Episode 32 - Why You Should Explore Creative Communication Methods

We have what we think will be a very helpful and encouraging podcast for you with Episode 32. Even as we share this with you, we are working on creative ways in our 200church to share a new series over the next two weeks, and then the following nine weeks. We're excited!

Creative Communication Methods. Wow, that's a mouthful! Why should you embrace creativity in your 200church? Is there really any benefit to communicating "creatively" in your current context? Does it really make a difference when you keep things fresh and flexible in your church?

The short answer is YES! You owe it to yourself and your congregation to communicate in new and fresh ways and to really seek to be creative in the way that you present the Gospel. 

Here's a few reasons why:

• What is rote will soon become meaningless
  
• Sameness dulls the senses
  
• Creative change keeps people interested and engaged
  
• God uses new experiences to change people's perspective
  
• We honor the Word of God when we communicate creatively
  
• We become better communicators by trying new things
  

So how do we shift toward creative communication? The first step toward creative communication is being open to experimentation. Not everything you try will work, but being bold enough to try different things will pay off in the end. Don't expect something to work perfectly the first time you try it (because it won't) but don't let that hold you back from putting yourself out there!

So what do we mean by "creative communication"? Some examples that we've used in our own 200church include:

• Using PowerPoint slides in effective and helpful ways
  
• Incorporating a TV on the platform to display scripture, images, etc.
  
• Change up the platform layout/design
  
• Team preaching
  
• YouVersion.com message notes/scripture
  
• Many other things we outline in the podcast
  

Some of these have worked well and others have fallen a little flat, but by employing different methods of communication we've kept people interested and involved in our messages. The value of interest and engagement far outweigh the downside of trying a few things that don't pan out.

We are really excited for the plans we've developed for this fall's message series. We think it will be the best one we've perhaps ever shared with out people.

What are some creative things you've done in your own 200church? Have you struggled to keep people engaged in the past? We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments!