Our collaboration with the youth ministry is “Covert.”
Your Question:
“How can I ‘advertise’ or ‘market’ the collaboration between the YM and the CM to the entire church staff or church body?”
The Issues:
Telling people that an event or program is a “joint venture between the youth and children’s ministries” is the easy part. Helping them to understand the power of that collaboration is the challenge.
Scripture Foundation:
“I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So, neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3: 6-11
Short Answer:
Sometimes, how a ministry is planned, or the ministry purpose, is too “private.” Of course, there are some aspects of the ministry that should be kept “private” for the sake of HIPAA compliance (protecting people’s privacy), but the purpose or vision for a ministry effort should be something that is “flown from the highest flagpole.” A general truth is that a ministry that isn’t “visible” is a ministry that the church may believe isn’t important or may not even know exists.
There are many ways within a church to advertise the value, purpose, or events of a ministry. It is good for you to get to know the possibilities within your own local church, and also who oversees those advertising avenues. If you are advertising a joint venture between the YM and the CM, make sure to let the YM director share in the creation and distribution of all content that includes the YM. Here are some typical tools a local church has to let people know about what is going on in the church:
- Church Bulletin – If your church uses a printed bulletin for the weekly services (both Sunday and midweek), find out how to get an advertisement or news story included in that bulletin. Ask about deadlines, limitations, and who receives the stories.
- Church Website – Become familiar with your church website. Explore what is said about the CM and YM, and how events or programs are advertised or explained. Find out who is in charge of the content of the website, and what is the process for proposing information on the site.
- Service Advertisements – Most churches have some method for advertising events, etc. to those who attend a Sunday or midweek church service. This is typically done through the use of screens in the auditorium where the service is held. This might also be done as messages displayed prior to a service that is broadcast online. Become familiar with who oversees these visual screens, how the information is chosen, and what are the deadlines or requirements for getting content displayed this way.
- Social Media – Many churches use social media to connect with or advertise to those who fellowship at the church. Find out who oversees the social media distribution and how you might get your messages sent to those who “follow” the church or who have opted into that social media platform.
- Posters – Many people who attend the church may not view the church advertisements online or through social media, so posters in the foyer or near the entrance to the church auditorium are valuable. Find out who oversees the display of posters, where they are printed, and what is involved in getting your message displayed on the walls of the foyer.
- “Live” Announcements – Most churches make “live announcements” prior to the church service. These announcements may be done by a specific pastor or church staff member, or they may be done by a representative of the ministry or effort that is being advertised. Find out who supervises these “live” announcements, what are the requirements or limitations, and what the proposal process is. Once again, make sure to involve the YM director in these “live” announcements.
All of these options require specific, clear communication about the collaboration and the purpose for the event. Use words like “this is a joint venture between the YM and the CM,” or “the YM and the CM are partnering together to create a life-changing experience for the children and the youth.” Parents enjoy being given the “big picture” of how an event unifies the YM and CM.
Each of these options, when used correctly, will help the church, the church staff, and the pastoral staff to understand how the YM and CM are working together to create a fruitful “flow” of ministry from the children to the youth. For more help in strengthening the collaboration between the youth ministry and the CM, click on the APPENDIX link below.
