It may seem strange to consider design as fundamental to events, but one must remember that design encompasses more than the logo on the front of the handout. In this context, the “design” of an event is everything from the logo to what music is going to be played to the actual length and days of any event.
When we think about design in this way, “designing forward” becomes more about innovation that just a simple charge to create more interesting logos. With the still on-going pandemic and the caution many are exercising around events in general, churches need to design events in such a way that they can lessen some of the fears people may have. Additionally, one must remember that a lot of guests come to church via an invitation from a friend, along with others who come seeking answers to their spiritual questions. When it comes to designing events, churches need to be aware of both groups and how to keep both coming back.
Stretching Out
One of the best ways that you can work to bring in more people and keep them is to stretch events that are typically single-day into multi-day or week events. For example, although a church should always have a strong, one-day Easter service, this does not mean that churches cannot create additional events and series material leading up to and going past Easter. Instead of getting dozens of first-time guests in on Easter Day only never to see them again, you might be able to get them in at the beginning of a series and, by the time Easter actually rolls around, have them ready to come to the altar on such a sacred day.
Multi-day events can also help reduce the problems that can often plague events. Heavy rain? Shift your schedule a little bit or move that single day online. Trying to invite someone that is busy? Ask them to just come to one of three or four services on different days. The extra room and flexibility can make a world of difference for guests and can help to get your own congregation excited for upcoming parts of the series.
Stepping Out
Of course, an unfortunate problem is often the heavy “no” from a lead pastor or another senior administrative member. For creatives, this “no” can be a killer and possibly prevent the innovation that your church needs in its events. For those of you who are the creative type and are under the thumb of senior members who are not quite as creative (or perhaps even forward thinking) as you, here are some tips for helping you get your foot in the door.
Show don’t tell: when you are proposing something, have something physical to present, whether it is a graphic, a presentation, or a small run of a new handout. Having physical evidence to your creative ability is a great way to help convince someone to try something new.
Assume the responsibility: If something might go wrong, be willing to take the fall. Do what you can to help anyone else involved along with the development of the material.
Just one Chance: Ask for at least a single chance. Once chance may be all that is necessary to gain the trust you need.
Don’t get discouraged: continue to try to get your foot in the door, even if you are rejected a few times.
It may be tough — or annoying — to continue to try to innovative and get denied, but we assure you that, once you get your foot in the door once, and things go smoothly, you will get the opportunities that you desire to create new and exciting styles of events and material.
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We hope that you have enjoyed this series on moving forward. We live in strange and tumultuous times, but that does not mean that churches need to press the brakes; if anything, tumult is a call to action for the church, as we need to ever push to share the Gospel which brings the “peace that passeth beyond all understanding.” We hope that you will take this material to heart and work to innovate and revolutionize your church’s events and designs as you move forward in your ministry.
To learn more about this topic, check out this episode of ChurchMediaHQ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CxcyFohjRw&list=PLyKR6mIKUtvjbDUcqC6TDd8Jcnyzl8V8_&index=
