing here, which is also unusual. Look, which is also unusual. Look, which is also unusual. Look, >> as much as she's trying, admirably, >> as much as she's trying, admirably, >> as much as she's trying, admirably, those things are not going to be those things are not going to be those things are not going to be remembered. The baptism interest meeting remembered. The baptism interest meeting remembered. The baptism interest meeting announcement, that was pure information announcement, that was pure information announcement, that was pure information the entire time. Here's what I would do the entire time. Here's what I would do the entire time. Here's what I would do differently.

differently. differently. >> A Baptist interest meeting is a really >> A Baptist interest meeting is a really >> A Baptist interest meeting is a really easy announcement to flip into story easy announcement to flip into story easy announcement to flip into story focused because all you have to do is focused because all you have to do is focused because all you have to do is talk about a question that one person talk about a question that one person talk about a question that one person had about baptism ever through the lens had about baptism ever through the lens had about baptism ever through the lens of a story. And this is another unique of a story. And this is another unique of a story. And this is another unique point and if you've made it to the end point and if you've made it to the end point and if you've made it to the end of this episode hopefully this is of this episode hopefully this is of this episode hopefully this is valuable to you. Story is not always valuable to you. Story is not always valuable to you. Story is not always about beginning, middle and end. Story about beginning, middle and end. Story about beginning, middle and end. Story is a communication device and framing is a communication device and framing is a communication device and framing where you can take the same information where you can take the same information where you can take the same information and frame it in a story or you can take and frame it in a story or you can take and frame it in a story or you can take that same information and deliver it as that same information and deliver it as that same information and deliver it as pure information. What do I mean by pure information. What do I mean by pure information. What do I mean by that? So for this baptism announcement that? So for this baptism announcement that? So for this baptism announcement say we have a baptism interest meeting say we have a baptism interest meeting say we have a baptism interest meeting coming up. slide on the screen, baptism coming up. slide on the screen, baptism coming up. slide on the screen, baptism photo on the background, information is photo on the background, information is photo on the background, information is there. If you want to blaze through it there. If you want to blaze through it there. If you want to blaze through it in 3 seconds or less, great. It's in 3 seconds or less, great. It's in 3 seconds or less, great. It's happening May 23rd in the morning at 10 happening May 23rd in the morning at 10 happening May 23rd in the morning at 10 a.m. before service. So, one one a.m. before service. So, one one a.m. before service. So, one one question that comes up really commonly question that comes up really commonly question that comes up really commonly in announcements that we do here in this in announcements that we do here in this in announcements that we do here in this church is, church is, church is, and then insert whatever this the and then insert whatever this the and then insert whatever this the question is, what do I wear? What do I question is, what do I wear? What do I question is, what do I wear? What do I wear? You know, it's funny. In our last wear? You know, it's funny. In our last wear? You know, it's funny. In our last interest meeting, that story came up interest meeting, that story came up interest meeting, that story came up with a with a gentleman named Jason, and with a with a gentleman named Jason, and with a with a gentleman named Jason, and he talked about, you know, and all he talked about, you know, and all he talked about, you know, and all you've done is take a frequently asked you've done is take a frequently asked you've done is take a frequently asked question, but you're telling it through question, but you're telling it through question, but you're telling it through the lens of story. At our last interest the lens of story. At our last interest the lens of story. At our last interest meeting, a person named Jason had this meeting, a person named Jason had this meeting, a person named Jason had this question, and it was funny when he question, and it was funny when he question, and it was funny when he brought it up because as soon as he brought it up because as soon as he brought it up because as soon as he asked it, a bunch of other people were asked it, a bunch of other people were asked it, a bunch of other people were like, "Oh, I hadn't thought about that.

like, "Oh, I hadn't thought about that. like, "Oh, I hadn't thought about that. What do I wear?" And then you get into What do I wear?" And then you get into What do I wear?" And then you get into the answer. You could just say instead, the answer. You could just say instead, the answer. You could just say instead, you might have questions about baptism. you might have questions about baptism. you might have questions about baptism. What do I wear? What do I qualifi? Do I What do I wear? What do I qualifi? Do I What do I wear? What do I qualifi? Do I need to qualify? Are there classes ahead need to qualify? Are there classes ahead need to qualify? Are there classes ahead of time? And you could ask those of time? And you could ask those of time? And you could ask those rhetorical questions or you could share rhetorical questions or you could share rhetorical questions or you could share one of the questions not rhetorically one of the questions not rhetorically one of the questions not rhetorically but through a specific example that's but through a specific example that's but through a specific example that's using storytelling as the lens and the using storytelling as the lens and the using storytelling as the lens and the frame to communicate the identical frame to communicate the identical frame to communicate the identical information. One people listen to and information. One people listen to and information. One people listen to and remember the other a rhetorical question remember the other a rhetorical question remember the other a rhetorical question amongst many others that easily is amongst many others that easily is amongst many others that easily is forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. >> Yeah. And to the church comms director >> Yeah. And to the church comms director >> Yeah. And to the church comms director who's listening who's like okay I hear who's listening who's like okay I hear who's listening who's like okay I hear you. I hear your rules and you. I hear your rules and you. I hear your rules and >> no credit cards ever. I want my >> no credit cards ever. I want my >> no credit cards ever. I want my announcements to be better. I want announcements to be better. I want announcements to be better. I want people to tune in instead of tuning out people to tune in instead of tuning out people to tune in instead of tuning out because I watch them tune out. I want because I watch them tune out. I want because I watch them tune out. I want people to to come to the baptism people to to come to the baptism people to to come to the baptism interest meeting. I want them to take interest meeting. I want them to take interest meeting. I want them to take their next step. But the idea of their next step. But the idea of their next step. But the idea of flipping my script, the thing that I flipping my script, the thing that I flipping my script, the thing that I always do, which is just get up and read always do, which is just get up and read always do, which is just get up and read the sheet to finding an angle to tell a the sheet to finding an angle to tell a the sheet to finding an angle to tell a story about that, that feels like a bit story about that, that feels like a bit story about that, that feels like a bit of a tall task. And I have compassion of a tall task. And I have compassion of a tall task. And I have compassion for that um because I've been there. And for that um because I've been there. And for that um because I've been there. And what I can say is it's a muscle that what I can say is it's a muscle that what I can say is it's a muscle that just has to be exercised. And as you just has to be exercised. And as you just has to be exercised. And as you practice, it's going to take you a practice, it's going to take you a practice, it's going to take you a little bit of time to get familiar with, little bit of time to get familiar with, little bit of time to get familiar with, you're gonna have to sit down probably you're gonna have to sit down probably you're gonna have to sit down probably this week with your announcements that this week with your announcements that this week with your announcements that you know that you're gonna have to say you know that you're gonna have to say you know that you're gonna have to say and say, "Okay, I'm looking at this one.

and say, "Okay, I'm looking at this one. and say, "Okay, I'm looking at this one. Think, remember the podcast, go back, Think, remember the podcast, go back, Think, remember the podcast, go back, listen to the podcast, okay, how like listen to the podcast, okay, how like listen to the podcast, okay, how like what angle of story can I tell here?" what angle of story can I tell here?" what angle of story can I tell here?" And it's going to take you a little bit And it's going to take you a little bit And it's going to take you a little bit of time, but over time, assuredly, as of time, but over time, assuredly, as of time, but over time, assuredly, as you exercise this storytelling muscle, you exercise this storytelling muscle, you exercise this storytelling muscle, it's going it's going to become like it's going it's going to become like it's going it's going to become like breathing to you. Um, this just this breathing to you. Um, this just this breathing to you. Um, this just this past Sunday, I had to announce something past Sunday, I had to announce something past Sunday, I had to announce something at church, which I don't do very often. at church, which I don't do very often. at church, which I don't do very often. And it was automatic for me to find a And it was automatic for me to find a And it was automatic for me to find a storytelling angle to get into it. And storytelling angle to get into it. And storytelling angle to get into it. And it the the storytelling angle that I it the the storytelling angle that I it the the storytelling angle that I took took about 20 seconds. It wasn't an took took about 20 seconds. It wasn't an took took about 20 seconds. It wasn't an anecdote anecdote anecdote um that that was elongated. I just I I um that that was elongated. I just I I um that that was elongated. I just I I took a route into this announcement that took a route into this announcement that took a route into this announcement that was effortless to me because I've done was effortless to me because I've done was effortless to me because I've done this so many times. It just takes this so many times. It just takes this so many times. It just takes practice. So, if it's like going for a practice. So, if it's like going for a practice. So, if it's like going for a run, you want to run to the couch to 5K. run, you want to run to the couch to 5K. run, you want to run to the couch to 5K. >> Oh, the couch to 5K. >> Oh, the couch to 5K. >> Oh, the couch to 5K. >> That first run you're going to take is >> That first run you're going to take is >> That first run you're going to take is going to be uncomfy. The next day, your going to be uncomfy. The next day, your going to be uncomfy. The next day, your knees are going to hurt. You're going to knees are going to hurt. You're going to knees are going to hurt. You're going to be online looking for like best running be online looking for like best running be online looking for like best running shoes for mid-30year-old male. Like that shoes for mid-30year-old male. Like that shoes for mid-30year-old male. Like that kind of thing. kind of thing. kind of thing. >> You going through something? >> You going through something? >> You going through something? >> I'm not. I'm not.

>> I'm not. I'm not. >> I'm not. I'm not. >> This is a story someone [laughter] >> This is a story someone [laughter] >> This is a story someone [laughter] shared with me. shared with me. shared with me. >> But at some point, like that first >> But at some point, like that first >> But at some point, like that first you're not going to feel that pain of you're not going to feel that pain of you're not going to feel that pain of that first run anymore because you got that first run anymore because you got that first run anymore because you got you got through it and those runs are you got through it and those runs are you got through it and those runs are going to get easier. The same thing is going to get easier. The same thing is going to get easier. The same thing is here. It's just practice and I don't here. It's just practice and I don't here. It's just practice and I don't think it will take you long once you think it will take you long once you think it will take you long once you begin this exercise to kind of exercise begin this exercise to kind of exercise begin this exercise to kind of exercise that muscle and get to a point where you that muscle and get to a point where you that muscle and get to a point where you don't you don't have to sit down on don't you don't have to sit down on don't you don't have to sit down on Wednesday or Friday or god forbid Wednesday or Friday or god forbid Wednesday or Friday or god forbid Saturday night or Sunday morning trying Saturday night or Sunday morning trying Saturday night or Sunday morning trying to find that storytelling angle. to find that storytelling angle. to find that storytelling angle. >> And unlike running, no risk of shin >> And unlike running, no risk of shin >> And unlike running, no risk of shin splints, splints, splints, >> right? [laughter] >> right? [laughter] >> right? [laughter] >> Joint degradation, >> Joint degradation, >> Joint degradation, >> your lower back's going to be fine. >> your lower back's going to be fine. >> your lower back's going to be fine. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> If you'd like all of this done for you, >> If you'd like all of this done for you, >> If you'd like all of this done for you, >> we're happy to offer you a free >> we're happy to offer you a free >> we're happy to offer you a free communications makeover. You can go to communications makeover. You can go to communications makeover. You can go to makeover.urch. You can learn all about makeover.urch. You can learn all about makeover.urch. You can learn all about it. We'll install the seven building it. We'll install the seven building it. We'll install the seven building blocks for you. We've completed more blocks for you. We've completed more blocks for you. We've completed more than a thousand free makeovers for than a thousand free makeovers for than a thousand free makeovers for churches. You might ask, how is it free? churches. You might ask, how is it free? churches. You might ask, how is it free? It's not free for us. It costs us money. It's not free for us. It costs us money. It's not free for us. It costs us money. But instead of running ads and doing a But instead of running ads and doing a But instead of running ads and doing a bunch of traditional marketing, we love bunch of traditional marketing, we love bunch of traditional marketing, we love to instead put those ad dollars towards to instead put those ad dollars towards to instead put those ad dollars towards building something for churches and then building something for churches and then building something for churches and then all you have to do is pay the hosting all you have to do is pay the hosting all you have to do is pay the hosting cost that comes along with it because we cost that comes along with it because we cost that comes along with it because we deliver to you this brand new central deliver to you this brand new central deliver to you this brand new central hub website which is building block hub website which is building block hub website which is building block number seven, which is what we'll be number seven, which is what we'll be number seven, which is what we'll be discussing in next week's episode.

discussing in next week's episode. discussing in next week's episode. Makeover.urch. You can learn about the Makeover.urch. You can learn about the Makeover.urch. You can learn about the makeover. Go to church.com. If you're makeover. Go to church.com. If you're makeover. Go to church.com. If you're like, well, I want to learn my score like, well, I want to learn my score like, well, I want to learn my score >> zero to 100 for your church. How much >> zero to 100 for your church. How much >> zero to 100 for your church. How much friction, how much chaos exists in your friction, how much chaos exists in your friction, how much chaos exists in your communications right now. If you're communications right now. If you're communications right now. If you're like, I know the answer. I don't need like, I know the answer. I don't need like, I know the answer. I don't need you to make a [laughter] report for me, you to make a [laughter] report for me, you to make a [laughter] report for me, which I don't want you to make a report. which I don't want you to make a report. which I don't want you to make a report. >> Roughly 10 to 50% of churches seem to be >> Roughly 10 to 50% of churches seem to be >> Roughly 10 to 50% of churches seem to be like, look, I just give me the makeover. like, look, I just give me the makeover. like, look, I just give me the makeover. I don't don't show me the score. Fair I don't don't show me the score. Fair I don't don't show me the score. Fair enough. enough. enough. >> Can't I can't see it. >> Can't I can't see it. >> Can't I can't see it. >> makeover.urch church.com. The seven >> makeover.urch church.com. The seven >> makeover.urch church.com. The seven building blocks PDF is in the building blocks PDF is in the building blocks PDF is in the description. So download that and join description. So download that and join description. So download that and join us next week, next Wednesday as we go us next week, next Wednesday as we go us next week, next Wednesday as we go through the final building block what we through the final building block what we through the final building block what we have been pun intended building towards have been pun intended building towards have been pun intended building towards for all this time launching your central for all this time launching your central for all this time launching your central hub. Until then thank you for your time, hub. Until then thank you for your time, hub. Until then thank you for your time, attention and trust. Well, attention and trust. Well, attention and trust. Well, hey