Know-How Exchange : Strategy

What is the ultimate objective? If it's just to have a communication department, then it doesn't matter what you do. Hang a sign on a door saying, "communication department" and you're finished.

If, on the other hand, there are some important messages that someone wants to deliver to someone else, then those should be defined in advance. Is it a two-way communication they seek, or is it one-way? Is it peer-to-peer? Is it electronic communication they want (since you've posted in the "social media" section of this forum), or are other non-electronic social media -- like telephone and face-to-face -- also included if/when they're most effective?

How will you know if the job is finished, or are you being asked to be the main communicator for some extended period of time?

I don't think we can be of much help if we don't understand what the objective is and what success looks like for you.

if this were my project, I would spend some time doing Google searches of church websites. I would bookmark the ones I found best and/or most interesting, I would compile a list of features and functions which seemed most related to the goals and objectives of my congregation, and I would meet with the people who assigned you this task to discuss and to prioritize various options. if it were my project, I would probably take an initial look at at least 100 church websites. If you need help running Google searches to find comprehensive websites, feel free to send me an e-mail (click on my username to access my profile and to see my e-mail address).

I've learned from experience that everyone wants everything, yet most use nothing. Point is, do some careful planning to assess:
- what the congregation wants
- what the congregation actually needs
- what the church wants to say

Once you clearly define that, you can evaluate the best tactics to communicate to the congregation.

Another thing I learned is people are quick to offer up cool ideas, but are not always willing to take ownership and run with the idea themselves. So be careful to implement only what can be realistically managed -- otherwise you'll disappoint a lot of people and set yourself up for failure.

I also learned first hand how some people are afraid of change. So be prepared to address complaints pre-emptively and respond swiftly (and kindly) to negative feedback.

Hope you find this helpful.
-Roland