Sprint, Sprinkle, Smuggle: How to Promote Anything at Church

Don't forget. Don't miss it. We are so Don't forget. Don't miss it. We are so excited. Sometimes we churches can be excited. Sometimes we churches can be excited. Sometimes we churches can be painfully predictable in our painfully predictable in our painfully predictable in our announcements and promotions. Same announcements and promotions. Same announcements and promotions. Same faces, same graphics, same desperate faces, same graphics, same desperate faces, same graphics, same desperate pitch week after week, post after post, pitch week after week, post after post, pitch week after week, post after post, email after email. Even worse, bad email after email. Even worse, bad email after email. Even worse, bad announcements seem to be contagious. So announcements seem to be contagious. So announcements seem to be contagious. So today, three ways to promote anything at today, three ways to promote anything at today, three ways to promote anything at your church without ever sounding like your church without ever sounding like your church without ever sounding like you're promoting. Sprint, sprinkle, and you're promoting. Sprint, sprinkle, and you're promoting. Sprint, sprinkle, and smuggle. Start using these three ways smuggle. Start using these three ways smuggle. Start using these three ways [music] of promoting and announcements [music] of promoting and announcements [music] of promoting and announcements will stop being something that people will stop being something that people will stop being something that people just sit through and start being just sit through and start being just sit through and start being something they act on. something they act on. something they act on. Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Church Tools Show. We're here to help Church Tools Show. We're here to help Church Tools 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 Shearer, your host, and joined as Brady Shearer, your host, and joined as Brady Shearer, your host, and joined as always by my co-host. We call him Bishop always by my co-host. We call him Bishop always by my co-host. We call him Bishop Birkenstock. It's Alexander Mills. Birkenstock. It's Alexander Mills. Birkenstock. It's Alexander Mills. >> Hello, hello. I want to start with a >> Hello, hello. I want to start with a >> Hello, hello. I want to start with a simple truth that I think is commonly simple truth that I think is commonly simple truth that I think is commonly overlooked about church. And that is overlooked about church. And that is overlooked about church. And that is this. this. this. No communication, No communication, No communication, no movement. no movement. no movement. No movement, no mission. Mhm. I am not No movement, no mission. Mhm. I am not No movement, no mission. Mhm. I am not trying to be abstract. What do I mean by trying to be abstract. What do I mean by trying to be abstract. What do I mean by this? this? this? Commonly, I think church announcements, Commonly, I think church announcements, Commonly, I think church announcements, communications, promotions is communications, promotions is communications, promotions is misunderstood as like a department misunderstood as like a department misunderstood as like a department within the overall church. When in within the overall church. When in within the overall church. When in reality, it is a part of every single reality, it is a part of every single reality, it is a part of every single thing that your church does.

thing that your church does. thing that your church does. >> preaching a sermon is communication. >> preaching a sermon is communication. >> preaching a sermon is communication. And And And that's just that part. We have our that's just that part. We have our that's just that part. We have our announcements portion. And then we have announcements portion. And then we have announcements portion. And then we have every single thing that's happening in every single thing that's happening in every single thing that's happening in church life. All of our ministries, all church life. All of our ministries, all church life. All of our ministries, all of our events, all of our services. And of our events, all of our services. And of our events, all of our services. And what is the purpose of church? To form what is the purpose of church? To form what is the purpose of church? To form people to be more like Jesus. My belief people to be more like Jesus. My belief people to be more like Jesus. My belief is that for that to happen, people have is that for that to happen, people have is that for that to happen, people have to be involved living out their faith, to be involved living out their faith, to be involved living out their faith, not just passive spectators in pews. And not just passive spectators in pews. And not just passive spectators in pews. And that's why it pains me when I see that's why it pains me when I see that's why it pains me when I see churches that are putting on these churches that are putting on these churches that are putting on these amazing events and they have these great amazing events and they have these great amazing events and they have these great ministries that when people are a part ministries that when people are a part ministries that when people are a part of them are transforming their lives and of them are transforming their lives and of them are transforming their lives and that church just knows, that church just knows, that church just knows, "Man, but we just can't get enough "Man, but we just can't get enough "Man, but we just can't get enough people to come to these things." And people to come to these things." And people to come to these things." And why? At the heart of it, it is just why? At the heart of it, it is just why? At the heart of it, it is just sloppy communications. Not because sloppy communications. Not because sloppy communications. Not because churches are not trying hard enough, not churches are not trying hard enough, not churches are not trying hard enough, not because they don't care, but because because they don't care, but because because they don't care, but because like like like it's not a thing that gets taught. It's it's not a thing that gets taught. It's it's not a thing that gets taught. It's not a thing that people have systems not a thing that people have systems not a thing that people have systems for. It's this black box because at for. It's this black box because at for. It's this black box because at least like if you were going to copy a least like if you were going to copy a least like if you were going to copy a church on social media, you could see church on social media, you could see church on social media, you could see what they're publishing. Right.

what they're publishing. Right. what they're publishing. Right. >> communications is this internal thing. >> communications is this internal thing. >> communications is this internal thing. So, presumably some churches are doing So, presumably some churches are doing So, presumably some churches are doing an excellent job, but unless you've been an excellent job, but unless you've been an excellent job, but unless you've been at one and it's so rare, very few of us at one and it's so rare, very few of us at one and it's so rare, very few of us have ever been at one, you don't even have ever been at one, you don't even have ever been at one, you don't even know how to model or copy it. And so know how to model or copy it. And so know how to model or copy it. And so this cycle perpetuates. And so we want this cycle perpetuates. And so we want this cycle perpetuates. And so we want to put an end to that. And today, we are to put an end to that. And today, we are to put an end to that. And today, we are talking about the three types of talking about the three types of talking about the three types of different promotions that are effective different promotions that are effective different promotions that are effective within church. within church. within church. We want to begin with with this simple We want to begin with with this simple We want to begin with with this simple idea though that is foundational. idea though that is foundational. idea though that is foundational. We call it the no promo code. Now, we We call it the no promo code. Now, we We call it the no promo code. Now, we have discussed this before in the have discussed this before in the have discussed this before in the context of social media. That is nobody context of social media. That is nobody context of social media. That is nobody opens up a social media app to be opens up a social media app to be opens up a social media app to be promoted to. promoted to. promoted to. >> Sure. But similarly, nobody wants to >> Sure. But similarly, nobody wants to >> Sure. But similarly, nobody wants to open an email to see an advertisement. open an email to see an advertisement. open an email to see an advertisement. And nobody wants to sit through an And nobody wants to sit through an And nobody wants to sit through an announcement portion of service that announcement portion of service that announcement portion of service that just feels like pitch after pitch after just feels like pitch after pitch after just feels like pitch after pitch after pitch. What is this? It is this pitch. What is this? It is this pitch. What is this? It is this unwritten contract that exists between unwritten contract that exists between unwritten contract that exists between people and the person that is doing the people and the person that is doing the people and the person that is doing the promoting that we will be receptive to promoting that we will be receptive to promoting that we will be receptive to promotions when they are packaged in promotions when they are packaged in promotions when they are packaged in ways that respect our time and ways that respect our time and ways that respect our time and attention. So, what do commercials do?

attention. So, what do commercials do? attention. So, what do commercials do? They entertain, they try, right? They They entertain, they try, right? They They entertain, they try, right? They deliver something of value. It's usually deliver something of value. It's usually deliver something of value. It's usually in the form of humor. And then on the in the form of humor. And then on the in the form of humor. And then on the back end of that is their thing. back end of that is their thing. back end of that is their thing. Why do we sit through the Super Bowl Why do we sit through the Super Bowl Why do we sit through the Super Bowl ads? And why do we look forward to them? ads? And why do we look forward to them? ads? And why do we look forward to them? Because they are like the best Because they are like the best Because they are like the best commercial creative minds pitches at we commercial creative minds pitches at we commercial creative minds pitches at we want to create awareness and interest in want to create awareness and interest in want to create awareness and interest in this product and we're going to do crazy this product and we're going to do crazy this product and we're going to do crazy pageantry to get there. And on the pageantry to get there. And on the pageantry to get there. And on the smallest form, you respect your smallest form, you respect your smallest form, you respect your audience's time by audience's time by audience's time by giving your promotions in a way where giving your promotions in a way where giving your promotions in a way where if you removed the promotion altogether, if you removed the promotion altogether, if you removed the promotion altogether, it would still have been worth their it would still have been worth their it would still have been worth their time to listen to. That is kind of like time to listen to. That is kind of like time to listen to. That is kind of like the measuring stick for this. So, what's the measuring stick for this. So, what's the measuring stick for this. So, what's the no promo code? The no promo code is the no promo code? The no promo code is the no promo code? The no promo code is that you cannot promote. that you cannot promote. that you cannot promote. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> So then, how am I supposed to talk to >> So then, how am I supposed to talk to >> So then, how am I supposed to talk to people about all the great stuff my people about all the great stuff my people about all the great stuff my church is doing? Well, as I just said, church is doing? Well, as I just said, church is doing? Well, as I just said, if you remove the promotion, would the if you remove the promotion, would the if you remove the promotion, would the message still stand on its own? Would it message still stand on its own? Would it message still stand on its own? Would it have been valuable on its own? At the have been valuable on its own? At the have been valuable on its own? At the end of the day, a sermon is a promotion.

end of the day, a sermon is a promotion. end of the day, a sermon is a promotion. You are trying to pitch something to a You are trying to pitch something to a You are trying to pitch something to a person that's listening, right? person that's listening, right? person that's listening, right? Why is a sermon valuable? Because it Why is a sermon valuable? Because it Why is a sermon valuable? Because it compels us, it interests us, it compels us, it interests us, it compels us, it interests us, it entertains us, it challenges us, it entertains us, it challenges us, it entertains us, it challenges us, it provokes us. And then within there, provokes us. And then within there, provokes us. And then within there, there's like, "Hey, and by the way, we there's like, "Hey, and by the way, we there's like, "Hey, and by the way, we want you to X, Y, and Z. Do these want you to X, Y, and Z. Do these want you to X, Y, and Z. Do these things." So, if if you feel like, "Okay, things." So, if if you feel like, "Okay, things." So, if if you feel like, "Okay, but like what what what are the but like what what what are the but like what what what are the specifics?" We're going to get into the specifics?" We're going to get into the specifics?" We're going to get into the specifics of sprint, sprinkle, and specifics of sprint, sprinkle, and specifics of sprint, sprinkle, and smuggle and what those look like smuggle and what those look like smuggle and what those look like practically in ministry. But the practically in ministry. But the practically in ministry. But the foundational understanding has to be foundational understanding has to be foundational understanding has to be that people are not going to be that people are not going to be that people are not going to be receptive to promotions. You can't just receptive to promotions. You can't just receptive to promotions. You can't just get up there get up there get up there and like list off times, dates, and and like list off times, dates, and and like list off times, dates, and information and expect people to information and expect people to information and expect people to respond. respond. respond. They may put up with it because they're They may put up with it because they're They may put up with it because they're already in church waiting for the pastor already in church waiting for the pastor already in church waiting for the pastor to come up and deliver the sermon, to come up and deliver the sermon, to come up and deliver the sermon, perhaps. But if we can do these perhaps. But if we can do these perhaps. But if we can do these creatively, what can we do? We can creatively, what can we do? We can creatively, what can we do? We can compel people to action. We can move compel people to action. We can move compel people to action. We can move them from passive spectators to active them from passive spectators to active them from passive spectators to active participants. We can get them into the participants. We can get them into the participants. We can get them into the transformative ministries, events, and transformative ministries, events, and transformative ministries, events, and services that your church is hosting and services that your church is hosting and services that your church is hosting and we can get them off of the sidelines and we can get them off of the sidelines and we can get them off of the sidelines and into the action.

into the action. into the action. >> said it. They may put up with it, but >> said it. They may put up with it, but >> said it. They may put up with it, but like on the worst end of that spectrum, like on the worst end of that spectrum, like on the worst end of that spectrum, it may actually end up punishing you, it may actually end up punishing you, it may actually end up punishing you, right? Like you post If you post right? Like you post If you post right? Like you post If you post explicitly promotional content onto your explicitly promotional content onto your explicitly promotional content onto your social feeds, let's use Instagram in social feeds, let's use Instagram in social feeds, let's use Instagram in particular, like the algorithm is not particular, like the algorithm is not particular, like the algorithm is not going to reward you well for that. It's going to reward you well for that. It's going to reward you well for that. It's likely to punish you. If you get up likely to punish you. If you get up likely to punish you. If you get up there in your announcement section and there in your announcement section and there in your announcement section and you just lead with a bunch of you just lead with a bunch of you just lead with a bunch of promotions, like people are going to promotions, like people are going to promotions, like people are going to tune out likely and that's going to tune out likely and that's going to tune out likely and that's going to affect their attention for what's coming affect their attention for what's coming affect their attention for what's coming up next, which is very likely the up next, which is very likely the up next, which is very likely the sermon. Um you send out promotional sermon. Um you send out promotional sermon. Um you send out promotional emails and people are going to emails and people are going to emails and people are going to um people are going to put them in the um people are going to put them in the um people are going to put them in the trash and and be much less likely to trash and and be much less likely to trash and and be much less likely to tune in the next time you have something tune in the next time you have something tune in the next time you have something to say. So, if they put up with it and to say. So, if they put up with it and to say. So, if they put up with it and they tolerate it, that's probably your they tolerate it, that's probably your they tolerate it, that's probably your best case scenario. But worst case and best case scenario. But worst case and best case scenario. But worst case and possibly more likely is that you possibly more likely is that you possibly more likely is that you actually get punished if you're leading actually get punished if you're leading actually get punished if you're leading with just explicit promotions all the with just explicit promotions all the with just explicit promotions all the time. The no promo code. You can't do time. The no promo code. You can't do time. The no promo code. You can't do it. it. it. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Alex says, >> Alex says, >> Alex says, "Well, then what am I to do?" "Well, then what am I to do?" "Well, then what am I to do?" That's the purpose of this episode. The That's the purpose of this episode. The That's the purpose of this episode. The three types of promos. Sprint, sprinkle, three types of promos. Sprint, sprinkle, three types of promos. Sprint, sprinkle, and smuggle. Three permissible ways to and smuggle. Three permissible ways to and smuggle. Three permissible ways to promote that audiences, congregations, promote that audiences, congregations, promote that audiences, congregations, the people that you care to reach will the people that you care to reach will the people that you care to reach will be receptive to. The first one, sprinkle be receptive to. The first one, sprinkle be receptive to. The first one, sprinkle promotions.

promotions. promotions. The core idea is that the sprinkle The core idea is that the sprinkle The core idea is that the sprinkle promotion is not the main ingredient of promotion is not the main ingredient of promotion is not the main ingredient of whatever it is that you are talking whatever it is that you are talking whatever it is that you are talking about. about. about. >> that little bit on top. You remember the >> that little bit on top. You remember the >> that little bit on top. You remember the Salt Bae? You remember that guy? Salt Bae? You remember that guy? Salt Bae? You remember that guy? >> It's that guy. >> It's that guy. >> It's that guy. >> Think about that guy. This wasn't even >> Think about that guy. This wasn't even >> Think about that guy. This wasn't even invented until we saw that. We were invented until we saw that. We were invented until we saw that. We were like, [laughter] "Oh, wow. Sprinkle like, [laughter] "Oh, wow. Sprinkle like, [laughter] "Oh, wow. Sprinkle promotion. It's right there." So, the promotion. It's right there." So, the promotion. It's right there." So, the value, the entertainment, or the value, the entertainment, or the value, the entertainment, or the information that is useful comes first information that is useful comes first information that is useful comes first and then the promo is kind of like and then the promo is kind of like and then the promo is kind of like riding along. It's the garnish. It's the riding along. It's the garnish. It's the riding along. It's the garnish. It's the sprinkle on top at the end. Here is the sprinkle on top at the end. Here is the sprinkle on top at the end. Here is the rule for have I rule for have I rule for have I qualified what I've made as a sprinkle qualified what I've made as a sprinkle qualified what I've made as a sprinkle promotion? This is the measuring stick. promotion? This is the measuring stick. promotion? This is the measuring stick. The audience must get something valuable The audience must get something valuable The audience must get something valuable even if they never respond to the promo. even if they never respond to the promo. even if they never respond to the promo. If you remove the promo at the end, If you remove the promo at the end, If you remove the promo at the end, would would would the message still be worth someone's the message still be worth someone's the message still be worth someone's time? If yes, it's a sprinkle. If no, time? If yes, it's a sprinkle. If no, time? If yes, it's a sprinkle. If no, it's an ad. it's an ad. it's an ad. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And the no promo code says that you >> And the no promo code says that you >> And the no promo code says that you can't do it. can't do it. can't do it. >> Yes. What I love about these promotions, >> Yes. What I love about these promotions, >> Yes. What I love about these promotions, the sprinkle promotions, is there's no the sprinkle promotions, is there's no the sprinkle promotions, is there's no limit to how many or how often you can limit to how many or how often you can limit to how many or how often you can do this because the the promotion is not do this because the the promotion is not do this because the the promotion is not the the meat of the post. It's not the the the meat of the post. It's not the the the meat of the post. It's not the meat of the announcement. The meat of the announcement. The meat of the announcement. The announcement is a story and the announcement is a story and the announcement is a story and the promotion is just that little tidbit at promotion is just that little tidbit at promotion is just that little tidbit at the end. The meat of the Instagram post the end. The meat of the Instagram post the end. The meat of the Instagram post is the first eight carousel slides and is the first eight carousel slides and is the first eight carousel slides and the sprinkle promotion is the last one.

the sprinkle promotion is the last one. the sprinkle promotion is the last one. It gives you freedom to promote It gives you freedom to promote It gives you freedom to promote anything, dare I say everything, all the anything, dare I say everything, all the anything, dare I say everything, all the time because you're not offending anyone time because you're not offending anyone time because you're not offending anyone by it because they're getting the value by it because they're getting the value by it because they're getting the value out of the bulk of the content, whether out of the bulk of the content, whether out of the bulk of the content, whether it's the Instagram carousel post or the it's the Instagram carousel post or the it's the Instagram carousel post or the the the announcement at church, the one the the announcement at church, the one the the announcement at church, the one story plus the next step. story plus the next step. story plus the next step. Um they're they're getting what they Um they're they're getting what they Um they're they're getting what they came for, the value. And when they get came for, the value. And when they get came for, the value. And when they get hit with the promotion at the end, no hit with the promotion at the end, no hit with the promotion at the end, no one's offended by that. Right. My pastor one's offended by that. Right. My pastor one's offended by that. Right. My pastor does this all the time naturally. And does this all the time naturally. And does this all the time naturally. And that's what sprinkle promotions are at that's what sprinkle promotions are at that's what sprinkle promotions are at their best. They're natural and they're their best. They're natural and they're their best. They're natural and they're not even perceived to be promotional. not even perceived to be promotional. not even perceived to be promotional. The question like the no promo code, how The question like the no promo code, how The question like the no promo code, how do we promote them? Well, you do do we promote them? Well, you do do we promote them? Well, you do something that wouldn't even be something that wouldn't even be something that wouldn't even be interpreted as a promotion because of interpreted as a promotion because of interpreted as a promotion because of how valuable and natural it is. So, my how valuable and natural it is. So, my how valuable and natural it is. So, my pastor's on stage, he's preaching, and pastor's on stage, he's preaching, and pastor's on stage, he's preaching, and you know, in the moment he's talking you know, in the moment he's talking you know, in the moment he's talking about community. And then he'll say, about community. And then he'll say, about community. And then he'll say, "And by the way, like we have seven "And by the way, like we have seven "And by the way, like we have seven different types of groups at Central and different types of groups at Central and different types of groups at Central and we'd love for you to get involved." And we'd love for you to get involved." And we'd love for you to get involved." And people hear that and now he has anchored people hear that and now he has anchored people hear that and now he has anchored this event, ministry, church happening this event, ministry, church happening this event, ministry, church happening to something that everyone has already to something that everyone has already to something that everyone has already agreed on. He's talking about, "Hey, agreed on. He's talking about, "Hey, agreed on. He's talking about, "Hey, scripture and its wisdom says that scripture and its wisdom says that scripture and its wisdom says that community is valuable. That's a fine community is valuable. That's a fine community is valuable. That's a fine idea to believe. How are we putting it idea to believe. How are we putting it idea to believe. How are we putting it into action? Here's how we do it at our into action? Here's how we do it at our into action? Here's how we do it at our church." And now you've become aware of church." And now you've become aware of church." And now you've become aware of that. More importantly, because we know that. More importantly, because we know that. More importantly, because we know that awareness is not interest, you've that awareness is not interest, you've that awareness is not interest, you've likely likely likely just edged a little bit into the just edged a little bit into the just edged a little bit into the interest zone, if not fully, because it interest zone, if not fully, because it interest zone, if not fully, because it was made abundantly clear. Yeah. That's was made abundantly clear. Yeah. That's was made abundantly clear. Yeah. That's so distinctly different than me going up so distinctly different than me going up so distinctly different than me going up at announcement time and being like, "We at announcement time and being like, "We at announcement time and being like, "We have seven different groups. Here are have seven different groups. Here are have seven different groups. Here are the names of them. And here is when they the names of them. And here is when they the names of them. And here is when they happen. And if you want to sign up, happen. And if you want to sign up, happen. And if you want to sign up, well, well, well, there's a couple ways. You could do this

there's a couple ways. You could do this there's a couple ways. You could do this or you could do this." It's like, "Oh, or you could do this." It's like, "Oh, or you could do this." It's like, "Oh, this is so separate and absent from this is so separate and absent from this is so separate and absent from anything that a person will care about." anything that a person will care about." anything that a person will care about." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. But what's strange about that is that But what's strange about that is that But what's strange about that is that what you're asking them to do is what you're asking them to do is what you're asking them to do is identical. This is the point of a identical. This is the point of a identical. This is the point of a sprinkle promotion is that the context sprinkle promotion is that the context sprinkle promotion is that the context really does make all the difference. So, really does make all the difference. So, really does make all the difference. So, the sprinkle within the sermon is a good the sprinkle within the sermon is a good the sprinkle within the sermon is a good example. Sprinkle promos work in every example. Sprinkle promos work in every example. Sprinkle promos work in every channel, in every platform. You can do channel, in every platform. You can do channel, in every platform. You can do them on social, you can do them in them on social, you can do them in them on social, you can do them in email, you can do them on stage, you can email, you can do them on stage, you can email, you can do them on stage, you can do them in any do them in any do them in any single deliverable medium that you want. single deliverable medium that you want. single deliverable medium that you want. And then you just put up that measuring And then you just put up that measuring And then you just put up that measuring stick and say, "Okay, if we removed the stick and say, "Okay, if we removed the stick and say, "Okay, if we removed the promotion at the end, would this still promotion at the end, would this still promotion at the end, would this still be valuable? If we didn't say, 'Hey, by be valuable? If we didn't say, 'Hey, by be valuable? If we didn't say, 'Hey, by the way, we'd love for you to get the way, we'd love for you to get the way, we'd love for you to get involved in small groups. Here are the involved in small groups. Here are the involved in small groups. Here are the seven different types. Here's the seven different types. Here's the seven different types. Here's the website to explore all the groups that website to explore all the groups that website to explore all the groups that we have.' And you talked about the we have.' And you talked about the we have.' And you talked about the scriptural wisdom of community, would scriptural wisdom of community, would scriptural wisdom of community, would that still be valuable?" Of course it that still be valuable?" Of course it that still be valuable?" Of course it would be. would be. would be. >> Yeah. So, how can this be done if you're >> Yeah. So, how can this be done if you're >> Yeah. So, how can this be done if you're not preaching? not preaching? not preaching? The church announcements formula spells The church announcements formula spells The church announcements formula spells this out very plainly. One story plus this out very plainly. One story plus this out very plainly. One story plus one next step.

one next step. one next step. When Jesus was talking about the kingdom When Jesus was talking about the kingdom When Jesus was talking about the kingdom of God, and he was using it in the form of God, and he was using it in the form of God, and he was using it in the form of parables, what made the parables so of parables, what made the parables so of parables, what made the parables so useful was that it took this difficult useful was that it took this difficult useful was that it took this difficult to understand idea and made it to understand idea and made it to understand idea and made it accessible for people who were not accessible for people who were not accessible for people who were not educated, for people from all different educated, for people from all different educated, for people from all different walks of life and different vocations. walks of life and different vocations. walks of life and different vocations. And And And if you did not take a step towards if you did not take a step towards if you did not take a step towards Jesus, you still listened and wanted to Jesus, you still listened and wanted to Jesus, you still listened and wanted to hear what he had to say because he was hear what he had to say because he was hear what he had to say because he was talking about something that was talking about something that was talking about something that was profoundly compelling. profoundly compelling. profoundly compelling. >> Yeah. And that's what stories do. We >> Yeah. And that's what stories do. We >> Yeah. And that's what stories do. We have said this for 10 years on this have said this for 10 years on this have said this for 10 years on this show, and we will for the next 10 years, show, and we will for the next 10 years, show, and we will for the next 10 years, stories are the only form of human stories are the only form of human stories are the only form of human communication that actually force your communication that actually force your communication that actually force your brain to focus. brain to focus. brain to focus. >> Yeah. Much of our day, up to a third of >> Yeah. Much of our day, up to a third of >> Yeah. Much of our day, up to a third of waking hours in some research, has waking hours in some research, has waking hours in some research, has suggested that we're in this daydreaming suggested that we're in this daydreaming suggested that we're in this daydreaming state. And then if you hear a story, state. And then if you hear a story, state. And then if you hear a story, it'll snap you back into action. The it'll snap you back into action. The it'll snap you back into action. The first time I saw this, that I distinctly first time I saw this, that I distinctly first time I saw this, that I distinctly remember anyways, was when my wife and remember anyways, was when my wife and remember anyways, was when my wife and her brother and I went back to the her brother and I went back to the her brother and I went back to the church that we grew up in. church that we grew up in. church that we grew up in. And if you've ever gone back to like the And if you've ever gone back to like the And if you've ever gone back to like the church that you grew up in, it's like church that you grew up in, it's like church that you grew up in, it's like going back to your school. You walk in going back to your school. You walk in going back to your school. You walk in and you're like, "Oh, yeah." and you're like, "Oh, yeah." and you're like, "Oh, yeah." Guess who's back? Remember me? And Guess who's back? Remember me? And Guess who's back? Remember me? And they're all like, "Oh, yeah." And you're they're all like, "Oh, yeah." And you're they're all like, "Oh, yeah." And you're like, "Oh, man, I thought I thought this like, "Oh, man, I thought I thought this like, "Oh, man, I thought I thought this was going to be like this homecoming."

was going to be like this homecoming." was going to be like this homecoming." And I'm like, "Okay, fair enough." So, And I'm like, "Okay, fair enough." So, And I'm like, "Okay, fair enough." So, we're like sitting in the back pew we're like sitting in the back pew we're like sitting in the back pew because, you know, we're too cool for because, you know, we're too cool for because, you know, we're too cool for school. Like we've been at this church, school. Like we've been at this church, school. Like we've been at this church, you know, for 15 years. Like we we we've you know, for 15 years. Like we we we've you know, for 15 years. Like we we we've understood. You know, Pastor Wayne, understood. You know, Pastor Wayne, understood. You know, Pastor Wayne, we've heard you before. we've heard you before. we've heard you before. So, Pastor Wayne's up there, So, Pastor Wayne's up there, So, Pastor Wayne's up there, our senior pastor. He's doing some our senior pastor. He's doing some our senior pastor. He's doing some exposition. And then at a certain point exposition. And then at a certain point exposition. And then at a certain point in the message, he pivots to a story. in the message, he pivots to a story. in the message, he pivots to a story. And the story starts with like, you And the story starts with like, you And the story starts with like, you know, my son and I were on a road trip know, my son and I were on a road trip know, my son and I were on a road trip once. And I'm sitting next to my once. And I'm sitting next to my once. And I'm sitting next to my brother-in-law, and he's on his phone in brother-in-law, and he's on his phone in brother-in-law, and he's on his phone in the back of service. Can you believe the back of service. Can you believe the back of service. Can you believe that? that? that? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And this is a few years back. He's on >> And this is a few years back. He's on >> And this is a few years back. He's on like Facebook or something. like Facebook or something. like Facebook or something. >> Yeah. And the story starts being told, >> Yeah. And the story starts being told, >> Yeah. And the story starts being told, and I see in the corner of my eye him and I see in the corner of my eye him and I see in the corner of my eye him subconsciously look up from his phone subconsciously look up from his phone subconsciously look up from his phone and start paying attention. and start paying attention. and start paying attention. And because we'd talked about this And because we'd talked about this And because we'd talked about this research so many times, it was like research so many times, it was like research so many times, it was like amazing to see that in action because I amazing to see that in action because I amazing to see that in action because I was like, "Ah, his brain literally was like, "Ah, his brain literally was like, "Ah, his brain literally prioritized another human telling a prioritized another human telling a prioritized another human telling a story over his phone, which is story over his phone, which is story over his phone, which is engineered to be like the most addictive engineered to be like the most addictive engineered to be like the most addictive thing ever." And I've said this before thing ever." And I've said this before thing ever." And I've said this before on podcasts, almost certainly me telling on podcasts, almost certainly me telling on podcasts, almost certainly me telling that story was the part that you that story was the part that you that story was the part that you listened to the most so far. listened to the most so far. listened to the most so far. >> just going to say, everyone just tuned >> just going to say, everyone just tuned >> just going to say, everyone just tuned in. They were in the flow state doing in. They were in the flow state doing in. They were in the flow state doing dishes, and all of a sudden you started dishes, and all of a sudden you started dishes, and all of a sudden you started telling a story about going back to telling a story about going back to telling a story about going back to church, and we got them locked back in.

church, and we got them locked back in. church, and we got them locked back in. Exactly. That is the power of story. So, Exactly. That is the power of story. So, Exactly. That is the power of story. So, in the form of a promotion, one story in the form of a promotion, one story in the form of a promotion, one story plus one next step. If you are promoting plus one next step. If you are promoting plus one next step. If you are promoting small groups, just telling the story of small groups, just telling the story of small groups, just telling the story of someone's life who was affected someone's life who was affected someone's life who was affected positively in small groups, or a simple positively in small groups, or a simple positively in small groups, or a simple story yourself. This is how I would do story yourself. This is how I would do story yourself. This is how I would do it. When I moved to Niagara, I started it. When I moved to Niagara, I started it. When I moved to Niagara, I started going to a small group at Central, and I going to a small group at Central, and I going to a small group at Central, and I was new to this area. I didn't grow up was new to this area. I didn't grow up was new to this area. I didn't grow up here. My wife and I had just moved no here. My wife and I had just moved no here. My wife and I had just moved no one. So, I go to this small group, and one. So, I go to this small group, and one. So, I go to this small group, and everyone's kind of like older than me, everyone's kind of like older than me, everyone's kind of like older than me, and I didn't really feel like I fit in and I didn't really feel like I fit in and I didn't really feel like I fit in at first. And eventually, I made a at first. And eventually, I made a at first. And eventually, I made a friend, and that friend is like friend, and that friend is like friend, and that friend is like the person that I am still closest to in the person that I am still closest to in the person that I am still closest to in Niagara since moving here because of the Niagara since moving here because of the Niagara since moving here because of the one time I went to the small group that one time I went to the small group that one time I went to the small group that they were hosting at their house. Like they were hosting at their house. Like they were hosting at their house. Like just me telling that story is so much just me telling that story is so much just me telling that story is so much more effective than saying like, "You more effective than saying like, "You more effective than saying like, "You could go to a small group on Wednesday." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Or Thursday. >> Or Thursday. >> Or Thursday. Get this, we have small groups on Get this, we have small groups on Get this, we have small groups on Fridays. Yep. Yep. And talking about Fridays. Yep. Yep. And talking about Fridays. Yep. Yep. And talking about days and sign-ups and like, "Oh, and you days and sign-ups and like, "Oh, and you days and sign-ups and like, "Oh, and you could talk to this leader, or you could could talk to this leader, or you could could talk to this leader, or you could Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Awareness is not interest. Awareness is not interest. Awareness is not interest. Awareness is not interest. If you want Awareness is not interest. If you want Awareness is not interest. If you want people to get involved in your people to get involved in your people to get involved in your event services and ministries, they have event services and ministries, they have event services and ministries, they have to be interested. to be interested. to be interested. The best thing an announcement can do The best thing an announcement can do The best thing an announcement can do when all it does is focus on information when all it does is focus on information when all it does is focus on information is inform someone is inform someone is inform someone that the thing exists. that the thing exists. that the thing exists. >> Yeah. You know what? I know of a lot of >> Yeah. You know what? I know of a lot of >> Yeah. You know what? I know of a lot of things that exist. There's a butcher things that exist. There's a butcher things that exist. There's a butcher down the street from me. I'm aware of it down the street from me. I'm aware of it down the street from me. I'm aware of it exis- its existence. I've never been exis- its existence. I've never been exis- its existence. I've never been there. Mhm. Um partially because my there. Mhm. Um partially because my there. Mhm. Um partially because my neighbor say it's way overpriced. So, neighbor say it's way overpriced. So, neighbor say it's way overpriced. So, you know, you know, you know, some negative branding, I suppose. But some negative branding, I suppose. But some negative branding, I suppose. But the point is that you can be aware of the point is that you can be aware of the point is that you can be aware of the events that your church has, and the events that your church has, and the events that your church has, and that doesn't mean that you're going to that doesn't mean that you're going to that doesn't mean that you're going to get involved in them. Awareness is not get involved in them. Awareness is not get involved in them. Awareness is not interest. You get people inspired and interest. You get people inspired and interest. You get people inspired and interested how? interested how? interested how? Inspiration over information is the key. Inspiration over information is the key. Inspiration over information is the key. And sprinkle promotions should be the And sprinkle promotions should be the And sprinkle promotions should be the bread and butter bread and butter bread and butter of all of your communications and of all of your communications and of all of your communications and promotions in church. promotions in church. promotions in church. Because you can do them unlimited, like Because you can do them unlimited, like Because you can do them unlimited, like Alex said. There's no upper limit. Alex said. There's no upper limit. Alex said. There's no upper limit. Everybody can get their thing promoted Everybody can get their thing promoted Everybody can get their thing promoted and shared. And and shared. And and shared. And even when people don't get involved, even when people don't get involved, even when people don't get involved, you're still building positive culture.

you're still building positive culture. you're still building positive culture. The language you use becomes the culture The language you use becomes the culture The language you use becomes the culture you build. If you're a storytelling you build. If you're a storytelling you build. If you're a storytelling church, church, church, only good comes from that. only good comes from that. only good comes from that. >> Yeah. And if you're hearing this idea >> Yeah. And if you're hearing this idea >> Yeah. And if you're hearing this idea for the first time about sprinkle for the first time about sprinkle for the first time about sprinkle promotions, you've articulated it so promotions, you've articulated it so promotions, you've articulated it so well how you can do it, how you can well how you can do it, how you can well how you can do it, how you can adapt your stage announcements using adapt your stage announcements using adapt your stage announcements using that that stage announcements formula of that that stage announcements formula of that that stage announcements formula of one story plus one next step. But if one story plus one next step. But if one story plus one next step. But if you're hearing this idea about sprinkle you're hearing this idea about sprinkle you're hearing this idea about sprinkle promotions for the first time, you can promotions for the first time, you can promotions for the first time, you can very likely look back on your social very likely look back on your social very likely look back on your social content that you've already posted and content that you've already posted and content that you've already posted and see how, "Oh, yeah, this post that we see how, "Oh, yeah, this post that we see how, "Oh, yeah, this post that we posted last week, I could have tagged a posted last week, I could have tagged a posted last week, I could have tagged a little sprinkle promotion onto the end little sprinkle promotion onto the end little sprinkle promotion onto the end of that without changing the post, of that without changing the post, of that without changing the post, right? This carousel we posted last right? This carousel we posted last right? This carousel we posted last week, oh yeah, I I could have promoted week, oh yeah, I I could have promoted week, oh yeah, I I could have promoted small groups, or I could have promoted small groups, or I could have promoted small groups, or I could have promoted prayer on Thursdays or whatever." So, prayer on Thursdays or whatever." So, prayer on Thursdays or whatever." So, you'll likely be able to see looking you'll likely be able to see looking you'll likely be able to see looking back, "Oh, back, "Oh, back, "Oh, there's just about there there are very there's just about there there are very there's just about there there are very few types of posts that we've posted few types of posts that we've posted few types of posts that we've posted already that are not good candidates for already that are not good candidates for already that are not good candidates for tagging a sprinkle promotion onto the tagging a sprinkle promotion onto the tagging a sprinkle promotion onto the end, too. end, too. end, too. Um so, before we move on, do you want to Um so, before we move on, do you want to Um so, before we move on, do you want to talk about a couple more like specific talk about a couple more like specific talk about a couple more like specific sprinkle promotion formulas that might sprinkle promotion formulas that might sprinkle promotion formulas that might be helpful for folks? We talked about be helpful for folks? We talked about be helpful for folks? We talked about stage announcements pretty thoroughly. stage announcements pretty thoroughly. stage announcements pretty thoroughly. Yeah. And then there's obviously the the Yeah. And then there's obviously the the Yeah. And then there's obviously the the sermon sprinkle promo, which I think is sermon sprinkle promo, which I think is sermon sprinkle promo, which I think is very naturally. Um on social, the very naturally. Um on social, the very naturally. Um on social, the easiest way to do this is with easiest way to do this is with easiest way to do this is with photography and just like showing an photography and just like showing an photography and just like showing an event from last year. And then the final event from last year. And then the final event from last year. And then the final slide can be the promotion for the event slide can be the promotion for the event slide can be the promotion for the event this year. Um this year. Um this year. Um that's really great at getting people that's really great at getting people that's really great at getting people that are involved in your church to be that are involved in your church to be that are involved in your church to be like, "Oh, yeah, that is coming up. Like like, "Oh, yeah, that is coming up. Like like, "Oh, yeah, that is coming up. Like that's awesome." Like so Take eight that's awesome." Like so Take eight that's awesome." Like so Take eight photos from last year's church picnic, photos from last year's church picnic, photos from last year's church picnic, post them kind of nostalgic, and then post them kind of nostalgic, and then post them kind of nostalgic, and then the last slide on the carousel is, "Hey, the last slide on the carousel is, "Hey, the last slide on the carousel is, "Hey, this year's church picnic, June 15th.

this year's church picnic, June 15th. this year's church picnic, June 15th. See you there." Precisely. And you know, See you there." Precisely. And you know, See you there." Precisely. And you know, that can be done in service as well as a that can be done in service as well as a that can be done in service as well as a stage announcement. Like instead of a stage announcement. Like instead of a stage announcement. Like instead of a slide behind you that's like, you know, slide behind you that's like, you know, slide behind you that's like, you know, cartoon of like a picnic table and like cartoon of like a picnic table and like cartoon of like a picnic table and like an umbrella and a sun, an umbrella and a sun, an umbrella and a sun, you could just have like a photo of last you could just have like a photo of last you could just have like a photo of last year. And when people see that, there's year. And when people see that, there's year. And when people see that, there's a visceral response to that that will so a visceral response to that that will so a visceral response to that that will so greatly trump like some clip art or like greatly trump like some clip art or like greatly trump like some clip art or like a beautifully designed graphic in Canva a beautifully designed graphic in Canva a beautifully designed graphic in Canva that does not have the photo of what that does not have the photo of what that does not have the photo of what happened last year. Um happened last year. Um happened last year. Um stories, stories, stories, the fun way to do this is like the fun way to do this is like the fun way to do this is like interactive elements. So, we, you know, interactive elements. So, we, you know, interactive elements. So, we, you know, have a technique called the poll have a technique called the poll have a technique called the poll precursor, where you'll ask a question precursor, where you'll ask a question precursor, where you'll ask a question like, "What's your favorite grill item?" like, "What's your favorite grill item?" like, "What's your favorite grill item?" To use the church picnic example as To use the church picnic example as To use the church picnic example as well. Hamburgers or hot dogs. And well. Hamburgers or hot dogs. And well. Hamburgers or hot dogs. And everyone's like, "Ah, I'm going to everyone's like, "Ah, I'm going to everyone's like, "Ah, I'm going to choose this." choose this." choose this." And then on the next slide, they're And then on the next slide, they're And then on the next slide, they're like, "Hey, we'll have both at the like, "Hey, we'll have both at the like, "Hey, we'll have both at the church picnic." Right? That can be church picnic." Right? That can be church picnic." Right? That can be tailored to any event that's happening. tailored to any event that's happening. tailored to any event that's happening. I think the unlock is what Alex said, I think the unlock is what Alex said, I think the unlock is what Alex said, which is we're not trying to handcuff which is we're not trying to handcuff which is we're not trying to handcuff your ability to promote. We're actually your ability to promote. We're actually your ability to promote. We're actually trying to expand in your mind what a trying to expand in your mind what a trying to expand in your mind what a promotion could even look like.

promotion could even look like. promotion could even look like. >> Mhm. Because a sprinkle promotion can >> Mhm. Because a sprinkle promotion can >> Mhm. Because a sprinkle promotion can transform anything transform anything transform anything into a promo. If a pastor can naturally into a promo. If a pastor can naturally into a promo. If a pastor can naturally do this from stage in their sermon, do this from stage in their sermon, do this from stage in their sermon, which I don't think most of us would which I don't think most of us would which I don't think most of us would come to the table and think, "You know come to the table and think, "You know come to the table and think, "You know what? We're going to do a lot of what? We're going to do a lot of what? We're going to do a lot of promotion in the sermon." No, we promotion in the sermon." No, we promotion in the sermon." No, we wouldn't think that. But if it can be wouldn't think that. But if it can be wouldn't think that. But if it can be done there properly and perhaps more done there properly and perhaps more done there properly and perhaps more powerfully than anywhere else because powerfully than anywhere else because powerfully than anywhere else because preaching naturally sets up, "How do you preaching naturally sets up, "How do you preaching naturally sets up, "How do you want to put your faith into action?" want to put your faith into action?" want to put your faith into action?" Hey, that's why the church exists. Hey, that's why the church exists. Hey, that's why the church exists. We can do it anywhere. So, this isn't We can do it anywhere. So, this isn't We can do it anywhere. So, this isn't meant for you to go, "All right, great. meant for you to go, "All right, great. meant for you to go, "All right, great. Fewer ways to promote." I get it. I do Fewer ways to promote." I get it. I do Fewer ways to promote." I get it. I do that a lot. that a lot. that a lot. Oh, okay, three announcements from Oh, okay, three announcements from Oh, okay, three announcements from stage. What are we going to do then? stage. What are we going to do then? stage. What are we going to do then? This is meant to say you can promote This is meant to say you can promote This is meant to say you can promote anywhere, anything, and when you see anywhere, anything, and when you see anywhere, anything, and when you see things in that way, things in that way, things in that way, it it allows you so much more freedom. it it allows you so much more freedom. it it allows you so much more freedom. Yeah. So, that was the sprinkle Yeah. So, that was the sprinkle Yeah. So, that was the sprinkle promotions. What about the sprint promotions. What about the sprint promotions. What about the sprint promotions? Sprint promotion. So, the promotions? Sprint promotion. So, the promotions? Sprint promotion. So, the core idea here is that this is the exact core idea here is that this is the exact core idea here is that this is the exact opposite of a sprinkle promotion. And if opposite of a sprinkle promotion. And if opposite of a sprinkle promotion. And if you're thinking, "Wait, you're thinking, "Wait, you're thinking, "Wait, why would an audience ever allow this?" why would an audience ever allow this?" why would an audience ever allow this?" When this is done in constrained, When this is done in constrained, When this is done in constrained, infrequent windows, infrequent windows, infrequent windows, audiences like to cheer on when someone audiences like to cheer on when someone audiences like to cheer on when someone has like something going on that they has like something going on that they has like something going on that they have obviously said, "This is the most have obviously said, "This is the most have obviously said, "This is the most important thing to me."

important thing to me." important thing to me." >> Sure. Right? Like when a couple is >> Sure. Right? Like when a couple is >> Sure. Right? Like when a couple is getting married and their social feed getting married and their social feed getting married and their social feed starts to like show like a lot of like starts to like show like a lot of like starts to like show like a lot of like their wedding photos, nobody gets mad at their wedding photos, nobody gets mad at their wedding photos, nobody gets mad at that. If you do, that. If you do, that. If you do, >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> kind of strange. >> kind of strange. >> kind of strange. >> Yeah. Because you understand this was >> Yeah. Because you understand this was >> Yeah. Because you understand this was like an extremely important moment for like an extremely important moment for like an extremely important moment for them. them. them. And And And there's going to be a limited time where there's going to be a limited time where there's going to be a limited time where they're posting photos, and then they'll they're posting photos, and then they'll they're posting photos, and then they'll move on with their life. Now, granted, move on with their life. Now, granted, move on with their life. Now, granted, if they're not, then sure, I guess you if they're not, then sure, I guess you if they're not, then sure, I guess you could be upset with them. But we could be upset with them. But we could be upset with them. But we understand in most cases, this is one of understand in most cases, this is one of understand in most cases, this is one of the most exciting things that's going on the most exciting things that's going on the most exciting things that's going on in their life, in their life, in their life, and they're sharing it with us, and this and they're sharing it with us, and this and they're sharing it with us, and this will be an indefinite period. So, what will be an indefinite period. So, what will be an indefinite period. So, what is a sprint promotion? It is a is a sprint promotion? It is a is a sprint promotion? It is a concentrated, high-intensity, concentrated, high-intensity, concentrated, high-intensity, time-bound, all channels blazing, push time-bound, all channels blazing, push time-bound, all channels blazing, push empty the clip promotion for a single empty the clip promotion for a single empty the clip promotion for a single event. event. event. You drop all the rules, but just for a You drop all the rules, but just for a You drop all the rules, but just for a short window. This is Christmas. This is short window. This is Christmas. This is short window. This is Christmas. This is Easter. This is Easter. This is Easter. This is Drake dropping his Iceman record a Drake dropping his Iceman record a Drake dropping his Iceman record a little while ago he with the ice in little while ago he with the ice in little while ago he with the ice in downtown Toronto. This is yeah. downtown Toronto. This is yeah. downtown Toronto. This is yeah. >> Exactly. If your church is not melting >> Exactly. If your church is not melting >> Exactly. If your church is not melting giant blocks of ice to promote VBS, giant blocks of ice to promote VBS, giant blocks of ice to promote VBS, we're leaving stuff on the table. That's we're leaving stuff on the table. That's we're leaving stuff on the table. That's actually like the the the fourth one, actually like the the the fourth one, actually like the the the fourth one, which is, you know, which is, you know, which is, you know, yeah, absolutely. Most effective yeah, absolutely. Most effective yeah, absolutely. Most effective promotion, yeah. So, what are the promotion, yeah. So, what are the promotion, yeah. So, what are the constraints to sprint promotions? They constraints to sprint promotions? They constraints to sprint promotions? They have to be reserved for the biggest have to be reserved for the biggest have to be reserved for the biggest events only, like Alex said. So, what events only, like Alex said. So, what events only, like Alex said. So, what qualifies? Christmas, Easter, VBS, qualifies? Christmas, Easter, VBS, qualifies? Christmas, Easter, VBS, um fall festival, anything that affects um fall festival, anything that affects um fall festival, anything that affects like 80% or more of the church. So, if like 80% or more of the church. So, if like 80% or more of the church. So, if you're doing like a building campaign, you're doing like a building campaign, you're doing like a building campaign, >> Yeah. Yeah. um we call this >> Yeah. Yeah. um we call this >> Yeah. Yeah. um we call this level one in our event promotion matrix.

level one in our event promotion matrix. level one in our event promotion matrix. So, when we talk about promoting events So, when we talk about promoting events So, when we talk about promoting events in church, there are four levels. The in church, there are four levels. The in church, there are four levels. The Level one is it affects 80% of the Level one is it affects 80% of the Level one is it affects 80% of the church or more or it's a bridge event in church or more or it's a bridge event in church or more or it's a bridge event in the community. Right. the community. Right. the community. Right. >> would be the events >> would be the events >> would be the events >> Fall Festival. Yeah, VBS. >> Fall Festival. Yeah, VBS. >> Fall Festival. Yeah, VBS. >> event, yeah. Correct. These are the um >> event, yeah. Correct. These are the um >> event, yeah. Correct. These are the um promotions that get the highest promotions that get the highest promotions that get the highest priority. They get the greatest priority. They get the greatest priority. They get the greatest concentration of promotion because we concentration of promotion because we concentration of promotion because we recognize these are the most critical recognize these are the most critical recognize these are the most critical things that we do as a church. So, things that we do as a church. So, things that we do as a church. So, that's the first rule for like that's the first rule for like that's the first rule for like we don't give sprint promotions to level we don't give sprint promotions to level we don't give sprint promotions to level two. Right. Which are core next steps. two. Right. Which are core next steps. two. Right. Which are core next steps. Volunteering, baptism, giving, your Volunteering, baptism, giving, your Volunteering, baptism, giving, your assimilation next steps class. assimilation next steps class. assimilation next steps class. >> Right, right. But, we don't do sprint >> Right, right. But, we don't do sprint >> Right, right. But, we don't do sprint promos for those. Level three, next gen, promos for those. Level three, next gen, promos for those. Level three, next gen, kids, youth, young adults. No. Level kids, youth, young adults. No. Level kids, youth, young adults. No. Level four, everything else. No. Sprint four, everything else. No. Sprint four, everything else. No. Sprint promotions, you only qualify if you are promotions, you only qualify if you are promotions, you only qualify if you are a level one event. That's constraint a level one event. That's constraint a level one event. That's constraint number one. Constraint number two is number one. Constraint number two is number one. Constraint number two is you can only have two to four sprint you can only have two to four sprint you can only have two to four sprint windows per year. windows per year. windows per year. So, you can't say, "Well, we're doing a So, you can't say, "Well, we're doing a So, you can't say, "Well, we're doing a service time change. That applies to 80% service time change. That applies to 80% service time change. That applies to 80% or more of the church." or more of the church." or more of the church." >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Sprint promo. I said, "Well, the Fall >> Sprint promo. I said, "Well, the Fall >> Sprint promo. I said, "Well, the Fall Festival is like in 2 weeks. We can't Festival is like in 2 weeks. We can't Festival is like in 2 weeks. We can't Yeah, it's too close.

Yeah, it's too close. Yeah, it's too close. >> followed by a sprint promo because every >> followed by a sprint promo because every >> followed by a sprint promo because every time you do the sprint promotion, it time you do the sprint promotion, it time you do the sprint promotion, it comes at a cost. comes at a cost. comes at a cost. >> Mhm. Like, people will permit it, but it >> Mhm. Like, people will permit it, but it >> Mhm. Like, people will permit it, but it doesn't mean that it doesn't come at a doesn't mean that it doesn't come at a doesn't mean that it doesn't come at a cost. cost. cost. >> Sure. Email rates drop a little bit. If >> Sure. Email rates drop a little bit. If >> Sure. Email rates drop a little bit. If you're sending out text blasts every you're sending out text blasts every you're sending out text blasts every single day for the thing, those are single day for the thing, those are single day for the thing, those are going to be affected. Social media, going to be affected. Social media, going to be affected. Social media, okay, we're not like as tuned in for the okay, we're not like as tuned in for the okay, we're not like as tuned in for the next week until you kind of build that next week until you kind of build that next week until you kind of build that back up. Yes, we've heard this back up. Yes, we've heard this back up. Yes, we've heard this at every week at church for the past at every week at church for the past at every week at church for the past like 6 to 8 weeks. We get it. And then like 6 to 8 weeks. We get it. And then like 6 to 8 weeks. We get it. And then okay, we're winding down. okay, we're winding down. okay, we're winding down. >> Yeah. And then the final constraint is >> Yeah. And then the final constraint is >> Yeah. And then the final constraint is that once you get into the sprint phase that once you get into the sprint phase that once you get into the sprint phase of a promotion, of a promotion, of a promotion, it really should not be more than 7 days it really should not be more than 7 days it really should not be more than 7 days long. So, let's imagine we're doing long. So, let's imagine we're doing long. So, let's imagine we're doing promotion for Fall Festival. Okay, promotion for Fall Festival. Okay, promotion for Fall Festival. Okay, that's coming up in a couple of months. that's coming up in a couple of months. that's coming up in a couple of months. Maybe we want to do a 6-week promotional Maybe we want to do a 6-week promotional Maybe we want to do a 6-week promotional campaign for that level one event. Our campaign for that level one event. Our campaign for that level one event. Our level one event promotional playbooks level one event promotional playbooks level one event promotional playbooks usually last between 6 and 8 weeks. You usually last between 6 and 8 weeks. You usually last between 6 and 8 weeks. You can uh condense them if you have too can uh condense them if you have too can uh condense them if you have too many level one event overlaps. many level one event overlaps. many level one event overlaps. But, summer is, you know, more of a But, summer is, you know, more of a But, summer is, you know, more of a downtime. Okay, let's say VBS is in the downtime. Okay, let's say VBS is in the downtime. Okay, let's say VBS is in the rearview. Okay, the next big thing is rearview. Okay, the next big thing is rearview. Okay, the next big thing is Fall Festival. And maybe this overlaps Fall Festival. And maybe this overlaps Fall Festival. And maybe this overlaps with your back-to-church kind of with your back-to-church kind of with your back-to-church kind of back-to-school season. Okay, we are back-to-school season. Okay, we are back-to-school season. Okay, we are going to promote that. We're going to do going to promote that. We're going to do going to promote that. We're going to do it for 6 weeks. The sprint promotion it for 6 weeks. The sprint promotion it for 6 weeks. The sprint promotion window of that 6 weeks is the final week window of that 6 weeks is the final week window of that 6 weeks is the final week only.

only. only. It's not six straight weeks. So, there It's not six straight weeks. So, there It's not six straight weeks. So, there are are are three constraints. Number one, level one three constraints. Number one, level one three constraints. Number one, level one events only. Number two, two to four events only. Number two, two to four events only. Number two, two to four times per year total times per year total times per year total combined combined combined all sprint promos. all sprint promos. all sprint promos. And then number three, And then number three, And then number three, the sprint the sprint the sprint window is only 7 days in and of itself. window is only 7 days in and of itself. window is only 7 days in and of itself. And despite all those three things, you And despite all those three things, you And despite all those three things, you still need to come to terms that this still need to come to terms that this still need to come to terms that this will come at a cost. If we do a sprint will come at a cost. If we do a sprint will come at a cost. If we do a sprint promo, we can't do one the week after or promo, we can't do one the week after or promo, we can't do one the week after or 2 weeks after. You got to like let it 2 weeks after. You got to like let it 2 weeks after. You got to like let it breathe for a little bit. breathe for a little bit. breathe for a little bit. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, what does this look like in action? So, what does this look like in action? So, what does this look like in action? Well, let's use Christmas as an example. Well, let's use Christmas as an example. Well, let's use Christmas as an example. So, we're going to run the sprint So, we're going to run the sprint So, we're going to run the sprint promotion as the final week. So, this is promotion as the final week. So, this is promotion as the final week. So, this is like, you know, December 25th and like a like, you know, December 25th and like a like, you know, December 25th and like a week before. So, you've got a banner at week before. So, you've got a banner at week before. So, you've got a banner at the top of the site or the entire hero the top of the site or the entire hero the top of the site or the entire hero page of the website dedicated to page of the website dedicated to page of the website dedicated to Christmas. The banner follows you as you Christmas. The banner follows you as you Christmas. The banner follows you as you scroll. If you're using the launcher, scroll. If you're using the launcher, scroll. If you're using the launcher, it's the featured action at the top of it's the featured action at the top of it's the featured action at the top of the launcher. You're sending daily email the launcher. You're sending daily email the launcher. You're sending daily email blast for the last 7 days blast for the last 7 days blast for the last 7 days if you want. You're sending daily texts if you want. You're sending daily texts if you want. You're sending daily texts to the last 7 days to the full list if to the last 7 days to the full list if to the last 7 days to the full list if you want. Multiple posts per day across you want. Multiple posts per day across you want. Multiple posts per day across social.

social. social. Stage announcements. Stage announcements. Stage announcements. If you wanted to even de- If you wanted to even de- If you wanted to even de- If you wanted to even say, "You know If you wanted to even say, "You know If you wanted to even say, "You know what? I'm not even telling a story." what? I'm not even telling a story." what? I'm not even telling a story." This is like This is like This is like >> promo. >> promo. >> promo. >> the one time a year I'm like [laughter] >> the one time a year I'm like [laughter] >> the one time a year I'm like [laughter] This really is your last chance. This really is your last chance. This really is your last chance. >> Yeah. You really do not want [laughter] >> Yeah. You really do not want [laughter] >> Yeah. You really do not want [laughter] to miss it. to miss it. to miss it. >> say that. >> say that. >> say that. >> No, this is the one time. NO, NO, REALLY >> No, this is the one time. NO, NO, REALLY >> No, this is the one time. NO, NO, REALLY DON'T MISS CHRISTMAS. This is the one DON'T MISS CHRISTMAS. This is the one DON'T MISS CHRISTMAS. This is the one time you don't want to miss it. time you don't want to miss it. time you don't want to miss it. If if one time a year you want to do If if one time a year you want to do If if one time a year you want to do that, that's okay. But, I will say that, that's okay. But, I will say that, that's okay. But, I will say I still would recommend if you're I still would recommend if you're I still would recommend if you're sending an email every day for the week sending an email every day for the week sending an email every day for the week leading up to Christmas, I would still leading up to Christmas, I would still leading up to Christmas, I would still make all of those sprinkle promotions. make all of those sprinkle promotions. make all of those sprinkle promotions. Yeah. They'll still be more effective. Yeah. They'll still be more effective. Yeah. They'll still be more effective. Right? Like, if you want, you could send Right? Like, if you want, you could send Right? Like, if you want, you could send like a, you know, pure informational like a, you know, pure informational like a, you know, pure informational email, email, email, but I don't think that will be as but I don't think that will be as but I don't think that will be as effective. So, you can increase effective. So, you can increase effective. So, you can increase frequency, but that doesn't mean that we frequency, but that doesn't mean that we frequency, but that doesn't mean that we just throw out the rules of what we know just throw out the rules of what we know just throw out the rules of what we know works. Right? Like, inspiration over works. Right? Like, inspiration over works. Right? Like, inspiration over information is still true even if you're information is still true even if you're information is still true even if you're doing daily emails. And again, this is doing daily emails. And again, this is doing daily emails. And again, this is what makes sprinkle promotions so great. what makes sprinkle promotions so great. what makes sprinkle promotions so great. So, you can have a sprint promotion So, you can have a sprint promotion So, you can have a sprint promotion window and the mechanism that you're window and the mechanism that you're window and the mechanism that you're promoting with every single week could promoting with every single week could promoting with every single week could be, would recommend it to be sprinkle be, would recommend it to be sprinkle be, would recommend it to be sprinkle promos.

promos. promos. Again, if you want to throw out the Again, if you want to throw out the Again, if you want to throw out the entire playbook and you say, "You know entire playbook and you say, "You know entire playbook and you say, "You know what? I what? I what? I I was good all year." I was good all year." I was good all year." And for this window, I am just going to And for this window, I am just going to And for this window, I am just going to promote promote promote Okay, fine. Okay, fine. Okay, fine. >> Yes, absolutely. It's cheat meal, great. >> Yes, absolutely. It's cheat meal, great. >> Yes, absolutely. It's cheat meal, great. So be it. So be it. So be it. Hey, can I tee you up for a sprinkle Hey, can I tee you up for a sprinkle Hey, can I tee you up for a sprinkle promotion of your own? promotion of your own? promotion of your own? Uh sure. You mentioned uh Uh sure. You mentioned uh Uh sure. You mentioned uh promotional playbooks. You mentioned promotional playbooks. You mentioned promotional playbooks. You mentioned ministry levels. Sounds like there are ministry levels. Sounds like there are ministry levels. Sounds like there are some there's some framework for some some there's some framework for some some there's some framework for some content that maybe we haven't always content that maybe we haven't always content that maybe we haven't always talked about. Where When when I hear talked about. Where When when I hear talked about. Where When when I hear Brady Shearer talk about a promotional Brady Shearer talk about a promotional Brady Shearer talk about a promotional playbook, we're going to get my hands on playbook, we're going to get my hands on playbook, we're going to get my hands on something like that. something like that. something like that. >> I assure you folks, this was not in the >> I assure you folks, this was not in the >> I assure you folks, this was not in the notes. notes. notes. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> It sounds scripted because >> It sounds scripted because >> It sounds scripted because I don't know why he's talking like this, I don't know why he's talking like this, I don't know why he's talking like this, but I promise you it's not in the notes. but I promise you it's not in the notes. but I promise you it's not in the notes. So, we did do a YouTube video recently So, we did do a YouTube video recently So, we did do a YouTube video recently called the Church called the Church called the Church Communications Masterclass. Communications Masterclass. Communications Masterclass. And like all of the masterclasses that And like all of the masterclasses that And like all of the masterclasses that we have on YouTube, that is meant to be we have on YouTube, that is meant to be we have on YouTube, that is meant to be like our definitive thoughts on this like our definitive thoughts on this like our definitive thoughts on this topic. And so, we go through in-depth topic. And so, we go through in-depth topic. And so, we go through in-depth the four levels of ministry. And the four levels of ministry. And the four levels of ministry. And that process is step one of the seven that process is step one of the seven that process is step one of the seven building blocks framework that we teach building blocks framework that we teach building blocks framework that we teach for church communications. The reality for church communications. The reality for church communications. The reality of church communications, like we said, of church communications, like we said, of church communications, like we said, is that it affects everything. And in is that it affects everything. And in is that it affects everything. And in most churches, it is absolute chaos most churches, it is absolute chaos most churches, it is absolute chaos because there's no system. And it's not because there's no system. And it's not because there's no system. And it's not because people aren't trying hard because people aren't trying hard because people aren't trying hard enough. Like, I went to Bible college, enough. Like, I went to Bible college, enough. Like, I went to Bible college, okay? I know. I have I'm not old. I went okay? I know. I have I'm not old. I went okay? I know. I have I'm not old. I went recently. We were doing creative recently. We were doing creative recently. We were doing creative communication classes in first year.

communication classes in first year. communication classes in first year. And And And I have my degree, I have my degree, I have my degree, theology, youth ministry. theology, youth ministry. theology, youth ministry. This was never covered. And yet, as I This was never covered. And yet, as I This was never covered. And yet, as I know firsthand, know firsthand, know firsthand, like with chaotic communications, the like with chaotic communications, the like with chaotic communications, the church suffers. And so, the seven church suffers. And so, the seven church suffers. And so, the seven building blocks are the answer to this building blocks are the answer to this building blocks are the answer to this chaos. chaos. chaos. Take the chaos out, install this system. Take the chaos out, install this system. Take the chaos out, install this system. The first building block is assign The first building block is assign The first building block is assign levels to every ministry, one, two, levels to every ministry, one, two, levels to every ministry, one, two, three, or four. And then we go through three, or four. And then we go through three, or four. And then we go through the rest of the building blocks. So, the rest of the building blocks. So, the rest of the building blocks. So, that's all that's all that's all on uh the Brady Shearer YouTube channel, on uh the Brady Shearer YouTube channel, on uh the Brady Shearer YouTube channel, the Church Communications Masterclass. the Church Communications Masterclass. the Church Communications Masterclass. And then we also have this diagnostic And then we also have this diagnostic And then we also have this diagnostic tool where we have your church send in tool where we have your church send in tool where we have your church send in your website your website your website and then three full service recordings, and then three full service recordings, and then three full service recordings, not just the sermon, the full service. not just the sermon, the full service. not just the sermon, the full service. Easiest thing to do is if you live Easiest thing to do is if you live Easiest thing to do is if you live stream on YouTube, just copy the link. stream on YouTube, just copy the link. stream on YouTube, just copy the link. And in the form, you can paste in three. And in the form, you can paste in three. And in the form, you can paste in three. churchchaos.com is where you can uh churchchaos.com is where you can uh churchchaos.com is where you can uh fill in the form. And what we do is we fill in the form. And what we do is we fill in the form. And what we do is we then go through every word that you say then go through every word that you say then go through every word that you say from stage, from stage, from stage, cross-reference it with your website, cross-reference it with your website, cross-reference it with your website, and we come out with this 38-point and we come out with this 38-point and we come out with this 38-point diagnostic. And the big thing is we diagnostic. And the big thing is we diagnostic. And the big thing is we score your church from zero to 100.

score your church from zero to 100. score your church from zero to 100. This is one This is one This is one >> On a chaos meter. Right. So, this is >> On a chaos meter. Right. So, this is >> On a chaos meter. Right. So, this is like the scale where lower is good. like the scale where lower is good. like the scale where lower is good. Like, if you're in the doctor's office Like, if you're in the doctor's office Like, if you're in the doctor's office >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Right, except you can't score a zero on >> Right, except you can't score a zero on >> Right, except you can't score a zero on the scale. the scale. the scale. So, uh right, this is golf where you So, uh right, this is golf where you So, uh right, this is golf where you score an 18 and you're like the greatest score an 18 and you're like the greatest score an 18 and you're like the greatest yeah, golfer of all time. Or you're in yeah, golfer of all time. Or you're in yeah, golfer of all time. Or you're in the doctor's office and they're like, the doctor's office and they're like, the doctor's office and they're like, "All right, on a scale of zero to 10, "All right, on a scale of zero to 10, "All right, on a scale of zero to 10, Mr. Mills, where is your pain?" And Mr. Mills, where is your pain?" And Mr. Mills, where is your pain?" And you're like, "My pain is zero." Why are you're like, "My pain is zero." Why are you're like, "My pain is zero." Why are you here then? Right. So, zero is low you here then? Right. So, zero is low you here then? Right. So, zero is low chaos. The lower your score, chaos. The lower your score, chaos. The lower your score, the less chaos there is, the healthier the less chaos there is, the healthier the less chaos there is, the healthier ministry. So, ministry. So, ministry. So, what comes out of this church chaos what comes out of this church chaos what comes out of this church chaos score report is like you'll get a score report is like you'll get a score report is like you'll get a number. Okay, we're 42. number. Okay, we're 42. number. Okay, we're 42. There are four different like quadrants. There are four different like quadrants. There are four different like quadrants. You can be low chaos, you can be You can be low chaos, you can be You can be low chaos, you can be moderate chaos, you can be high chaos, moderate chaos, you can be high chaos, moderate chaos, you can be high chaos, you can be critical chaos. So, like, if you can be critical chaos. So, like, if you can be critical chaos. So, like, if you were 42, you'd be in the moderate you were 42, you'd be in the moderate you were 42, you'd be in the moderate chaos score. And then we would give you chaos score. And then we would give you chaos score. And then we would give you like, "Okay, like, "Okay, like, "Okay, how did we score this?" Well, how did we score this?" Well, how did we score this?" Well, and then there are all these different and then there are all these different and then there are all these different again again again customized, personalized feedback points customized, personalized feedback points customized, personalized feedback points that we give you. So, that we give you. So, that we give you. So, churchchaos.com if you want to get that churchchaos.com if you want to get that churchchaos.com if you want to get that score. score. score. >> we've been talking about on this show, >> we've been talking about on this show, >> we've been talking about on this show, however many you break, that's reflected however many you break, that's reflected however many you break, that's reflected in your church chaos score. Yeah, in your church chaos score. Yeah, in your church chaos score. Yeah, [laughter] like we we look at those [laughter] like we we look at those [laughter] like we we look at those things. Like, one of the things that we things. Like, one of the things that we things. Like, one of the things that we look at look at is look at look at is look at look at is >> Your church announcements. How many >> Your church announcements. How many >> Your church announcements. How many destinations as an as an example are you destinations as an as an example are you destinations as an as an example are you giving? Right? Like, if you're up there giving? Right? Like, if you're up there giving? Right? Like, if you're up there and you're like Yeah, like Alex is and you're like Yeah, like Alex is and you're like Yeah, like Alex is making fun of it earlier in the episode making fun of it earlier in the episode making fun of it earlier in the episode like, like, like, "Download the app. Visit the website.

"Download the app. Visit the website. "Download the app. Visit the website. Talk to Mary. Check out the lobby. Talk Talk to Mary. Check out the lobby. Talk Talk to Mary. Check out the lobby. Talk to pastor after the church." to pastor after the church." to pastor after the church." >> chaos index is going up into the red, by >> chaos index is going up into the red, by >> chaos index is going up into the red, by the way. Absolutely. the way. Absolutely. the way. Absolutely. Absolutely. So, churchchaos.com to get Absolutely. So, churchchaos.com to get Absolutely. So, churchchaos.com to get that and go watch the YouTube video, the that and go watch the YouTube video, the that and go watch the YouTube video, the Church Communications Masterclass. If Church Communications Masterclass. If Church Communications Masterclass. If some of this is like, "Oh, interesting. some of this is like, "Oh, interesting. some of this is like, "Oh, interesting. I I That's a little bit foreign to me. I I I That's a little bit foreign to me. I I I That's a little bit foreign to me. I I'm not sure if I've heard that before." I'm not sure if I've heard that before." I'm not sure if I've heard that before." Okay, let's bring it home. The third Okay, let's bring it home. The third Okay, let's bring it home. The third type of promotion that you are permitted type of promotion that you are permitted type of promotion that you are permitted to do in church, according to uh this to do in church, according to uh this to do in church, according to uh this show, the smuggle promotion. show, the smuggle promotion. show, the smuggle promotion. >> The smuggle promotion. So, it's good >> The smuggle promotion. So, it's good >> The smuggle promotion. So, it's good that we did all of that helpful context that we did all of that helpful context that we did all of that helpful context because because because what's true about our promotional what's true about our promotional what's true about our promotional playbooks, which is one of the building playbooks, which is one of the building playbooks, which is one of the building blocks like in, you know, blocks like in, you know, blocks like in, you know, give the ministry leaders these give the ministry leaders these give the ministry leaders these promotional playbooks so they know, promotional playbooks so they know, promotional playbooks so they know, "Okay, this is my ministry. This is how "Okay, this is my ministry. This is how "Okay, this is my ministry. This is how I'm going to promote it effectively in I'm going to promote it effectively in I'm going to promote it effectively in my church." Is that not every ministry my church." Is that not every ministry my church." Is that not every ministry should have access to every single should have access to every single should have access to every single promotional channel. Make sense, right? At the top of this, At the top of this, we only permit levels one, two, and we only permit levels one, two, and we only permit levels one, two, and three to have access to stage three to have access to stage three to have access to stage announcements. So, if you're a level announcements. So, if you're a level announcements. So, if you're a level four event, four event, four event, you do not have access to stage you do not have access to stage you do not have access to stage announcements.

announcements. announcements. >> Jake's running club. We're not talking >> Jake's running club. We're not talking >> Jake's running club. We're not talking about your running club from the stage. about your running club from the stage. about your running club from the stage. Right. And the reason is because we Right. And the reason is because we Right. And the reason is because we think that three or fewer stage think that three or fewer stage think that three or fewer stage announcements is like the rule of thumb. announcements is like the rule of thumb. announcements is like the rule of thumb. And so, what happens invariably in And so, what happens invariably in And so, what happens invariably in churches of all sizes because even if churches of all sizes because even if churches of all sizes because even if you're a church of 85, you probably have you're a church of 85, you probably have you're a church of 85, you probably have like, you know, like, you know, like, you know, 10 to 15 different departments and like 10 to 15 different departments and like 10 to 15 different departments and like everyone has an awesome thing. Yeah. everyone has an awesome thing. Yeah. everyone has an awesome thing. Yeah. That's what we keep coming back to, That's what we keep coming back to, That's what we keep coming back to, right? Like, transformative ministries, right? Like, transformative ministries, right? Like, transformative ministries, events, and services that we want people events, and services that we want people events, and services that we want people to get involved in. So, we have to tell to get involved in. So, we have to tell to get involved in. So, we have to tell them about it. them about it. them about it. >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> Not everyone can get a stage >> Not everyone can get a stage >> Not everyone can get a stage announcement. Now, we have amazing announcement. Now, we have amazing announcement. Now, we have amazing alternatives that I think are much alternatives that I think are much alternatives that I think are much better for those specific um ministries. better for those specific um ministries. better for those specific um ministries. But, But, But, on the rare occasion, and in our church, on the rare occasion, and in our church, on the rare occasion, and in our church, this works out to like every two to four this works out to like every two to four this works out to like every two to four weeks, Okay. we will have an weeks, Okay. we will have an weeks, Okay. we will have an announcement slot announcement slot announcement slot for a level two event. And a level two for a level two event. And a level two for a level two event. And a level two event is an ongoing event is an ongoing event is an ongoing ministry rhythm for a next step. So, ministry rhythm for a next step. So, ministry rhythm for a next step. So, these are not usually time sensitive. these are not usually time sensitive. these are not usually time sensitive. They're not like, "Oh, we have VBS and They're not like, "Oh, we have VBS and They're not like, "Oh, we have VBS and it's once every year." it's once every year." it's once every year." >> Okay. These are things like Alpha. >> Okay. These are things like Alpha. >> Okay. These are things like Alpha. Yeah. Yeah, a new Yeah, a new person Yeah. Yeah, a new Yeah, a new person Yeah. Yeah, a new Yeah, a new person course would be great. Um like any type course would be great. Um like any type course would be great. Um like any type of assimilation course would count here.

of assimilation course would count here. of assimilation course would count here. Giving, volunteering, groups, baptism, Giving, volunteering, groups, baptism, Giving, volunteering, groups, baptism, the types of things where like you move the types of things where like you move the types of things where like you move from the sidelines to like in the action from the sidelines to like in the action from the sidelines to like in the action at church. You always want those things at church. You always want those things at church. You always want those things happening. You always want people happening. You always want people happening. You always want people signing up to volunteer, to get signing up to volunteer, to get signing up to volunteer, to get baptized, to give, all those things. So, baptized, to give, all those things. So, baptized, to give, all those things. So, because these are ongoing, sometimes because these are ongoing, sometimes because these are ongoing, sometimes you're like, "What you're like, "What you're like, "What is the story we want to tell here?" is the story we want to tell here?" is the story we want to tell here?" >> Oh, we struggle with this at our church >> Oh, we struggle with this at our church >> Oh, we struggle with this at our church when it comes to giving. To the point when it comes to giving. To the point when it comes to giving. To the point where like we end up talking about where like we end up talking about where like we end up talking about giving less than we should because I giving less than we should because I giving less than we should because I don't want to err on like talking about don't want to err on like talking about don't want to err on like talking about it too much where it just either sounds it too much where it just either sounds it too much where it just either sounds like a script or it sounds like you're like a script or it sounds like you're like a script or it sounds like you're begging for money. Right. Um so, then we begging for money. Right. Um so, then we begging for money. Right. Um so, then we just end up never talking about it just end up never talking about it just end up never talking about it because we don't know how. So, smuggled because we don't know how. So, smuggled because we don't know how. So, smuggled promotion works like this. You identify promotion works like this. You identify promotion works like this. You identify a core next step. So, at Alex's church, a core next step. So, at Alex's church, a core next step. So, at Alex's church, we need to do a giving announcement we need to do a giving announcement we need to do a giving announcement because Alex has already said he doesn't because Alex has already said he doesn't because Alex has already said he doesn't talk about it enough because he feels talk about it enough because he feels talk about it enough because he feels uncomfortable about it. Totally normal uncomfortable about it. Totally normal uncomfortable about it. Totally normal thing. So, what we're going to do is we thing. So, what we're going to do is we thing. So, what we're going to do is we are going to smuggle in a level four are going to smuggle in a level four are going to smuggle in a level four event to be the substance of that event to be the substance of that event to be the substance of that promotion. And the example with giving promotion. And the example with giving promotion. And the example with giving being the ultimate next step that we're being the ultimate next step that we're being the ultimate next step that we're making. So, making. So, making. So, >> it out for me. Okay.

>> it out for me. Okay. >> it out for me. Okay. So, So, So, the thing about giving is that it powers the thing about giving is that it powers the thing about giving is that it powers every single thing in church. every single thing in church. every single thing in church. >> Right. So, literally anything that you >> Right. So, literally anything that you >> Right. So, literally anything that you grab can be an example for giving. grab can be an example for giving. grab can be an example for giving. So, So, So, what is a level four event at your what is a level four event at your what is a level four event at your church that probably doesn't deserve a church that probably doesn't deserve a church that probably doesn't deserve a stage announcement? It's not young stage announcement? It's not young stage announcement? It's not young adults, kids, or youth. It's not an adults, kids, or youth. It's not an adults, kids, or youth. It's not an ongoing next step. ongoing next step. ongoing next step. >> Sure. It's not level one. >> Sure. It's not level one. >> Sure. It's not level one. >> Women are getting together to do adult >> Women are getting together to do adult >> Women are getting together to do adult coloring paint book coloring paint book coloring paint book adult coloring book night. Okay. Great. adult coloring book night. Okay. Great. adult coloring book night. Okay. Great. >> The church is going to buy the coloring >> The church is going to buy the coloring >> The church is going to buy the coloring books. Exactly. So, books. Exactly. So, books. Exactly. So, you get up on stage and you start by you get up on stage and you start by you get up on stage and you start by talking about giving. Hey, like we're talking about giving. Hey, like we're talking about giving. Hey, like we're always so grateful for everyone that always so grateful for everyone that always so grateful for everyone that supports the mission here at Life supports the mission here at Life supports the mission here at Life Abundant. There are so many different Abundant. There are so many different Abundant. There are so many different ministries that happen here. Sometimes ministries that happen here. Sometimes ministries that happen here. Sometimes ones that you might not even know about. ones that you might not even know about. ones that you might not even know about. One of those is women's ministry. One of those is women's ministry. One of those is women's ministry. They're getting together for um coloring They're getting together for um coloring They're getting together for um coloring night. And now is where you'd want to night. And now is where you'd want to night. And now is where you'd want to like inject a story. Like my wife has like inject a story. Like my wife has like inject a story. Like my wife has actually done this and you know, actually done this and you know, actually done this and you know, coloring is a thing you do as a kid. I coloring is a thing you do as a kid. I coloring is a thing you do as a kid. I remember she came home and she was like, remember she came home and she was like, remember she came home and she was like, "I didn't think I would like it, but" "I didn't think I would like it, but" "I didn't think I would like it, but" and then you tell the story a little bit and then you tell the story a little bit and then you tell the story a little bit about that. Like about that. Like about that. Like And so, um you know, that's happening at And so, um you know, that's happening at And so, um you know, that's happening at this day um and this is what like giving this day um and this is what like giving this day um and this is what like giving at Life Abundant supports. Like it's not at Life Abundant supports. Like it's not at Life Abundant supports. Like it's not just Sunday morning services, but it's just Sunday morning services, but it's just Sunday morning services, but it's things where we get to actually brush things where we get to actually brush things where we get to actually brush shoulders with each other and be the shoulders with each other and be the shoulders with each other and be the church in action. Cuz it's one thing to church in action. Cuz it's one thing to church in action. Cuz it's one thing to come on a Sunday and maybe you slip out come on a Sunday and maybe you slip out come on a Sunday and maybe you slip out and you don't actually like get to see and you don't actually like get to see and you don't actually like get to see everyone, but the purpose of being part everyone, but the purpose of being part everyone, but the purpose of being part of a church is to form real of a church is to form real of a church is to form real relationships with people. And often, relationships with people. And often, relationships with people. And often, that starts over a shared activity.

that starts over a shared activity. that starts over a shared activity. Maybe something that you're like, "OH, I Maybe something that you're like, "OH, I Maybe something that you're like, "OH, I DON'T really know if I with the coloring DON'T really know if I with the coloring DON'T really know if I with the coloring books, okay, for" and you show up and books, okay, for" and you show up and books, okay, for" and you show up and suddenly it's not about the coloring suddenly it's not about the coloring suddenly it's not about the coloring books anymore, but you're hearing about books anymore, but you're hearing about books anymore, but you're hearing about someone's life or you're praying with someone's life or you're praying with someone's life or you're praying with them together or you're just making a them together or you're just making a them together or you're just making a new connection that you never made new connection that you never made new connection that you never made before. So, that's the announcement. before. So, that's the announcement. before. So, that's the announcement. It's based in story and you're smuggling It's based in story and you're smuggling It's based in story and you're smuggling in something that you probably wouldn't in something that you probably wouldn't in something that you probably wouldn't like mean to talk to you from stage like mean to talk to you from stage like mean to talk to you from stage because it just wouldn't qualify, but because it just wouldn't qualify, but because it just wouldn't qualify, but you do it under the guise of giving. you do it under the guise of giving. you do it under the guise of giving. Giving is actually like on the forefront Giving is actually like on the forefront Giving is actually like on the forefront and now you've killed two birds with one and now you've killed two birds with one and now you've killed two birds with one stone. stone. stone. >> Cuz you're like, "That was a lot easier >> Cuz you're like, "That was a lot easier >> Cuz you're like, "That was a lot easier to talk about giving under the the guise to talk about giving under the the guise to talk about giving under the the guise of like women's coloring books." of like women's coloring books." of like women's coloring books." >> now some more women know about coloring >> now some more women know about coloring >> now some more women know about coloring night. Exactly. So, night. Exactly. So, night. Exactly. So, these are win-wins on multiple levels, these are win-wins on multiple levels, these are win-wins on multiple levels, but for you the comms director or but for you the comms director or but for you the comms director or whoever's in charge of like writing whoever's in charge of like writing whoever's in charge of like writing these announcements, to Alex's point, these announcements, to Alex's point, these announcements, to Alex's point, you get specific concrete story-rich you get specific concrete story-rich you get specific concrete story-rich examples to use when promoting your core examples to use when promoting your core examples to use when promoting your core next steps because this is the problem next steps because this is the problem next steps because this is the problem with core next steps. Like, "Oh, I got with core next steps. Like, "Oh, I got with core next steps. Like, "Oh, I got to talk about giving again." Right. to talk about giving again." Right. to talk about giving again." Right. >> talk about volunteering again. We got to >> talk about volunteering again. We got to >> talk about volunteering again. We got to talk about baptism again. talk about baptism again. talk about baptism again. I already told my story about baptism. I already told my story about baptism. I already told my story about baptism. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I only got baptized once. >> I only got baptized once. >> I only got baptized once. >> baptized once, so This is going to be >> baptized once, so This is going to be >> baptized once, so This is going to be tricky.

tricky. tricky. I never told you about what happened I never told you about what happened I never told you about what happened after that. Well, we went to this after that. Well, we went to this after that. Well, we went to this restaurant restaurant restaurant >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> and I had some chicken piccata that you >> and I had some chicken piccata that you >> and I had some chicken piccata that you would not believe. would not believe. would not believe. And then for the ministry leader of And then for the ministry leader of And then for the ministry leader of women's coloring book night, who has women's coloring book night, who has women's coloring book night, who has understood like, "Hey, I'm a level four understood like, "Hey, I'm a level four understood like, "Hey, I'm a level four event. I'm just not going to get a stage event. I'm just not going to get a stage event. I'm just not going to get a stage announcement." They get church-wide announcement." They get church-wide announcement." They get church-wide visibility. They feel seen. visibility. They feel seen. visibility. They feel seen. >> Maybe they stop going rogue and >> Maybe they stop going rogue and >> Maybe they stop going rogue and bypassing your system. [laughter] bypassing your system. [laughter] bypassing your system. [laughter] They stop being a pain in your side. They stop being a pain in your side. They stop being a pain in your side. >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> And for your church, the right message >> And for your church, the right message >> And for your church, the right message hits the right group of people at the hits the right group of people at the hits the right group of people at the right time with the right level of right time with the right level of right time with the right level of intensity. And that's important. Like intensity. And that's important. Like intensity. And that's important. Like without this hierarchy, without these without this hierarchy, without these without this hierarchy, without these promotional levels, what happens is promotional levels, what happens is promotional levels, what happens is you're promoting like women's coloring you're promoting like women's coloring you're promoting like women's coloring book with the same intensity that you're book with the same intensity that you're book with the same intensity that you're promoting like, "Hey, we're like saving promoting like, "Hey, we're like saving promoting like, "Hey, we're like saving up for this giving thing." Or like, up for this giving thing." Or like, up for this giving thing." Or like, "Fall Festival's coming up. This is our "Fall Festival's coming up. This is our "Fall Festival's coming up. This is our biggest day of the year." biggest day of the year." biggest day of the year." And it's being promoted with the same And it's being promoted with the same And it's being promoted with the same intensity of like women's coloring book intensity of like women's coloring book intensity of like women's coloring book night that happens like every Thursday, night that happens like every Thursday, night that happens like every Thursday, let's say, for four straight months. let's say, for four straight months. let's say, for four straight months. So, So, So, in the grand scheme of things for the in the grand scheme of things for the in the grand scheme of things for the year, you always want to be in sprinkle year, you always want to be in sprinkle year, you always want to be in sprinkle promotion mode promotion mode promotion mode most of the time. 95% of the time. You most of the time. 95% of the time. You most of the time. 95% of the time. You can dip into the sprint promos for those can dip into the sprint promos for those can dip into the sprint promos for those level one events no more than two to level one events no more than two to level one events no more than two to four times per year. And then the four times per year. And then the four times per year. And then the smuggled promotion smuggled promotion smuggled promotion is like your advanced tool. So, if you is like your advanced tool. So, if you is like your advanced tool. So, if you heard this and you're like, "Man, the heard this and you're like, "Man, the heard this and you're like, "Man, the smuggle smuggle smuggle >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> but and if it felt like that was a lot >> but and if it felt like that was a lot >> but and if it felt like that was a lot of new information for you, try not to of new information for you, try not to of new information for you, try not to like worry about that one, okay?

like worry about that one, okay? like worry about that one, okay? That's for like the experienced comms That's for like the experienced comms That's for like the experienced comms director who's like, "Oh, that's the director who's like, "Oh, that's the director who's like, "Oh, that's the unlock that finally makes sense for me unlock that finally makes sense for me unlock that finally makes sense for me because I've always been telling these because I've always been telling these because I've always been telling these people they can't have stage people they can't have stage people they can't have stage announcements and they all hate me announcements and they all hate me announcements and they all hate me and then I have to talk about giving and then I have to talk about giving and then I have to talk about giving again and I have nothing to say. Oh, again and I have nothing to say. Oh, again and I have nothing to say. Oh, wow, this is the perfect confluence of wow, this is the perfect confluence of wow, this is the perfect confluence of those two things." those two things." those two things." For a lot of churches, For a lot of churches, For a lot of churches, the reason these types of systems don't the reason these types of systems don't the reason these types of systems don't exist is because exist is because exist is because we've never learned it. Yeah. we've never learned it. Yeah. we've never learned it. Yeah. And then you think even though it's And then you think even though it's And then you think even though it's summertime, this might be a big project summertime, this might be a big project summertime, this might be a big project like to install. And so, our offer to like to install. And so, our offer to like to install. And so, our offer to your church is that your church is that your church is that go to churchchaos.com, go to churchchaos.com, go to churchchaos.com, get your score. I want to start there get your score. I want to start there get your score. I want to start there with you. Where are you? Are you in that with you. Where are you? Are you in that with you. Where are you? Are you in that low chaos? Okay, that means very low chaos? Okay, that means very low chaos? Okay, that means very different things than if you're in the different things than if you're in the different things than if you're in the high chaos bucket. But, what's true for high chaos bucket. But, what's true for high chaos bucket. But, what's true for every church is that this seven building every church is that this seven building every church is that this seven building blocks system it solves everything. We have seen it in it solves everything. We have seen it in small churches. We have seen it in big small churches. We have seen it in big small churches. We have seen it in big churches. It dates all the way back to churches. It dates all the way back to churches. It dates all the way back to us teaching the central hub philosophy us teaching the central hub philosophy us teaching the central hub philosophy back in 2017. Like we've been at this back in 2017. Like we've been at this back in 2017. Like we've been at this for a very long time. And the seven for a very long time. And the seven for a very long time. And the seven building blocks is now like the most building blocks is now like the most building blocks is now like the most robust version of it that covers all the robust version of it that covers all the robust version of it that covers all the edge cases for churches of all sizes. We edge cases for churches of all sizes. We edge cases for churches of all sizes. We want to install it for you in your want to install it for you in your want to install it for you in your church for free. We completed more than church for free. We completed more than church for free. We completed more than 1,000 makeovers for churches in the past 1,000 makeovers for churches in the past 1,000 makeovers for churches in the past 18 months and all we've done is take 18 months and all we've done is take 18 months and all we've done is take that idea and now we've made it so much that idea and now we've made it so much that idea and now we've made it so much bigger into a full communications bigger into a full communications bigger into a full communications makeover. We will install this in your makeover. We will install this in your makeover. We will install this in your church for free. We'll build it all for church for free. We'll build it all for church for free. We'll build it all for you.

you. you. And then you have the system. So, if it And then you have the system. So, if it And then you have the system. So, if it sounds like a big job sounds like a big job sounds like a big job in the same way that like redoing the in the same way that like redoing the in the same way that like redoing the website sounds like a big job, just let website sounds like a big job, just let website sounds like a big job, just let us do it for you and then us do it for you and then us do it for you and then >> to do the playbooks. We're going to give >> to do the playbooks. We're going to give >> to do the playbooks. We're going to give you the promotional playbooks, set up you the promotional playbooks, set up you the promotional playbooks, set up the ministry levels, you know, we'll the ministry levels, you know, we'll the ministry levels, you know, we'll still do the brand new website, we'll still do the brand new website, we'll still do the brand new website, we'll still send the photographer to your still send the photographer to your still send the photographer to your church, we'll still do all those things church, we'll still do all those things church, we'll still do all those things for free. And then, all you do is pay for free. And then, all you do is pay for free. And then, all you do is pay for the hosting going forward. So, for the hosting going forward. So, for the hosting going forward. So, think about like a car. think about like a car. think about like a car. You have to buy the car. You have to pay You have to buy the car. You have to pay You have to buy the car. You have to pay for the gas to make it go. We will buy for the gas to make it go. We will buy for the gas to make it go. We will buy you the car. you the car. you the car. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Here is the new car. >> Here is the new car. >> Here is the new car. >> Yeah, we'll literally build the car, >> Yeah, we'll literally build the car, >> Yeah, we'll literally build the car, okay? We'll build it, we'll buy it for okay? We'll build it, we'll buy it for okay? We'll build it, we'll buy it for you, we'll give it to you and then you you, we'll give it to you and then you you, we'll give it to you and then you just pay for the gas to make it run. just pay for the gas to make it run. just pay for the gas to make it run. Start with the score. churchchaos.com. Start with the score. churchchaos.com. Start with the score. churchchaos.com. If for whatever reason you are like, If for whatever reason you are like, If for whatever reason you are like, "No, no, I want to get going right "No, no, I want to get going right "No, no, I want to get going right away." No, no, no. I need to know the away." No, no, no. I need to know the away." No, no, no. I need to know the score first. churchchaos.com. Get that score first. churchchaos.com. Get that score first. churchchaos.com. Get that score and then we will take things from score and then we will take things from score and then we will take things from there. Final thoughts, Pastor Alex. I think I think this topic, and this is not going to be this topic, and this is not going to be this topic, and this is not going to be the the one and only time we talk about the the one and only time we talk about the the one and only time we talk about this on this show and and um on on these this on this show and and um on on these this on this show and and um on on these channels I because I think this topic, channels I because I think this topic, channels I because I think this topic, this church communications this church communications this church communications pain point is universally felt. Not just pain point is universally felt. Not just pain point is universally felt. Not just across churches of all different sizes, across churches of all different sizes, across churches of all different sizes, but we alluded to it already like across but we alluded to it already like across but we alluded to it already like across every department at church. And it's not every department at church. And it's not every department at church. And it's not just communication of from the stage just communication of from the stage just communication of from the stage down or from the social media out, but down or from the social media out, but down or from the social media out, but even like interdepartmentally.

even like interdepartmentally. even like interdepartmentally. Like everything we do is communication. Like everything we do is communication. Like everything we do is communication. And a lot of the success of these great And a lot of the success of these great And a lot of the success of these great events we're doing, fall festival, events we're doing, fall festival, events we're doing, fall festival, women's coloring book night, all of it, women's coloring book night, all of it, women's coloring book night, all of it, a lot of it hinges on the efficacy of a lot of it hinges on the efficacy of a lot of it hinges on the efficacy of our communication. And I have so many our communication. And I have so many our communication. And I have so many conversations with so many churches of conversations with so many churches of conversations with so many churches of of any type of church you can imagine, of any type of church you can imagine, of any type of church you can imagine, I'm having the same conversation with I'm having the same conversation with I'm having the same conversation with them saying like, "Hey, we're just we're them saying like, "Hey, we're just we're them saying like, "Hey, we're just we're in a mess. We feel stuck. I This is the in a mess. We feel stuck. I This is the in a mess. We feel stuck. I This is the thing we hear. I just feel like nobody thing we hear. I just feel like nobody thing we hear. I just feel like nobody knows what's going on." knows what's going on." knows what's going on." And or I just want more I just want the And or I just want more I just want the And or I just want more I just want the women to like the coloring books are women to like the coloring books are women to like the coloring books are paid for. I just I paid for. I just I paid for. I just I you know, we just want to get in a flow you know, we just want to get in a flow you know, we just want to get in a flow state and color together. Um so, as a state and color together. Um so, as a state and color together. Um so, as a pastor pastor pastor and someone who is like who is all the and someone who is like who is all the and someone who is like who is all the way in in this world of church way in in this world of church way in in this world of church communications, um communications, um communications, um this feels like a burden being lifted. this feels like a burden being lifted. this feels like a burden being lifted. And not just a burden being lifted, but And not just a burden being lifted, but And not just a burden being lifted, but like being empowered with the tools to like being empowered with the tools to like being empowered with the tools to like really succeed. So, personally, like really succeed. So, personally, like really succeed. So, personally, this what we're talking about here, the this what we're talking about here, the this what we're talking about here, the seven building blocks and even just seven building blocks and even just seven building blocks and even just empowering churches with their their empowering churches with their their empowering churches with their their chaos index. Like, "Hey, here's kind of chaos index. Like, "Hey, here's kind of chaos index. Like, "Hey, here's kind of the state of your communications."

the state of your communications." the state of your communications." >> Yes. Um that that thrills me. That >> Yes. Um that that thrills me. That >> Yes. Um that that thrills me. That excites me and it it gives me injects me excites me and it it gives me injects me excites me and it it gives me injects me with like a ton of hope for churches all with like a ton of hope for churches all with like a ton of hope for churches all over the all over the globe, churches of over the all over the globe, churches of over the all over the globe, churches of any shape and size. The church that is any shape and size. The church that is any shape and size. The church that is on the no-name corner of the no-name on the no-name corner of the no-name on the no-name corner of the no-name street in the no-name city that that street in the no-name city that that street in the no-name city that that thinks with that doesn't have an thinks with that doesn't have an thinks with that doesn't have an Instagram account or whatever that like Instagram account or whatever that like Instagram account or whatever that like just thinks that maybe they're kind of just thinks that maybe they're kind of just thinks that maybe they're kind of on the outskirts of what God is doing. on the outskirts of what God is doing. on the outskirts of what God is doing. It's like, "No, like this is for you, It's like, "No, like this is for you, It's like, "No, like this is for you, too." And and this can really pave the too." And and this can really pave the too." And and this can really pave the the runway for for what you want to do the runway for for what you want to do the runway for for what you want to do at your church and how the story of at your church and how the story of at your church and how the story of Jesus can see lives transformed in your Jesus can see lives transformed in your Jesus can see lives transformed in your community wherever you happen to be community wherever you happen to be community wherever you happen to be listening to this show from. listening to this show from. listening to this show from. Get your score. churchchaos.com. Zero to Get your score. churchchaos.com. Zero to Get your score. churchchaos.com. Zero to 100. Where 100 is bad. Right. [laughter] 100. Where 100 is bad. Right. [laughter] 100. Where 100 is bad. Right. [laughter] Okay, remember, it's golf. It's Dr. My Okay, remember, it's golf. It's Dr. My Okay, remember, it's golf. It's Dr. My pain is at a 10. pain is at a 10. pain is at a 10. >> there's a color-coding scale, so you'll >> there's a color-coding scale, so you'll >> there's a color-coding scale, so you'll know. You'll know. know. You'll know. know. You'll know. >> Right. Right. Right. Right. Yes. >> Right. Right. Right. Right. Yes. >> Right. Right. Right. Right. Yes. That's true. That's true. That's true. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I had everything in one color then Alex >> I had everything in one color then Alex >> I had everything in one color then Alex was like was like was like >> Like, "Yeah, if a church is at 98, that >> Like, "Yeah, if a church is at 98, that >> Like, "Yeah, if a church is at 98, that we might want to change that to we might want to change that to we might want to change that to Our brand color is blue. Okay, but Our brand color is blue. Okay, but Our brand color is blue. Okay, but still. still. still. Thank you for your time, attention, and Thank you for your time, attention, and Thank you for your time, attention, and trust. We'll talk to you next week. A trust. We'll talk to you next week. A trust. We'll talk to you next week. A man.