Great vs. Average: A Church Announcement Workshop

Today, we are conducting a church Today, we are conducting a church announcements workshop. I'm going to announcements workshop. I'm going to announcements workshop. I'm going to take the generic version of a church take the generic version of a church take the generic version of a church announcement, the forgettable, announcement, the forgettable, announcement, the forgettable, ineffective one that most churches run, ineffective one that most churches run, ineffective one that most churches run, and in real time, we are going to and in real time, we are going to and in real time, we are going to rewrite it. By the time we're done, rewrite it. By the time we're done, rewrite it. By the time we're done, you'll know exactly what separates a you'll know exactly what separates a you'll know exactly what separates a great church announcement from an great church announcement from an great church announcement from an average one. And by the end, you'll have average one. And by the end, you'll have average one. And by the end, you'll have five distinct ways that you can start five distinct ways that you can start five distinct ways that you can start writing better announcements for this writing better announcements for this writing better announcements for this weekend. And why does this matter? weekend. And why does this matter? weekend. And why does this matter? Because your church has great events and Because your church has great events and Because your church has great events and services and ministries, and we want services and ministries, and we want services and ministries, and we want more people to be involved in them, and more people to be involved in them, and more people to be involved in them, and better announcements can do that. better announcements can do that. better announcements can do that. 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. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the Pizza Padre. Pizza Padre. Pizza Padre. >> It's Alexander Mills. >> It's Alexander Mills. >> It's Alexander Mills. >> Hello, hello. >> Hello, hello. >> Hello, hello. >> Okay, two quick things so you know what >> Okay, two quick things so you know what >> Okay, two quick things so you know what you're listening to. First, the you're listening to. First, the you're listening to. First, the announcement that we're going to be announcement that we're going to be announcement that we're going to be working on is a baptism Sunday working on is a baptism Sunday working on is a baptism Sunday announcement. I picked that one because announcement. I picked that one because announcement. I picked that one because every single church on the planet has every single church on the planet has every single church on the planet has some version of this in the rotation. some version of this in the rotation. some version of this in the rotation. Baptism is one of those universal Baptism is one of those universal Baptism is one of those universal announcements. It is what we would call announcements. It is what we would call announcements. It is what we would call a level two event. It's in that core a level two event. It's in that core a level two event. It's in that core next step level alongside giving and next step level alongside giving and next step level alongside giving and volunteering and volunteering and volunteering and um um um small groups and your assimilation class small groups and your assimilation class small groups and your assimilation class or your new visitor class, your Alpha or your new visitor class, your Alpha or your new visitor class, your Alpha class, whatever it might be. And so, class, whatever it might be. And so, class, whatever it might be. And so, it's one that we have to do pretty it's one that we have to do pretty it's one that we have to do pretty frequently. Um and because we have to do frequently. Um and because we have to do frequently. Um and because we have to do it frequently, sometimes it's hard to it frequently, sometimes it's hard to it frequently, sometimes it's hard to like come at it with fresh eyes. And as like come at it with fresh eyes. And as like come at it with fresh eyes. And as we'll get to with the first version, the we'll get to with the first version, the we'll get to with the first version, the generic version that almost all of us generic version that almost all of us generic version that almost all of us have heard 100 times in church, um it

have heard 100 times in church, um it have heard 100 times in church, um it gets across the information needed. It gets across the information needed. It gets across the information needed. It doesn't exactly move people. We're going doesn't exactly move people. We're going doesn't exactly move people. We're going to fix that. Secondly, how we're going to fix that. Secondly, how we're going to fix that. Secondly, how we're going to go through this workshop is that I am to go through this workshop is that I am to go through this workshop is that I am going to be rewriting this announcement going to be rewriting this announcement going to be rewriting this announcement on behalf of a real church from on behalf of a real church from on behalf of a real church from Michigan. I picked them because we have Michigan. I picked them because we have Michigan. I picked them because we have on file for this church their DNA on file for this church their DNA on file for this church their DNA document. Now, what is that? document. Now, what is that? document. Now, what is that? A church's DNA document is basically a A church's DNA document is basically a A church's DNA document is basically a portrait of your church drawn from the portrait of your church drawn from the portrait of your church drawn from the evidence of your own pulpit. So, this is evidence of your own pulpit. So, this is evidence of your own pulpit. So, this is not so much like a brand voice document not so much like a brand voice document not so much like a brand voice document as it is like a mirror of what your as it is like a mirror of what your as it is like a mirror of what your church already is. So, the way that we church already is. So, the way that we church already is. So, the way that we produce these for churches produce these for churches produce these for churches is we'll take half a year's worth of is we'll take half a year's worth of is we'll take half a year's worth of full services. And usually that's about full services. And usually that's about full services. And usually that's about 250,000 words that were said within a 250,000 words that were said within a 250,000 words that were said within a service, 6 months. And then we will service, 6 months. And then we will service, 6 months. And then we will parse through all of that to identify a parse through all of that to identify a parse through all of that to identify a few different things. The first section few different things. The first section few different things. The first section is your church's DNA. This is purpose, is your church's DNA. This is purpose, is your church's DNA. This is purpose, mission, vision, and values. Then we get mission, vision, and values. Then we get mission, vision, and values. Then we get to your voice, how you talk. We get to to your voice, how you talk. We get to to your voice, how you talk. We get to your people, the different types of your people, the different types of your people, the different types of people that must exist in your church people that must exist in your church people that must exist in your church because you continually reference them because you continually reference them because you continually reference them over and over and over again. And then over and over and over again. And then over and over and over again. And then finally, there's your message, which is finally, there's your message, which is finally, there's your message, which is what does the transformative work of the what does the transformative work of the what does the transformative work of the gospel look like in these specific gospel look like in these specific gospel look like in these specific people that are unique to your church's people that are unique to your church's people that are unique to your church's orbit?

orbit? orbit? To give an example here, we have a To give an example here, we have a To give an example here, we have a DNA document for a church in Brooklyn. DNA document for a church in Brooklyn. DNA document for a church in Brooklyn. And one of the audience personas that And one of the audience personas that And one of the audience personas that came through this process for that came through this process for that came through this process for that church was activist Amanda. And all of church was activist Amanda. And all of church was activist Amanda. And all of the personas have these like, you know, the personas have these like, you know, the personas have these like, you know, cheesy little alliterations because cheesy little alliterations because cheesy little alliterations because cheesy is memorable. Right. One of the cheesy is memorable. Right. One of the cheesy is memorable. Right. One of the worst ones I ever heard was that your worst ones I ever heard was that your worst ones I ever heard was that your vibe attracts your tribe. I hate that vibe attracts your tribe. I hate that vibe attracts your tribe. I hate that and yet and yet and yet >> You'll never forget it. >> You'll never forget it. >> You'll never forget it. >> You'd love to forget it. >> You'd love to forget it. >> You'd love to forget it. >> I really would. So, activist Amanda, >> I really would. So, activist Amanda, >> I really would. So, activist Amanda, when we did this church's DNA document, when we did this church's DNA document, when we did this church's DNA document, I had never seen that like audience I had never seen that like audience I had never seen that like audience persona persona persona surface through the process and it made surface through the process and it made surface through the process and it made total sense because of that church's total sense because of that church's total sense because of that church's geographic location. So, your your your geographic location. So, your your your geographic location. So, your your your message is basically where does the message is basically where does the message is basically where does the intersection of the gospel's intersection of the gospel's intersection of the gospel's transformative promise overlap with the transformative promise overlap with the transformative promise overlap with the people that are in your church's orbit people that are in your church's orbit people that are in your church's orbit that are unique? that are unique? that are unique? This document is an amazing thing to This document is an amazing thing to This document is an amazing thing to have because as you'll see, it basically have because as you'll see, it basically have because as you'll see, it basically becomes the measuring stick and becomes the measuring stick and becomes the measuring stick and motivator for all of the communications motivator for all of the communications motivator for all of the communications decisions that we make. And as we go decisions that we make. And as we go decisions that we make. And as we go through this process from the generic through this process from the generic through this process from the generic baptism announcement at the beginning baptism announcement at the beginning baptism announcement at the beginning and then we improve it to level the next and then we improve it to level the next and then we improve it to level the next one and we improve it a little bit more one and we improve it a little bit more one and we improve it a little bit more and a little bit more and a little bit and a little bit more and a little bit and a little bit more and a little bit more and we keep making basically more and we keep making basically more and we keep making basically augmentations to it. You'll see at the augmentations to it. You'll see at the augmentations to it. You'll see at the end how much more potent and end how much more potent and end how much more potent and because of that powerful it can be.

because of that powerful it can be. because of that powerful it can be. >> I love this exercise because it's one >> I love this exercise because it's one >> I love this exercise because it's one thing to have uh thing to have uh thing to have uh um um um you know, you mentioned it at like a you know, you mentioned it at like a you know, you mentioned it at like a brand a brand book that says, "Oh, this brand a brand book that says, "Oh, this brand a brand book that says, "Oh, this is who we are." But in fact, sometimes is who we are." But in fact, sometimes is who we are." But in fact, sometimes brand books are more end up being more brand books are more end up being more brand books are more end up being more like this is who we want to be. like this is who we want to be. like this is who we want to be. >> Aspirational. >> Aspirational. >> Aspirational. >> Right. Like, "Oh, we're a multicultural >> Right. Like, "Oh, we're a multicultural >> Right. Like, "Oh, we're a multicultural church." But then you take 6 months of church." But then you take 6 months of church." But then you take 6 months of of full services and the record of what of full services and the record of what of full services and the record of what you say when you gather and you analyze you say when you gather and you analyze you say when you gather and you analyze and it's like, "Well, maybe you're not and it's like, "Well, maybe you're not and it's like, "Well, maybe you're not as multicultural as you want to be." And as multicultural as you want to be." And as multicultural as you want to be." And that's not bad. That's just a reflection that's not bad. That's just a reflection that's not bad. That's just a reflection of maybe the current state of your of maybe the current state of your of maybe the current state of your community. And so it's much better to be community. And so it's much better to be community. And so it's much better to be speaking to the people directly to the speaking to the people directly to the speaking to the people directly to the people who are there people who are there people who are there rather than speaking to the people you rather than speaking to the people you rather than speaking to the people you want to speak to maybe if they're not want to speak to maybe if they're not want to speak to maybe if they're not there. Um so it's one-way to talk to there. Um so it's one-way to talk to there. Um so it's one-way to talk to activist Amanda. You say Amanda? activist Amanda. You say Amanda? activist Amanda. You say Amanda? Activist Amanda um in Brooklyn about Activist Amanda um in Brooklyn about Activist Amanda um in Brooklyn about baptism, but it's another way to talk to baptism, but it's another way to talk to baptism, but it's another way to talk to agricultural Abe in Michigan. You like agricultural Abe in Michigan. You like agricultural Abe in Michigan. You like that? that? that? >> Seems a little stereotypical. >> Seems a little stereotypical. >> Seems a little stereotypical. >> Well, I mean, activist Amanda. >> Well, I mean, activist Amanda. >> Well, I mean, activist Amanda. Right? But you want to when when you're Right? But you want to when when you're Right? But you want to when when you're when you're communicating with them when you're communicating with them when you're communicating with them about taking about taking about taking >> Agricultural Abe is wild.

>> Agricultural Abe is wild. >> Agricultural Abe is wild. >> any given next step, those people are >> any given next step, those people are >> any given next step, those people are going to need to be communicated to going to need to be communicated to going to need to be communicated to uniquely to who they are and what they uniquely to who they are and what they uniquely to who they are and what they care about and what they don't care care about and what they don't care care about and what they don't care about, what inspires them and what um about, what inspires them and what um about, what inspires them and what um what angers them. And so it's it's a what angers them. And so it's it's a what angers them. And so it's it's a really useful exercise and I think really useful exercise and I think really useful exercise and I think you're going to see it kind of played you're going to see it kind of played you're going to see it kind of played out here in real time. out here in real time. out here in real time. >> Yeah, separate from a farming metaphor, >> Yeah, separate from a farming metaphor, >> Yeah, separate from a farming metaphor, agricultural Abe, he's not coming off agricultural Abe, he's not coming off agricultural Abe, he's not coming off the sidelines. He's like, "I'm sitting the sidelines. He's like, "I'm sitting the sidelines. He's like, "I'm sitting in this pew. I'm not getting involved." in this pew. I'm not getting involved." in this pew. I'm not getting involved." All right, so let's start with the base All right, so let's start with the base All right, so let's start with the base version of the baptism Sunday version of the baptism Sunday version of the baptism Sunday announcement. This is announcement. This is announcement. This is pure information. This is the standard pure information. This is the standard pure information. This is the standard announcement that is being told and announcement that is being told and announcement that is being told and shared in virtually every church, it shared in virtually every church, it shared in virtually every church, it seems. Quote, here we go. seems. Quote, here we go. seems. Quote, here we go. Baptism Sunday is coming up on Sunday, Baptism Sunday is coming up on Sunday, Baptism Sunday is coming up on Sunday, July 19th. If you'd like to be baptized July 19th. If you'd like to be baptized July 19th. If you'd like to be baptized that day, there are two easy ways to that day, there are two easy ways to that day, there are two easy ways to sign up. You can stop by the next steps sign up. You can stop by the next steps sign up. You can stop by the next steps area in the lobby this Sunday or next, area in the lobby this Sunday or next, area in the lobby this Sunday or next, and one of our team members will walk and one of our team members will walk and one of our team members will walk you through the process, or you can you through the process, or you can you through the process, or you can register online anytime at register online anytime at register online anytime at hopechurch.org/baptism. hopechurch.org/baptism. hopechurch.org/baptism. Either option works. Just make sure that Either option works. Just make sure that Either option works. Just make sure that you're signed up by Wednesday, July you're signed up by Wednesday, July you're signed up by Wednesday, July 15th, so that we can get you a t-shirt 15th, so that we can get you a t-shirt 15th, so that we can get you a t-shirt and have everything ready to go. A few and have everything ready to go. A few and have everything ready to go. A few things to know. Baptisms, they take things to know. Baptisms, they take things to know. Baptisms, they take place during each service on that day.

place during each service on that day. place during each service on that day. So, whichever service you would So, whichever service you would So, whichever service you would typically attend, you can be baptized at typically attend, you can be baptized at typically attend, you can be baptized at that one. We'll provide a t-shirt and that one. We'll provide a t-shirt and that one. We'll provide a t-shirt and shorts to change into, and we'll also shorts to change into, and we'll also shorts to change into, and we'll also have towels and a changing area have towels and a changing area have towels and a changing area available on site. Now, we do recommend available on site. Now, we do recommend available on site. Now, we do recommend bringing a a second change of clothes, bringing a a second change of clothes, bringing a a second change of clothes, plastic bag for anything that gets wet, plastic bag for anything that gets wet, plastic bag for anything that gets wet, that's useful. that's useful. that's useful. If you wear glasses or have any specific If you wear glasses or have any specific If you wear glasses or have any specific needs, just let our team know at needs, just let our team know at needs, just let our team know at check-in. Baptism Sunday is open to check-in. Baptism Sunday is open to check-in. Baptism Sunday is open to anyone who's made the decision to follow anyone who's made the decision to follow anyone who's made the decision to follow Jesus. If you have questions about what Jesus. If you have questions about what Jesus. If you have questions about what baptism is or whether it's the right baptism is or whether it's the right baptism is or whether it's the right next step for you, we'd love to talk. next step for you, we'd love to talk. next step for you, we'd love to talk. You can come by the next steps area any You can come by the next steps area any You can come by the next steps area any Sunday before July 19th or email Sunday before July 19th or email Sunday before July 19th or email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] and someone from our team will reach and someone from our team will reach and someone from our team will reach out. We'd also love for you to invite a out. We'd also love for you to invite a out. We'd also love for you to invite a friend or family member, anyone who you friend or family member, anyone who you friend or family member, anyone who you think might want to witness this day or think might want to witness this day or think might want to witness this day or hey, take the next step themselves. hey, take the next step themselves. hey, take the next step themselves. Share the link, grab them a seat, and Share the link, grab them a seat, and Share the link, grab them a seat, and bring them with you. Again, that's bring them with you. Again, that's bring them with you. Again, that's Baptism Sunday, July 19th at all three Baptism Sunday, July 19th at all three Baptism Sunday, July 19th at all three services. Sign up at the next steps area services. Sign up at the next steps area services. Sign up at the next steps area or at hopechurch.com/baptism or at hopechurch.com/baptism or at hopechurch.com/baptism .org/baptism. Registration closes July .org/baptism. Registration closes July .org/baptism. Registration closes July 15th. 15th. 15th. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. I I I >> Come back to us, please. All of our >> Come back to us, please. All of our >> Come back to us, please. All of our listeners, listeners, listeners, wherever you tuned out to, come back to wherever you tuned out to, come back to wherever you tuned out to, come back to us.

us. us. >> I This is one of my favorite episodes to >> I This is one of my favorite episodes to >> I This is one of my favorite episodes to prep in a really long time, because to prep in a really long time, because to prep in a really long time, because to me, as I was writing this announcement, me, as I was writing this announcement, me, as I was writing this announcement, I was like, I was like, I was like, this is not hyperbole, this is not this is not hyperbole, this is not this is not hyperbole, this is not exaggeration, and this is like a exaggeration, and this is like a exaggeration, and this is like a kind-hearted, hopeful announcement. kind-hearted, hopeful announcement. kind-hearted, hopeful announcement. >> It's important information. >> It's important information. >> It's important information. >> It's just only hitting on information. >> It's just only hitting on information. >> It's just only hitting on information. To be clear, ransom numbers To be clear, ransom numbers To be clear, ransom numbers on the announcement that I wrote. on the announcement that I wrote. on the announcement that I wrote. There are five mentions of dates and There are five mentions of dates and There are five mentions of dates and zero mentions of why baptism even zero mentions of why baptism even zero mentions of why baptism even matters. matters. matters. The only thing that gets close is when The only thing that gets close is when The only thing that gets close is when it says like if you confess Jesus, you it says like if you confess Jesus, you it says like if you confess Jesus, you can be baptized. But there's no mention can be baptized. But there's no mention can be baptized. But there's no mention at all of like why this would be at all of like why this would be at all of like why this would be important, what it means in the overall important, what it means in the overall important, what it means in the overall journey of a believer, why we celebrate journey of a believer, why we celebrate journey of a believer, why we celebrate it, why it's a big deal in church. it, why it's a big deal in church. it, why it's a big deal in church. But there are five mentions of dates. But there are five mentions of dates. But there are five mentions of dates. There are four unique destinations There are four unique destinations There are four unique destinations mentioned and seven overall calls to mentioned and seven overall calls to mentioned and seven overall calls to action. The next steps area in the lobby action. The next steps area in the lobby action. The next steps area in the lobby is mentioned three times. is mentioned three times. is mentioned three times. hopechurch.org/baptism hopechurch.org/baptism hopechurch.org/baptism is mentioned two times. is mentioned two times. is mentioned two times. [email protected], which is an [email protected], which is an [email protected], which is an email address, was mentioned once. And email address, was mentioned once. And email address, was mentioned once. And check in on baptism day if you have check in on baptism day if you have check in on baptism day if you have special needs was mentioned once. To be special needs was mentioned once. To be special needs was mentioned once. To be clear, Hope Church is not the real name clear, Hope Church is not the real name clear, Hope Church is not the real name of this church.

of this church. of this church. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> This is a real church in Michigan. >> This is a real church in Michigan. >> This is a real church in Michigan. They're not called Hope Church. Don't They're not called Hope Church. Don't They're not called Hope Church. Don't look them up. hopechurch.org, that is look them up. hopechurch.org, that is look them up. hopechurch.org, that is not a real email. It probably Well, it's not a real email. It probably Well, it's not a real email. It probably Well, it's a real It's a real website, but it's not a real It's a real website, but it's not a real It's a real website, but it's not their church. their church. their church. This is a well-meaning announcement that This is a well-meaning announcement that This is a well-meaning announcement that happens live. This is a bit long for a happens live. This is a bit long for a happens live. This is a bit long for a video announcement. It probably wouldn't video announcement. It probably wouldn't video announcement. It probably wouldn't be scripted that long. But be scripted that long. But be scripted that long. But you don't go up to give an announcement you don't go up to give an announcement you don't go up to give an announcement and do it in 18 seconds. and do it in 18 seconds. and do it in 18 seconds. Because what happens is you feel like Because what happens is you feel like Because what happens is you feel like my time on this stage was not justified. my time on this stage was not justified. my time on this stage was not justified. So I'm going to hit on like all the So I'm going to hit on like all the So I'm going to hit on like all the things you could need to know. things you could need to know. things you could need to know. If you have glasses. If you have glasses. If you have glasses. That's a real logistical thing. That's a real logistical thing. That's a real logistical thing. But guess what? Like 1% of the people But guess what? Like 1% of the people But guess what? Like 1% of the people that are in the seats right at that that are in the seats right at that that are in the seats right at that point point point is that's relevant for. is that's relevant for. is that's relevant for. It's not relevant for anyone else. And It's not relevant for anyone else. And It's not relevant for anyone else. And this is the tricky thing about this is the tricky thing about this is the tricky thing about announcements is because you're thinking announcements is because you're thinking announcements is because you're thinking about the person that needs to know this about the person that needs to know this about the person that needs to know this and you're not thinking about all the and you're not thinking about all the and you're not thinking about all the people that have no need for this people that have no need for this people that have no need for this information whatsoever. And that is why information whatsoever. And that is why information whatsoever. And that is why bad announcements are contagious because bad announcements are contagious because bad announcements are contagious because if you have an announcement that follows if you have an announcement that follows if you have an announcement that follows this that is, let's say, for 80% of the this that is, let's say, for 80% of the this that is, let's say, for 80% of the church, well, they've already tuned out church, well, they've already tuned out church, well, they've already tuned out because you've been talking about people because you've been talking about people because you've been talking about people with glasses that are getting baptized with glasses that are getting baptized with glasses that are getting baptized on July 19th. July 19th, don't forget, on July 19th. July 19th, don't forget, on July 19th. July 19th, don't forget, July 19th.

July 19th. July 19th. >> But registration closes on Wednesday, >> But registration closes on Wednesday, >> But registration closes on Wednesday, July 15th. July 15th. July 15th. >> See, but maybe we're all wrong and and >> See, but maybe we're all wrong and and >> See, but maybe we're all wrong and and and information is memorable because and information is memorable because and information is memorable because he's got it off by hand. he's got it off by hand. he's got it off by hand. So, So, So, we're going to improve this we're going to improve this we're going to improve this announcement. And the first thing that announcement. And the first thing that announcement. And the first thing that we're going to do is we're going to take we're going to do is we're going to take we're going to do is we're going to take this information, and all we're going to this information, and all we're going to this information, and all we're going to do is pair it with our church's values. do is pair it with our church's values. do is pair it with our church's values. To To To at least talk about why baptism is at least talk about why baptism is at least talk about why baptism is important. important. important. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> So, the way that we do this is we looked >> So, the way that we do this is we looked >> So, the way that we do this is we looked at the DNA document for this church. And at the DNA document for this church. And at the DNA document for this church. And when we create a DNA doc for a church, when we create a DNA doc for a church, when we create a DNA doc for a church, there are three values. there are three values. there are three values. If you think about purpose, mission, If you think about purpose, mission, If you think about purpose, mission, vision, and values. Purpose vision, and values. Purpose vision, and values. Purpose is why we exist. is why we exist. is why we exist. Uh mission is what we do. Uh mission is what we do. Uh mission is what we do. Vision Vision Vision is is is something else that I can't remember something else that I can't remember something else that I can't remember right now. right now. right now. >> What we want to do, where we want to go. >> What we want to do, where we want to go. >> What we want to do, where we want to go. >> I have it all written down. Clearly, I >> I have it all written down. Clearly, I >> I have it all written down. Clearly, I need to memorize my own DNA doc. The need to memorize my own DNA doc. The need to memorize my own DNA doc. The reason I wanted to get this was values reason I wanted to get this was values reason I wanted to get this was values is how we behave. Basically, like this is how we behave. Basically, like this is how we behave. Basically, like this is how we do the things. So, this church is how we do the things. So, this church is how we do the things. So, this church had three distinct values. The first one had three distinct values. The first one had three distinct values. The first one was take steps, defined like this. Hope was take steps, defined like this. Hope was take steps, defined like this. Hope does not preach abstractly. Every does not preach abstractly. Every does not preach abstractly. Every message lands on a concrete next action.

message lands on a concrete next action. message lands on a concrete next action. Services close with named next step Services close with named next step Services close with named next step stations, and the pastor names the stations, and the pastor names the stations, and the pastor names the actual person who will walk you through actual person who will walk you through actual person who will walk you through baptism, a group prayer, or a first yes baptism, a group prayer, or a first yes baptism, a group prayer, or a first yes to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. That's value number one. Second value That's value number one. Second value That's value number one. Second value was go all in. Hope rejects half was go all in. Hope rejects half was go all in. Hope rejects half measures. The pastor names the measures. The pastor names the measures. The pastor names the temptation to collect the benefits of temptation to collect the benefits of temptation to collect the benefits of Jesus without paying the cost of Jesus without paying the cost of Jesus without paying the cost of following him. And then finally, third following him. And then finally, third following him. And then finally, third value, pursue ones. Hope frames its value, pursue ones. Hope frames its value, pursue ones. Hope frames its ministry around the shepherd, who leaves ministry around the shepherd, who leaves ministry around the shepherd, who leaves the 99 to find the one. The pastor the 99 to find the one. The pastor the 99 to find the one. The pastor insists the church doesn't watch rescue insists the church doesn't watch rescue insists the church doesn't watch rescue from a distance, from a distance, from a distance, but the 99 join the search party. but the 99 join the search party. but the 99 join the search party. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> So, if I'm sitting down to this baptism >> So, if I'm sitting down to this baptism >> So, if I'm sitting down to this baptism announcement, announcement, announcement, I need to pair it with one of these I need to pair it with one of these I need to pair it with one of these values. values. values. When I'm writing an announcement, I'm When I'm writing an announcement, I'm When I'm writing an announcement, I'm not going to pair it with every value. not going to pair it with every value. not going to pair it with every value. That's going to make the announcement That's going to make the announcement That's going to make the announcement probably complicated and diluted because probably complicated and diluted because probably complicated and diluted because I'm trying to say too many things, but I'm trying to say too many things, but I'm trying to say too many things, but I'm going to pick one. And to me, I'm going to pick one. And to me, I'm going to pick one. And to me, take steps one is obviously clear, very take steps one is obviously clear, very take steps one is obviously clear, very easy. So, I rewrote the announcement and easy. So, I rewrote the announcement and easy. So, I rewrote the announcement and now it sounds like this. now it sounds like this. now it sounds like this. Baptism Sunday is coming up on Sunday, Baptism Sunday is coming up on Sunday, Baptism Sunday is coming up on Sunday, July 19th, and I want to frame this for July 19th, and I want to frame this for July 19th, and I want to frame this for you the way that we frame everything you the way that we frame everything you the way that we frame everything around here at Hope as a next step.

around here at Hope as a next step. around here at Hope as a next step. Faith is not one giant dramatic leap. Faith is not one giant dramatic leap. Faith is not one giant dramatic leap. Faith is a series of committed steps. A Faith is a series of committed steps. A Faith is a series of committed steps. A first Sunday, joining a group, serving first Sunday, joining a group, serving first Sunday, joining a group, serving for the first time. Each one matters, for the first time. Each one matters, for the first time. Each one matters, and baptism is one of those steps. For a and baptism is one of those steps. For a and baptism is one of those steps. For a lot of people in our church, it's one of lot of people in our church, it's one of lot of people in our church, it's one of the most meaningful next steps that you the most meaningful next steps that you the most meaningful next steps that you can take. The public outward declaration can take. The public outward declaration can take. The public outward declaration that you're following Jesus. If you've that you're following Jesus. If you've that you're following Jesus. If you've made that decision to follow Jesus and made that decision to follow Jesus and made that decision to follow Jesus and you're thinking about baptism, July 19th you're thinking about baptism, July 19th you're thinking about baptism, July 19th is a good day to take that step. You can is a good day to take that step. You can is a good day to take that step. You can sign up at the next steps area in the sign up at the next steps area in the sign up at the next steps area in the lobby or online at lobby or online at lobby or online at hopechurch.org/baptism. hopechurch.org/baptism. hopechurch.org/baptism. We'll walk you through everything that We'll walk you through everything that We'll walk you through everything that you need to know when you sign up, and you need to know when you sign up, and you need to know when you sign up, and registration closes Wednesday, July registration closes Wednesday, July registration closes Wednesday, July 15th. So, still information heavy, but 15th. So, still information heavy, but 15th. So, still information heavy, but this version now mentions why baptism this version now mentions why baptism this version now mentions why baptism matters, and it is anchored to one of matters, and it is anchored to one of matters, and it is anchored to one of the values of the church, take steps. the values of the church, take steps. the values of the church, take steps. So, if Alex is sitting in the third row, So, if Alex is sitting in the third row, So, if Alex is sitting in the third row, and he's been baptized, and he's been baptized, and he's been baptized, this is not a relevant promotion to him, this is not a relevant promotion to him, this is not a relevant promotion to him, but that's okay, but that's okay, but that's okay, because it's a core next step. because it's a core next step. because it's a core next step. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And it is one of the reasons why >> And it is one of the reasons why >> And it is one of the reasons why churches exist. churches exist. churches exist. And so, Alex sits there, and he knows And so, Alex sits there, and he knows And so, Alex sits there, and he knows that this isn't relevant to him, but that this isn't relevant to him, but that this isn't relevant to him, but what does he hear?

what does he hear? what does he hear? We're going to frame this the way that We're going to frame this the way that We're going to frame this the way that we frame everything around here as a we frame everything around here as a we frame everything around here as a next step. Faith is not one giant next step. Faith is not one giant next step. Faith is not one giant dramatic leap. It's a series of dramatic leap. It's a series of dramatic leap. It's a series of committed steps. A first Sunday, joining committed steps. A first Sunday, joining committed steps. A first Sunday, joining a group, serving for the first time. a group, serving for the first time. a group, serving for the first time. Baptism is one of those steps. So, he's Baptism is one of those steps. So, he's Baptism is one of those steps. So, he's hearing the vision of the church and the hearing the vision of the church and the hearing the vision of the church and the values. values. values. What are the values? What are the values? What are the values? How we behave. How we behave. How we behave. Being declared. Being declared. Being declared. And so, he's saying, you know, that is And so, he's saying, you know, that is And so, he's saying, you know, that is why we do these things. Yeah, and that why we do these things. Yeah, and that why we do these things. Yeah, and that might not be my next step, but I have a might not be my next step, but I have a might not be my next step, but I have a next step. And what do we do at this next step. And what do we do at this next step. And what do we do at this church? church? church? How do we behave? How do we put our How do we behave? How do we put our How do we behave? How do we put our faith in action? We take steps. That's faith in action? We take steps. That's faith in action? We take steps. That's what we do. what we do. what we do. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, now we have leveled up this >> So, now we have leveled up this >> So, now we have leveled up this announcement dramatically, and all we've announcement dramatically, and all we've announcement dramatically, and all we've done, it is still so full of done, it is still so full of done, it is still so full of information. This is going to get get information. This is going to get get information. This is going to get get much better. much better. much better. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And yet all we've done is inject some >> And yet all we've done is inject some >> And yet all we've done is inject some personalized value about this church. personalized value about this church. personalized value about this church. It's already dramatically improved. It's already dramatically improved. It's already dramatically improved. >> Totally. And for Alex sitting in the row >> Totally. And for Alex sitting in the row >> Totally. And for Alex sitting in the row who's been baptized, maybe he didn't who's been baptized, maybe he didn't who's been baptized, maybe he didn't even get baptized in that church. Right? even get baptized in that church. Right? even get baptized in that church. Right? Maybe he is a moved to that city for Maybe he is a moved to that city for Maybe he is a moved to that city for college or whatever. Uh maybe his college or whatever. Uh maybe his college or whatever. Uh maybe his Whatever happened, he just finds himself Whatever happened, he just finds himself Whatever happened, he just finds himself at Hope Church as an adult. He got at Hope Church as an adult. He got at Hope Church as an adult. He got baptized as a teenager in the church baptized as a teenager in the church baptized as a teenager in the church that he grew up in. But maybe so again, that he grew up in. But maybe so again, that he grew up in. But maybe so again, the next step now for him, but maybe the next step now for him, but maybe the next step now for him, but maybe he's seeing the values linked to the he's seeing the values linked to the he's seeing the values linked to the universal act of Christian act of universal act of Christian act of universal act of Christian act of baptism linked to this act in this baptism linked to this act in this baptism linked to this act in this church for the first time. Maybe he's church for the first time. Maybe he's church for the first time. Maybe he's hearing that value articulated for the hearing that value articulated for the hearing that value articulated for the first time. So it's it's tending to him first time. So it's it's tending to him first time. So it's it's tending to him as well.

as well. as well. Even even beyond the fact that he's not Even even beyond the fact that he's not Even even beyond the fact that he's not The announcement is not for him. He's The announcement is not for him. He's The announcement is not for him. He's not getting baptized. He's baptized. not getting baptized. He's baptized. not getting baptized. He's baptized. He's not getting baptized again. But He's not getting baptized again. But He's not getting baptized again. But maybe he's hearing the values maybe he's hearing the values maybe he's hearing the values articulated in that way for the first articulated in that way for the first articulated in that way for the first time. And so as a new member of that time. And so as a new member of that time. And so as a new member of that church, that's also serving him in that church, that's also serving him in that church, that's also serving him in that way as well. Um so you're way as well. Um so you're way as well. Um so you're >> Right. This is like our first draft, our >> Right. This is like our first draft, our >> Right. This is like our first draft, our first reformation of this uh first reformation of this uh first reformation of this uh announcement, and it's already just like announcement, and it's already just like announcement, and it's already just like leaps better. leaps better. leaps better. >> Right. And if you have as a church three >> Right. And if you have as a church three >> Right. And if you have as a church three values, values, values, three values that exist to define how we three values that exist to define how we three values that exist to define how we behave as a congregation. This is what behave as a congregation. This is what behave as a congregation. This is what makes Hope Hope. That's why it's the DNA makes Hope Hope. That's why it's the DNA makes Hope Hope. That's why it's the DNA document, right? Like your DNA is document, right? Like your DNA is document, right? Like your DNA is distinct from the church across the distinct from the church across the distinct from the church across the street, from the church across the street, from the church across the street, from the church across the state, from the church across the state, from the church across the state, from the church across the country. It doesn't mean you're better country. It doesn't mean you're better country. It doesn't mean you're better or worse. It means that you are equipped or worse. It means that you are equipped or worse. It means that you are equipped differently to reach a different group differently to reach a different group differently to reach a different group of people than other churches. If you of people than other churches. If you of people than other churches. If you try to be like every other church, try to be like every other church, try to be like every other church, invariably you'll reach fewer people invariably you'll reach fewer people invariably you'll reach fewer people because who you are is being because who you are is being because who you are is being purposefully pushed down or at the very purposefully pushed down or at the very purposefully pushed down or at the very least not meaningfully surfaced. least not meaningfully surfaced. least not meaningfully surfaced. So So So when you talk about it in this way, if when you talk about it in this way, if when you talk about it in this way, if there are three values and Take Steps is there are three values and Take Steps is there are three values and Take Steps is one of them, and I said you want every one of them, and I said you want every one of them, and I said you want every announcement to be anchored to one announcement to be anchored to one announcement to be anchored to one value. Well, value. Well, value. Well, if you do three or fewer announcements if you do three or fewer announcements if you do three or fewer announcements from stage, which is our rule of thumb.

from stage, which is our rule of thumb. from stage, which is our rule of thumb. Every week, you could be having that one Every week, you could be having that one Every week, you could be having that one of those values, all three, shared in a of those values, all three, shared in a of those values, all three, shared in a different announcement. So, what this different announcement. So, what this different announcement. So, what this means is means is means is you're talking about baptism you're talking about baptism you're talking about baptism through the lens through the lens through the lens that you'll share other announcements. that you'll share other announcements. that you'll share other announcements. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> At this church, at Hope, we take steps. >> At this church, at Hope, we take steps. >> At this church, at Hope, we take steps. That is what we do. That is what we do. That is what we do. And so, why would you get baptized? And so, why would you get baptized? And so, why would you get baptized? Because you belong to a church and this Because you belong to a church and this Because you belong to a church and this is how we behave. It's like that thing is how we behave. It's like that thing is how we behave. It's like that thing that you say to your kids, "All right, that you say to your kids, "All right, that you say to your kids, "All right, where are the mail scissors?" where are the mail scissors?" where are the mail scissors?" We don't do that. We don't do that. We don't do that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You want to be a mails, you don't do >> You want to be a mails, you don't do >> You want to be a mails, you don't do that. that. that. >> That's agriculture Abe coming out again. >> That's agriculture Abe coming out again. >> That's agriculture Abe coming out again. >> Um >> Um >> Um so so so this is this is meaningful because this is this is meaningful because this is this is meaningful because announcements will start to be anchored announcements will start to be anchored announcements will start to be anchored into something greater than the event into something greater than the event into something greater than the event itself. Right? Like, baptism will look itself. Right? Like, baptism will look itself. Right? Like, baptism will look different in every church, but it's kind different in every church, but it's kind different in every church, but it's kind of the same in every church. of the same in every church. of the same in every church. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But, when you can say like, this is why >> But, when you can say like, this is why >> But, when you can say like, this is why we do this here, and then that appears we do this here, and then that appears we do this here, and then that appears again when you talk about Fall Festival, again when you talk about Fall Festival, again when you talk about Fall Festival, and then that appears again when you and then that appears again when you and then that appears again when you talk about small groups, and then that talk about small groups, and then that talk about small groups, and then that you're creating identity. you're creating identity. you're creating identity. >> The language you use becomes the culture >> The language you use becomes the culture >> The language you use becomes the culture you built. The identity of your church you built. The identity of your church you built. The identity of your church will be formed by what you say. That's a will be formed by what you say. That's a will be formed by what you say. That's a biblical principle. Like, the power of biblical principle. Like, the power of biblical principle. Like, the power of life and death in the tongue. For some life and death in the tongue. For some life and death in the tongue. For some reason, we only ever think that applies reason, we only ever think that applies reason, we only ever think that applies to like interpersonal relationships.

to like interpersonal relationships. to like interpersonal relationships. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> That applies to the church that you're >> That applies to the church that you're >> That applies to the church that you're building. And the words that you use building. And the words that you use building. And the words that you use have the power to build what you want or have the power to build what you want or have the power to build what you want or tear down what you want. tear down what you want. tear down what you want. >> Let's make this even better. >> Let's make this even better. >> Let's make this even better. The third thing that we're going to do, The third thing that we're going to do, The third thing that we're going to do, now that we have information and we have now that we have information and we have now that we have information and we have a value, is we are going to add our a value, is we are going to add our a value, is we are going to add our church's unique voice. church's unique voice. church's unique voice. So, if values is how we behave So, if values is how we behave So, if values is how we behave voice is going to be how we sound. voice is going to be how we sound. voice is going to be how we sound. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Okay? Let's make this practical. This >> Okay? Let's make this practical. This >> Okay? Let's make this practical. This church has three church has three church has three voice statements, and then they have voice statements, and then they have voice statements, and then they have three voice not statements. So, this three voice not statements. So, this three voice not statements. So, this church, Hope Church, their voice is church, Hope Church, their voice is church, Hope Church, their voice is insistent. insistent. insistent. Their teaching lands in a direct Their teaching lands in a direct Their teaching lands in a direct question or assignment to the listener. question or assignment to the listener. question or assignment to the listener. The pastor repeats phrases like, "Will The pastor repeats phrases like, "Will The pastor repeats phrases like, "Will you? What's true for you? Who's your you? What's true for you? Who's your you? What's true for you? Who's your one? What are you doing here?" And one? What are you doing here?" And one? What are you doing here?" And finishes with a named specific move. finishes with a named specific move. finishes with a named specific move. Baptism, prayer team on the side, Baptism, prayer team on the side, Baptism, prayer team on the side, Communion elements at your seat. A Communion elements at your seat. A Communion elements at your seat. A commitment card next week. commitment card next week. commitment card next week. So, that's insistent. The other thing So, that's insistent. The other thing So, that's insistent. The other thing that we that we that we surfaced for this church is that their surfaced for this church is that their surfaced for this church is that their voice is self-deprecating. The pastor voice is self-deprecating. The pastor voice is self-deprecating. The pastor would routinely make himself the would routinely make himself the would routinely make himself the punchline or the cautionary tale. And punchline or the cautionary tale. And punchline or the cautionary tale. And then finally, their voice was then finally, their voice was then finally, their voice was extravagant. This is the type of church extravagant. This is the type of church extravagant. This is the type of church where like the pastor would crank up the where like the pastor would crank up the where like the pastor would crank up the volume on purpose. He would triple dog volume on purpose. He would triple dog volume on purpose. He would triple dog dare someone with a cherry on top to use dare someone with a cherry on top to use dare someone with a cherry on top to use their language or says that hey, the their language or says that hey, the their language or says that hey, the devil doesn't want you to hear this.

devil doesn't want you to hear this. devil doesn't want you to hear this. Like just there's almost like this Like just there's almost like this Like just there's almost like this pageantry and extravagance what they pageantry and extravagance what they pageantry and extravagance what they were talking about. So, that's how their were talking about. So, that's how their were talking about. So, that's how their voice is. What is their voice not? voice is. What is their voice not? voice is. What is their voice not? This church's voice is not sanitized. This church's voice is not sanitized. This church's voice is not sanitized. When the pastor reaches the brutal When the pastor reaches the brutal When the pastor reaches the brutal scenes of scripture, the flogging, the scenes of scripture, the flogging, the scenes of scripture, the flogging, the crucifixion, David's murder of Uriah, crucifixion, David's murder of Uriah, crucifixion, David's murder of Uriah, like there was no softening. It was like like there was no softening. It was like like there was no softening. It was like this this this is how it was. We're not going to give is how it was. We're not going to give is how it was. We're not going to give you the cartoon version at this church. you the cartoon version at this church. you the cartoon version at this church. And then the same posture showed up in a And then the same posture showed up in a And then the same posture showed up in a willingness to teach lament as a whole willingness to teach lament as a whole willingness to teach lament as a whole genre of prayer rather than like genre of prayer rather than like genre of prayer rather than like skipping past the hard middle and like skipping past the hard middle and like skipping past the hard middle and like only focus on the rejoicing. So, this only focus on the rejoicing. So, this only focus on the rejoicing. So, this church's voice is not sanitized. It's church's voice is not sanitized. It's church's voice is not sanitized. It's also not academic. Greek, Hebrew, also not academic. Greek, Hebrew, also not academic. Greek, Hebrew, historical detail would show up in their historical detail would show up in their historical detail would show up in their services in smaller details, but services in smaller details, but services in smaller details, but the long exegesis and theological terms the long exegesis and theological terms the long exegesis and theological terms were there were there were there as like a springboard into something as like a springboard into something as like a springboard into something that was more accessible. And finally, that was more accessible. And finally, that was more accessible. And finally, despite being insistent and despite despite being insistent and despite despite being insistent and despite being not sanitized, this church was being not sanitized, this church was being not sanitized, this church was also not shaming with their language, also not shaming with their language, also not shaming with their language, which was a a a good needle to thread. which was a a a good needle to thread. which was a a a good needle to thread. Their appeals would land on discernment, Their appeals would land on discernment, Their appeals would land on discernment, but not like guilting someone into but not like guilting someone into but not like guilting someone into something.

something. something. So, So, So, that's how we're going to talk about that's how we're going to talk about that's how we're going to talk about things. This third version of the things. This third version of the things. This third version of the announcement to me is one of the biggest announcement to me is one of the biggest announcement to me is one of the biggest leaps. And I really want you to pay leaps. And I really want you to pay leaps. And I really want you to pay special attention to when I share this, special attention to when I share this, special attention to when I share this, okay? okay? okay? So far, So far, So far, you've had baptism information, and you've had baptism information, and you've had baptism information, and we've added the value of take steps. And we've added the value of take steps. And we've added the value of take steps. And now, now, now, what I'm going to do is I'm going to what I'm going to do is I'm going to what I'm going to do is I'm going to take one more take one more take one more of these voice markers and I'm going to of these voice markers and I'm going to of these voice markers and I'm going to thread it through the entire thread it through the entire thread it through the entire announcement. announcement. announcement. And I want you to guess which one I And I want you to guess which one I And I want you to guess which one I chose. chose. chose. Did I choose self-deprecating, Did I choose self-deprecating, Did I choose self-deprecating, insistent, extravagant, insistent, extravagant, insistent, extravagant, or the antonyms, the opposites? Am I or the antonyms, the opposites? Am I or the antonyms, the opposites? Am I making sure that it's not sanitized, making sure that it's not sanitized, making sure that it's not sanitized, academic, or shaming? academic, or shaming? academic, or shaming? Okay, here we go. Okay, here we go. Okay, here we go. Baptism Sunday, it's coming up on Baptism Sunday, it's coming up on Baptism Sunday, it's coming up on Sunday, July 19th, and I want to frame Sunday, July 19th, and I want to frame Sunday, July 19th, and I want to frame this for you the way that we frame this for you the way that we frame this for you the way that we frame everything around here as a next step. everything around here as a next step. everything around here as a next step. Faith is not one giant dramatic leap. Faith is not one giant dramatic leap. Faith is not one giant dramatic leap. Faith is a series of committed steps. Faith is a series of committed steps. Faith is a series of committed steps. Our first Sunday is a step. Joining a Our first Sunday is a step. Joining a Our first Sunday is a step. Joining a group is a step. Serving for the first group is a step. Serving for the first group is a step. Serving for the first time is a step. And baptism, baptism is time is a step. And baptism, baptism is time is a step. And baptism, baptism is one of the clearest, most visible next one of the clearest, most visible next one of the clearest, most visible next steps a follower of Jesus can take. And steps a follower of Jesus can take. And steps a follower of Jesus can take. And here's the thing about steps, you don't here's the thing about steps, you don't here's the thing about steps, you don't take them all at once. You take the next take them all at once. You take the next take them all at once. You take the next one in front of you. That is the one in front of you. That is the one in front of you. That is the assignment. That has been the assignment assignment. That has been the assignment assignment. That has been the assignment the whole time. So, if baptism is the the whole time. So, if baptism is the the whole time. So, if baptism is the next step in front of you, if you've met next step in front of you, if you've met next step in front of you, if you've met Jesus, and something in you has been Jesus, and something in you has been Jesus, and something in you has been quietly saying, "It's probably time."

quietly saying, "It's probably time." quietly saying, "It's probably time." July 19th is the day. You don't need to July 19th is the day. You don't need to July 19th is the day. You don't need to wait for a more convenient Sunday. You wait for a more convenient Sunday. You wait for a more convenient Sunday. You don't need to stack up more certainty don't need to stack up more certainty don't need to stack up more certainty first. A first step does not become a first. A first step does not become a first. A first step does not become a step because you feel ready. It becomes step because you feel ready. It becomes step because you feel ready. It becomes a step because it's next. You can take a step because it's next. You can take a step because it's next. You can take the baptism step in the next steps area the baptism step in the next steps area the baptism step in the next steps area in the lobby this Sunday or online at in the lobby this Sunday or online at in the lobby this Sunday or online at hopechurch.org/baptism. hopechurch.org/baptism. hopechurch.org/baptism. Registration closes Wednesday, July Registration closes Wednesday, July Registration closes Wednesday, July 15th. 15th. 15th. >> It sounded pretty insistent to me. >> It sounded pretty insistent to me. >> It sounded pretty insistent to me. Pretty insistent. Pretty insistent. Pretty insistent. >> And as I was writing this, I was like, >> And as I was writing this, I was like, >> And as I was writing this, I was like, this is this is how this church sounds. this is this is how this church sounds. this is this is how this church sounds. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And then I thought to myself, >> And then I thought to myself, >> And then I thought to myself, I think a church might hear this and be I think a church might hear this and be I think a church might hear this and be like, "I don't want to sound like that." like, "I don't want to sound like that." like, "I don't want to sound like that." >> Sure, and that's totally fine. >> Sure, and that's totally fine. >> Sure, and that's totally fine. >> And that's when you know you're getting >> And that's when you know you're getting >> And that's when you know you're getting to the right place. Like, we're getting to the right place. Like, we're getting to the right place. Like, we're getting closer to a non-generic closer to a non-generic closer to a non-generic announcement, and we're getting announcement, and we're getting announcement, and we're getting something that demonstrates with the something that demonstrates with the something that demonstrates with the language language language who this church is. who this church is. who this church is. Because that's how they preach. Like, Because that's how they preach. Like, Because that's how they preach. Like, "Hey, this is the next step. Okay? We We "Hey, this is the next step. Okay? We We "Hey, this is the next step. Okay? We We take steps at this church. And we are take steps at this church. And we are take steps at this church. And we are going to be insistent on that because we going to be insistent on that because we going to be insistent on that because we know how important it is." And that know how important it is." And that know how important it is." And that pastor naturally, he has an insistent pastor naturally, he has an insistent pastor naturally, he has an insistent voice. And so, voice. And so, voice. And so, this is the power of a DNA document, this is the power of a DNA document, this is the power of a DNA document, too, is like, once you state that too, is like, once you state that too, is like, once you state that formally, formally, formally, it becomes something that everyone can it becomes something that everyone can it becomes something that everyone can rally around, and it's not something rally around, and it's not something rally around, and it's not something that is known but never stated, and so that is known but never stated, and so that is known but never stated, and so then like it's When when things aren't then like it's When when things aren't then like it's When when things aren't codified like that, sometimes they codified like that, sometimes they codified like that, sometimes they aren't like seen as the good thing that aren't like seen as the good thing that aren't like seen as the good thing that they are. They're just like, "Oh, like they are. They're just like, "Oh, like they are. They're just like, "Oh, like that's just how he talks, or that's just that's just how he talks, or that's just that's just how he talks, or that's just how he is." And and that's how it often how he is." And and that's how it often how he is." And and that's how it often is in church, right? Like the key leader is in church, right? Like the key leader is in church, right? Like the key leader has the largest voice almost always, and has the largest voice almost always, and has the largest voice almost always, and so often the way the church communicates

so often the way the church communicates so often the way the church communicates is starting there and then trickling is starting there and then trickling is starting there and then trickling down. down. down. When you name it for what it is, and When you name it for what it is, and When you name it for what it is, and then that is also anchored back to like then that is also anchored back to like then that is also anchored back to like the church's mission, purpose, vision, the church's mission, purpose, vision, the church's mission, purpose, vision, and values, now it's like codified as and values, now it's like codified as and values, now it's like codified as this is our DNA, and our DNA equips us this is our DNA, and our DNA equips us this is our DNA, and our DNA equips us to serve people in ways that we think we to serve people in ways that we think we to serve people in ways that we think we are are are put on this earth to do. put on this earth to do. put on this earth to do. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And it becomes this. >> And it becomes this. >> And it becomes this. >> Yeah, in my view, this is the pastoral >> Yeah, in my view, this is the pastoral >> Yeah, in my view, this is the pastoral approach to approach to approach to church communications, and in the church communications, and in the church communications, and in the context of this episode, like just context of this episode, like just context of this episode, like just delivering a stage announcement. But delivering a stage announcement. But delivering a stage announcement. But this is the pastoral approach, which is, this is the pastoral approach, which is, this is the pastoral approach, which is, you know, it's been said that that you know, it's been said that that you know, it's been said that that pastoring is is about living amongst pastoring is is about living amongst pastoring is is about living amongst people of faith, a a particular people people of faith, a a particular people people of faith, a a particular people in a particular place, and knowing in a particular place, and knowing in a particular place, and knowing about the particular people, and knowing about the particular people, and knowing about the particular people, and knowing about that particular place. And I think about that particular place. And I think about that particular place. And I think that's what we're kind of putting our that's what we're kind of putting our that's what we're kind of putting our finger on here is, yeah, anyone can get finger on here is, yeah, anyone can get finger on here is, yeah, anyone can get up on stage and and rattle off the up on stage and and rattle off the up on stage and and rattle off the information about baptism, or you could information about baptism, or you could information about baptism, or you could get up there and get up there and get up there and and try and talk with a a tone of voice and try and talk with a a tone of voice and try and talk with a a tone of voice or or a certain or or a certain or or a certain choice of words that you think are going choice of words that you think are going choice of words that you think are going to be effective, but the pastoral work to be effective, but the pastoral work to be effective, but the pastoral work is to is to is to be among the people that you're speaking be among the people that you're speaking be among the people that you're speaking to, and know them, and know what they to, and know them, and know what they to, and know them, and know what they need, know what they want, know how to need, know what they want, know how to need, know what they want, know how to communicate in communicate in communicate in Michigan, rural Michigan, for example, Michigan, rural Michigan, for example, Michigan, rural Michigan, for example, know how to communicate in Brooklyn, and know how to communicate in Brooklyn, and know how to communicate in Brooklyn, and then prioritize, codify, yes, and then then prioritize, codify, yes, and then then prioritize, codify, yes, and then prioritize speaking in that way, prioritize speaking in that way, prioritize speaking in that way, speaking the same language. You see, I I speaking the same language. You see, I I speaking the same language. You see, I I made the reference a few episodes ago on made the reference a few episodes ago on made the reference a few episodes ago on the show just talking about the Apostle the show just talking about the Apostle the show just talking about the Apostle Paul and how you can see in his

Paul and how you can see in his Paul and how you can see in his different letters to different people in different letters to different people in different letters to different people in different places like different tonality different places like different tonality different places like different tonality and and and talking about this different and and and talking about this different and and and talking about this different subject matter or sometimes the same subject matter or sometimes the same subject matter or sometimes the same subject matter in a different way. He's subject matter in a different way. He's subject matter in a different way. He's just adapting from a place of like just adapting from a place of like just adapting from a place of like pastoral care. So that's what this is pastoral care. So that's what this is pastoral care. So that's what this is and I think that leads us really like and I think that leads us really like and I think that leads us really like nicely into how we're really going to nicely into how we're really going to nicely into how we're really going to hone in on how how to to bring this home hone in on how how to to bring this home hone in on how how to to bring this home is is you know we started with the is is you know we started with the is is you know we started with the information we added values we've we've information we added values we've we've information we added values we've we've now given a voice to it but the the the now given a voice to it but the the the now given a voice to it but the the the particular pastoral approach is to speak particular pastoral approach is to speak particular pastoral approach is to speak to a particular to the particular people to a particular to the particular people to a particular to the particular people in the room. in the room. in the room. >> Yes, and that is the next version into >> Yes, and that is the next version into >> Yes, and that is the next version into version four of this announcement version four of this announcement version four of this announcement rewriting. Like we've got the church's rewriting. Like we've got the church's rewriting. Like we've got the church's voice but who is in the pews voice but who is in the pews voice but who is in the pews and how is this meaningful for them? and how is this meaningful for them? and how is this meaningful for them? So in this church's DNA doc they have So in this church's DNA doc they have So in this church's DNA doc they have one two three four one two three four one two three four audience personas. I don't really love audience personas. I don't really love audience personas. I don't really love audience personas in the DNA doc we say audience personas in the DNA doc we say audience personas in the DNA doc we say like your people like your people like your people but I don't know how to say this church but I don't know how to say this church but I don't know how to say this church has four your people, right? So I'm has four your people, right? So I'm has four your people, right? So I'm saying audience personas.

saying audience personas. saying audience personas. >> So an audience persona is >> So an audience persona is >> So an audience persona is an an alliterative fictional character an an alliterative fictional character an an alliterative fictional character that is reflect that is that is reflect that is that is reflect that is garnered by how we've analyzed how this garnered by how we've analyzed how this garnered by how we've analyzed how this church talks. So who they seem to talk church talks. So who they seem to talk church talks. So who they seem to talk to during their sermons. For the church to during their sermons. For the church to during their sermons. For the church in Broken for example it's like okay, I in Broken for example it's like okay, I in Broken for example it's like okay, I can hear in in the way that these can hear in in the way that these can hear in in the way that these sermons are being delivered or the types sermons are being delivered or the types sermons are being delivered or the types of announcements or whatever even the of announcements or whatever even the of announcements or whatever even the prayers they pray that they're they're prayers they pray that they're they're prayers they pray that they're they're talking to some folks who are like prone talking to some folks who are like prone talking to some folks who are like prone to activism whereas in rural Michigan to activism whereas in rural Michigan to activism whereas in rural Michigan we're talking to a different type of we're talking to a different type of we're talking to a different type of people. So that's where these audience people. So that's where these audience people. So that's where these audience personas kind of come about. personas kind of come about. personas kind of come about. >> Correct and the stories of >> Correct and the stories of >> Correct and the stories of transformation that you tell from stage transformation that you tell from stage transformation that you tell from stage that talk about people that came to your that talk about people that came to your that talk about people that came to your church and then they found God through X church and then they found God through X church and then they found God through X Y and Z and so okay so that's how your Y and Z and so okay so that's how your Y and Z and so okay so that's how your church is equipped to reach people. church is equipped to reach people. church is equipped to reach people. So there are four here So there are four here So there are four here going to go through them briefly and going to go through them briefly and going to go through them briefly and I'll to on the first one because that is I'll to on the first one because that is I'll to on the first one because that is the archetype that I am going to use to the archetype that I am going to use to the archetype that I am going to use to rewrite this announcement. Okay. And rewrite this announcement. Okay. And rewrite this announcement. Okay. And that is Distant Daniel. So, this is the that is Distant Daniel. So, this is the that is Distant Daniel. So, this is the long-time attender who feels a wall long-time attender who feels a wall long-time attender who feels a wall between himself and God, asking himself, between himself and God, asking himself, between himself and God, asking himself, "Why does God feel so far away when I "Why does God feel so far away when I "Why does God feel so far away when I want to be close to him?"

want to be close to him?" want to be close to him?" Daniel shows up regularly. He knows the Daniel shows up regularly. He knows the Daniel shows up regularly. He knows the songs. Somewhere along his faith songs. Somewhere along his faith songs. Somewhere along his faith journey, the presence of God became journey, the presence of God became journey, the presence of God became something that he remembers now more something that he remembers now more something that he remembers now more than he experiences. than he experiences. than he experiences. He wonders, "Have I done something He wonders, "Have I done something He wonders, "Have I done something wrong? Has God moved on? Or were we ever wrong? Has God moved on? Or were we ever wrong? Has God moved on? Or were we ever really close to begin with?" Specific really close to begin with?" Specific really close to begin with?" Specific pain points for this type of person. pain points for this type of person. pain points for this type of person. They feel this persistent barrier They feel this persistent barrier They feel this persistent barrier between themselves and God that they between themselves and God that they between themselves and God that they can't really name, but they just know can't really name, but they just know can't really name, but they just know it's there. it's there. it's there. They assume that maybe their past, their They assume that maybe their past, their They assume that maybe their past, their secrets, or just like their ordinary secrets, or just like their ordinary secrets, or just like their ordinary life disqualifies them. life disqualifies them. life disqualifies them. They're maybe chasing mountain top They're maybe chasing mountain top They're maybe chasing mountain top moments because they're thinking, "Well, moments because they're thinking, "Well, moments because they're thinking, "Well, if I could just have this like, you if I could just have this like, you if I could just have this like, you know, thing. I remember when I was a know, thing. I remember when I was a know, thing. I remember when I was a kid, it was like this. If I could just kid, it was like this. If I could just kid, it was like this. If I could just get that, that would fix it." And get that, that would fix it." And get that, that would fix it." And they're missing God working in all the they're missing God working in all the they're missing God working in all the ordinary that's happening around them. ordinary that's happening around them. ordinary that's happening around them. And then finally, they're quietly And then finally, they're quietly And then finally, they're quietly wondering maybe whether faith is just wondering maybe whether faith is just wondering maybe whether faith is just going through the motions, and that's going through the motions, and that's going through the motions, and that's all it is. A few other people, and I all it is. A few other people, and I all it is. A few other people, and I won't go fully into their uh archetypes, won't go fully into their uh archetypes, won't go fully into their uh archetypes, but there's Halfway Hannah, the but there's Halfway Hannah, the but there's Halfway Hannah, the Christian who wants the benefits of Christian who wants the benefits of Christian who wants the benefits of Jesus without the cost. There's Jesus without the cost. There's Jesus without the cost. There's Wandering Will, formerly engaged Wandering Will, formerly engaged Wandering Will, formerly engaged believer who has drifted. And then believer who has drifted. And then believer who has drifted. And then there's Exhausted Emily, believer that's there's Exhausted Emily, believer that's there's Exhausted Emily, believer that's fighting a mental health battle.

fighting a mental health battle. fighting a mental health battle. So, how do we take this announcement So, how do we take this announcement So, how do we take this announcement and write it with Distant Dan and write it with Distant Dan and write it with Distant Dan in our mind. Here's the new version. And you'll hear how similar these are And you'll hear how similar these are because I keep using the same because I keep using the same because I keep using the same foundational script. foundational script. foundational script. And then, I'm just weaving in a few new And then, I'm just weaving in a few new And then, I'm just weaving in a few new things each time. Baptism Sunday is things each time. Baptism Sunday is things each time. Baptism Sunday is still coming up on Sunday, July 19th. still coming up on Sunday, July 19th. still coming up on Sunday, July 19th. And I want to frame this for you the way And I want to frame this for you the way And I want to frame this for you the way that we frame everything around here as that we frame everything around here as that we frame everything around here as a next step. Faith is not one giant a next step. Faith is not one giant a next step. Faith is not one giant dramatic leap. Faith is a series of dramatic leap. Faith is a series of dramatic leap. Faith is a series of committed steps. A first Sunday is a committed steps. A first Sunday is a committed steps. A first Sunday is a step. Joining a group is a step. Serving step. Joining a group is a step. Serving step. Joining a group is a step. Serving for the first time is a step. And for the first time is a step. And for the first time is a step. And baptism, baptism is one of the clearest, baptism, baptism is one of the clearest, baptism, baptism is one of the clearest, most visible next steps a follower of most visible next steps a follower of most visible next steps a follower of Jesus can take. It's also one of the Jesus can take. It's also one of the Jesus can take. It's also one of the steps that does something that the steps that does something that the steps that does something that the others don't. It's physical. It's others don't. It's physical. It's others don't. It's physical. It's public. It plants a flag. For a lot of public. It plants a flag. For a lot of public. It plants a flag. For a lot of people in our church, baptism is the people in our church, baptism is the people in our church, baptism is the moment they stop standing outside the moment they stop standing outside the moment they stop standing outside the room room room and finally step inside. and finally step inside. and finally step inside. >> And now now Dan is paying attention. >> And now now Dan is paying attention. >> And now now Dan is paying attention. >> That's right. And here's the thing about >> That's right. And here's the thing about >> That's right. And here's the thing about steps, you don't take them all at once, steps, you don't take them all at once, steps, you don't take them all at once, you take the next one in front of you. you take the next one in front of you. you take the next one in front of you. That's the assignment, and that's been That's the assignment, and that's been That's the assignment, and that's been the assignment the whole time. So, if the assignment the whole time. So, if the assignment the whole time. So, if baptism is the next step in front of baptism is the next step in front of baptism is the next step in front of you, if you've met Jesus and something you, if you've met Jesus and something you, if you've met Jesus and something in you has been quietly saying, "Yeah, in you has been quietly saying, "Yeah, in you has been quietly saying, "Yeah, it's probably time." If you've been in it's probably time." If you've been in it's probably time." If you've been in our rows for a year or five wondering our rows for a year or five wondering our rows for a year or five wondering why God feels far away, if you've told why God feels far away, if you've told why God feels far away, if you've told yourself, you know, "Oh, it's my past or yourself, you know, "Oh, it's my past or yourself, you know, "Oh, it's my past or my secrets. I don't I'm the exception."

my secrets. I don't I'm the exception." my secrets. I don't I'm the exception." No, you're not. July 19th is the day. No, you're not. July 19th is the day. No, you're not. July 19th is the day. You don't need to wait for a more You don't need to wait for a more You don't need to wait for a more convenient Sunday. You don't need to convenient Sunday. You don't need to convenient Sunday. You don't need to stack up more certainty first. You don't stack up more certainty first. You don't stack up more certainty first. You don't need to feel close to God before you need to feel close to God before you need to feel close to God before you take the step. take the step. take the step. >> Now he's sweating. >> Now he's sweating. >> Now he's sweating. >> And that's what we want. >> And that's what we want. >> And that's what we want. Because a step does not become a step Because a step does not become a step Because a step does not become a step because you feel ready. It's a step because you feel ready. It's a step because you feel ready. It's a step because it's in front of you. You can because it's in front of you. You can because it's in front of you. You can take the baptism next step in the next take the baptism next step in the next take the baptism next step in the next steps area in the lobby this Sunday or steps area in the lobby this Sunday or steps area in the lobby this Sunday or online, hopechurch.org/baptism. online, hopechurch.org/baptism. online, hopechurch.org/baptism. The registration closes Wednesday, July The registration closes Wednesday, July The registration closes Wednesday, July 15th. 15th. 15th. >> Dan reaches for his phone. He opens up >> Dan reaches for his phone. He opens up >> Dan reaches for his phone. He opens up his church website. He signs up for his church website. He signs up for his church website. He signs up for baptism. baptism. baptism. >> We'd love to see it. Distant Dan putting >> We'd love to see it. Distant Dan putting >> We'd love to see it. Distant Dan putting his faith into action, getting off the his faith into action, getting off the his faith into action, getting off the sidelines. sidelines. sidelines. Final version of this announcement. And Final version of this announcement. And Final version of this announcement. And Alex did a good job kind of calling out Alex did a good job kind of calling out Alex did a good job kind of calling out the moments in that version that the moments in that version that the moments in that version that included Dan. So, at this part at this included Dan. So, at this part at this included Dan. So, at this part at this point, we are talking directly to a point, we are talking directly to a point, we are talking directly to a person that we know is in our church's person that we know is in our church's person that we know is in our church's orbit, orbit, orbit, that we know we're equipped to reach. that we know we're equipped to reach. that we know we're equipped to reach. We're talking to them using the voice We're talking to them using the voice We're talking to them using the voice that is consistent with our DNA. that is consistent with our DNA. that is consistent with our DNA. We are talking to them through the lens We are talking to them through the lens We are talking to them through the lens of the value that informs how we behave of the value that informs how we behave of the value that informs how we behave as a church.

as a church. as a church. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And we've got some information to share. >> And we've got some information to share. >> And we've got some information to share. What are we obviously leaving on the What are we obviously leaving on the What are we obviously leaving on the table still? table still? table still? We are still focusing way too much on We are still focusing way too much on We are still focusing way too much on the information element. Now, this is the information element. Now, this is the information element. Now, this is already a dynamite announcement. already a dynamite announcement. already a dynamite announcement. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> We're getting to like the best version >> We're getting to like the best version >> We're getting to like the best version of it. of it. of it. Any version after version one would have Any version after version one would have Any version after version one would have been like, "This is so much better." been like, "This is so much better." been like, "This is so much better." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Good job, church. You're doing things >> Good job, church. You're doing things >> Good job, church. You're doing things meaningfully and intentionally. meaningfully and intentionally. meaningfully and intentionally. But, what is the church announcements But, what is the church announcements But, what is the church announcements formula? One story plus one next step. formula? One story plus one next step. formula? One story plus one next step. And if we can take And if we can take And if we can take this idea of distant Dan and not just this idea of distant Dan and not just this idea of distant Dan and not just talk directly to him, to his pain talk directly to him, to his pain talk directly to him, to his pain points, but illustrate his pain points points, but illustrate his pain points points, but illustrate his pain points in the form of story, in the form of story, in the form of story, it is going to be even that much more it is going to be even that much more it is going to be even that much more compelling. And that is the final compelling. And that is the final compelling. And that is the final way to get this announcement all the way way to get this announcement all the way way to get this announcement all the way to Dan. to Dan. to Dan. >> Stones. This is it. >> Stones. This is it. >> Stones. This is it. >> Yes, absolutely. You are Thanos. You are >> Yes, absolutely. You are Thanos. You are >> Yes, absolutely. You are Thanos. You are the ultimate powered-up version of the ultimate powered-up version of the ultimate powered-up version of yourself. And you're going to use it for yourself. And you're going to use it for yourself. And you're going to use it for good. good. good. Not for evil. Not for evil. Not for evil. Quote, Baptism Sunday, it's coming up on Quote, Baptism Sunday, it's coming up on Quote, Baptism Sunday, it's coming up on Sunday, July 19th. Sunday, July 19th. Sunday, July 19th. >> It's okay to lead with a little bit of >> It's okay to lead with a little bit of >> It's okay to lead with a little bit of information.

information. information. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. And I want to frame this for you the way And I want to frame this for you the way And I want to frame this for you the way that we frame everything around here, as that we frame everything around here, as that we frame everything around here, as a next step. Faith is not one giant a next step. Faith is not one giant a next step. Faith is not one giant dramatic leap. Faith is a series of dramatic leap. Faith is a series of dramatic leap. Faith is a series of committed steps. A first Sunday is a committed steps. A first Sunday is a committed steps. A first Sunday is a step. Joining a group is a step. Serving step. Joining a group is a step. Serving step. Joining a group is a step. Serving for the first time is a step. And for the first time is a step. And for the first time is a step. And baptism Baptism is one of the clearest, baptism Baptism is one of the clearest, baptism Baptism is one of the clearest, most visible next steps a follower of most visible next steps a follower of most visible next steps a follower of Jesus can take. It's also one of the Jesus can take. It's also one of the Jesus can take. It's also one of the steps that does something the others steps that does something the others steps that does something the others don't. It's physical. It's public. It don't. It's physical. It's public. It don't. It's physical. It's public. It plants a flag. You know, for me, I plants a flag. You know, for me, I plants a flag. You know, for me, I distinctly remember a season of my life, distinctly remember a season of my life, distinctly remember a season of my life, not too long ago, where God felt not too long ago, where God felt not too long ago, where God felt distant, inaccessible, almost. And I distant, inaccessible, almost. And I distant, inaccessible, almost. And I would pray, sometimes almost bitterly, would pray, sometimes almost bitterly, would pray, sometimes almost bitterly, like, "Where are you, God? Why are you like, "Where are you, God? Why are you like, "Where are you, God? Why are you leaving me out here on my own?" And leaving me out here on my own?" And leaving me out here on my own?" And what I realized what I realized what I realized eventually was that eventually was that eventually was that it wasn't until I stepped out in it wasn't until I stepped out in it wasn't until I stepped out in obedience that suddenly I felt like, obedience that suddenly I felt like, obedience that suddenly I felt like, "Oh, you were waiting for me here this "Oh, you were waiting for me here this "Oh, you were waiting for me here this whole time. You weren't being distant whole time. You weren't being distant whole time. You weren't being distant from me. I was the one being distant from me. I was the one being distant from me. I was the one being distant from you." And that's the thing about from you." And that's the thing about from you." And that's the thing about steps, you know, you don't have to take steps, you know, you don't have to take steps, you know, you don't have to take them all at once. You just take the next them all at once. You just take the next them all at once. You just take the next one in front of you. That is the one in front of you. That is the one in front of you. That is the assignment. It has been the assignment assignment. It has been the assignment assignment. It has been the assignment the entire time. So, if baptism is the the entire time. So, if baptism is the the entire time. So, if baptism is the next step in front of you, July 19th is next step in front of you, July 19th is next step in front of you, July 19th is the day. You don't need to wait for a the day. You don't need to wait for a the day. You don't need to wait for a more convenient Sunday. You don't need more convenient Sunday. You don't need more convenient Sunday. You don't need to stack up more certainty first. You to stack up more certainty first. You to stack up more certainty first. You don't need to feel close to God before don't need to feel close to God before don't need to feel close to God before you you the step, because a step doesn't you you the step, because a step doesn't you you the step, because a step doesn't become a step because you feel ready.

become a step because you feel ready. become a step because you feel ready. It becomes a step when it's next. You It becomes a step when it's next. You It becomes a step when it's next. You can take that in the next steps area in can take that in the next steps area in can take that in the next steps area in the lobby this Sunday or online at the lobby this Sunday or online at the lobby this Sunday or online at hopechurch.org/baptism. hopechurch.org/baptism. hopechurch.org/baptism. Registration closes Wednesday, July Registration closes Wednesday, July Registration closes Wednesday, July 15th. >> When it comes to >> When it comes to the audience personas, take take baptism the audience personas, take take baptism the audience personas, take take baptism for example since we've been talking for example since we've been talking for example since we've been talking about it. about it. about it. Would you Would you Would you for the the few weeks heading up to your for the the few weeks heading up to your for the the few weeks heading up to your baptism, would you rewrite this baptism, would you rewrite this baptism, would you rewrite this announcement? You know, one week it's announcement? You know, one week it's announcement? You know, one week it's for you're trying to address Distant for you're trying to address Distant for you're trying to address Distant Dan, but would you take a run at it and Dan, but would you take a run at it and Dan, but would you take a run at it and and you know, next week rewrite it with and you know, next week rewrite it with and you know, next week rewrite it with a slant towards Wandering Will? a slant towards Wandering Will? a slant towards Wandering Will? >> Yeah, absolutely. And and you don't have >> Yeah, absolutely. And and you don't have >> Yeah, absolutely. And and you don't have to tell a personal story either. to tell a personal story either. to tell a personal story either. Sometimes the easiest way to queue up Sometimes the easiest way to queue up Sometimes the easiest way to queue up something is to say, you know, a story something is to say, you know, a story something is to say, you know, a story was shared with me was shared with me was shared with me which implies, hey, I'm sharing this which implies, hey, I'm sharing this which implies, hey, I'm sharing this with permission and I'm still probably with permission and I'm still probably with permission and I'm still probably going to do it like without maybe naming going to do it like without maybe naming going to do it like without maybe naming the person, but a story was a story was the person, but a story was a story was the person, but a story was a story was shared with me. If a church exists of 85 shared with me. If a church exists of 85 shared with me. If a church exists of 85 people, which is like, you know, the people, which is like, you know, the people, which is like, you know, the rough average, rough average, rough average, 85 people 85 people 85 people have full lives have full lives have full lives that include Jesus in every aspect.

that include Jesus in every aspect. that include Jesus in every aspect. There is an infinite number of stories There is an infinite number of stories There is an infinite number of stories of life change and struggle and victory of life change and struggle and victory of life change and struggle and victory and and and those can all be illustrative those can all be illustrative those can all be illustrative of what your church is trying to of what your church is trying to of what your church is trying to accomplish because ultimately they are accomplish because ultimately they are accomplish because ultimately they are the end game for what your church is the end game for what your church is the end game for what your church is doing doing doing and the work and formation of and the work and formation of and the work and formation of of Jesus in their lives. of Jesus in their lives. of Jesus in their lives. So, the great thing about the the DNA So, the great thing about the the DNA So, the great thing about the the DNA doc is like, you have Distant Dan, you doc is like, you have Distant Dan, you doc is like, you have Distant Dan, you have Exhausted Emily, you have Activist have Exhausted Emily, you have Activist have Exhausted Emily, you have Activist Amanda, you have Agricultural Abe, Amanda, you have Agricultural Abe, Amanda, you have Agricultural Abe, whomever you have and each one whomever you have and each one whomever you have and each one represents like a real group of people. represents like a real group of people. represents like a real group of people. And so, And so, And so, the thing about writing these the thing about writing these the thing about writing these announcements is we went through this in announcements is we went through this in announcements is we went through this in a painstakingly a painstakingly a painstakingly systematic way systematic way systematic way to show you how like each to show you how like each to show you how like each additional infinity stone can make a a additional infinity stone can make a a additional infinity stone can make a a But, But, But, this becomes second nature. this becomes second nature. this becomes second nature. It's already second nature to us to It's already second nature to us to It's already second nature to us to present version one of this present version one of this present version one of this announcement. Why? announcement. Why? announcement. Why? >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Because we've heard it so many times. >> Because we've heard it so many times. >> Because we've heard it so many times. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You're listening to this and you're >> You're listening to this and you're >> You're listening to this and you're like, "I don't know. That kind of sounds like, "I don't know. That kind of sounds like, "I don't know. That kind of sounds like a way I don't know if I put my like a way I don't know if I put my like a way I don't know if I put my announcements together like that." No, announcements together like that." No, announcements together like that." No, you wouldn't because you're not this you wouldn't because you're not this you wouldn't because you're not this church from Michigan.

church from Michigan. church from Michigan. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But, if I did this exercise in front of >> But, if I did this exercise in front of >> But, if I did this exercise in front of you, it would feel so familiar because you, it would feel so familiar because you, it would feel so familiar because you're like, "Oh, that is our church." you're like, "Oh, that is our church." you're like, "Oh, that is our church." And it would probably feel even more And it would probably feel even more And it would probably feel even more familiar than the generic version. And familiar than the generic version. And familiar than the generic version. And if it didn't, the only reason it if it didn't, the only reason it if it didn't, the only reason it wouldn't feel more familiar is because wouldn't feel more familiar is because wouldn't feel more familiar is because you're more practiced in the generic you're more practiced in the generic you're more practiced in the generic version. But, you can be more practiced version. But, you can be more practiced version. But, you can be more practiced in the version that is genuinely in the version that is genuinely in the version that is genuinely reflective of your church's DNA. And reflective of your church's DNA. And reflective of your church's DNA. And then it becomes second nature to promote then it becomes second nature to promote then it becomes second nature to promote in this way. And in this way. And in this way. And the great thing is how much more the great thing is how much more the great thing is how much more effective it is in ministry, as well. effective it is in ministry, as well. effective it is in ministry, as well. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> If you want to diagnose where your >> If you want to diagnose where your >> If you want to diagnose where your church communications is right now, we church communications is right now, we church communications is right now, we have an entire diagnostic tool for this. have an entire diagnostic tool for this. have an entire diagnostic tool for this. It's free. You can go find it at It's free. You can go find it at It's free. You can go find it at churchchaos.com. churchchaos.com. churchchaos.com. All we need from you is your church's All we need from you is your church's All we need from you is your church's website. And then three full service website. And then three full service website. And then three full service recordings. You can either share them recordings. You can either share them recordings. You can either share them just if you have them like on YouTube, just if you have them like on YouTube, just if you have them like on YouTube, service recordings, or you can upload service recordings, or you can upload service recordings, or you can upload the audio files. So, if you're like, the audio files. So, if you're like, the audio files. So, if you're like, "Oh, we have ours on Facebook." "Oh, we have ours on Facebook." "Oh, we have ours on Facebook." >> them off the soundboard. >> them off the soundboard. >> them off the soundboard. >> ours on Vimeo." "Oh, yeah, we have them >> ours on Vimeo." "Oh, yeah, we have them >> ours on Vimeo." "Oh, yeah, we have them stored on the SSD." Great. Just like stored on the SSD." Great. Just like stored on the SSD." Great. Just like pull the audio and then just send us the pull the audio and then just send us the pull the audio and then just send us the full service recordings because we want full service recordings because we want full service recordings because we want to hear the sermon. I want to I analyze to hear the sermon. I want to I analyze to hear the sermon. I want to I analyze every single word of announcements. I every single word of announcements. I every single word of announcements. I want to analyze every single word of want to analyze every single word of want to analyze every single word of transition and the songs that you're transition and the songs that you're transition and the songs that you're choosing and the intro and the choosing and the intro and the choosing and the intro and the benediction or the blessing or the benediction or the blessing or the benediction or the blessing or the closing or whatever you have at the end, closing or whatever you have at the end, closing or whatever you have at the end, the next steps that you're promoting, the next steps that you're promoting, the next steps that you're promoting, all the different places you're all the different places you're all the different places you're promoting it. We're going to go through promoting it. We're going to go through promoting it. We're going to go through all of it. 38-point diagnostic tool.

all of it. 38-point diagnostic tool. all of it. 38-point diagnostic tool. And then we'll give you a score from And then we'll give you a score from And then we'll give you a score from zero to 100. zero to 100. zero to 100. Lower score, Lower score, Lower score, less chaos, healthier ministry. Higher less chaos, healthier ministry. Higher less chaos, healthier ministry. Higher score, it's like saying to the doctor, score, it's like saying to the doctor, score, it's like saying to the doctor, "Yeah, got a pain of nine out of 10." "Yeah, got a pain of nine out of 10." "Yeah, got a pain of nine out of 10." It's bad. It's bad. But, we're not going It's bad. It's bad. But, we're not going It's bad. It's bad. But, we're not going to leave you hanging there. to leave you hanging there. to leave you hanging there. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> We'll help you. >> We'll help you. >> We'll help you. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. We will give you all of the next >> Yes. We will give you all of the next >> Yes. We will give you all of the next steps and all of the things to improve. steps and all of the things to improve. steps and all of the things to improve. And uh, And uh, And uh, you know, you know, you know, DNA documents are are part of that DNA documents are are part of that DNA documents are are part of that entire journey. entire journey. entire journey. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> churchchaos.com. Hopefully this was >> churchchaos.com. Hopefully this was >> churchchaos.com. Hopefully this was helpful for you and makes helpful for you and makes helpful for you and makes writing announcements a little bit writing announcements a little bit writing announcements a little bit easier. Thank you for your time, easier. Thank you for your time, easier. Thank you for your time, attention, and trust. We'll talk to you attention, and trust. We'll talk to you attention, and trust. We'll talk to you next week. next week. next week. >> It's a podcast. >> It's a podcast. >> It's a podcast. >> Allegedly. >> Allegedly. >> Allegedly. >> We are all about unique ideas on this >> We are all about unique ideas on this >> We are all about unique ideas on this show. show. show. >> People hate it, which is weird. >> People hate it, which is weird. >> People hate it, which is weird. >> Church volunteer appreciation is like >> Church volunteer appreciation is like >> Church volunteer appreciation is like one people would like it.