Gourds and Pomegranates - Comms Advice for UK churches

In this episode we chat to 3 church leaders from very different contexts, all about how their church vision fits together with the way they communicate. This one is a bit of a mammoth — it’s longer than usual but it’s absolutely packed with fascinating insights that can inspire you in your own church context. Mentioned in this episode: Support us making G&P — Buy me a coffee Voiceover by Marti...

In this episode, we talk about things to think about when wanting to invite people to attend our events — whatever they might be. It can be really frustrating putting loads of effort in to organising something - only to have a handful of people turn up. So we chat about a few aspects of event planning, promotion, post event comms and how inviting people to events can be a great catalyst for commun...

In this episode we speak with Liz — a marketer with loads of church comms experience, including several roles within the Church of England. We cover ways to encourage volunteers to get started, knowing where to focus, going back to basics and even some of the unique communications opportunities faced by C of E churches in the UK. Connect with Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkmorgan/ Mentioned...

In this episode we're thinking about excellence in church communications — what it is and what it isn't. We know we're not after perfection, so how do we figure out where to aim? Mentioned in this episode: Church Comms Collective UK Facebook group Youtube: How worship leaders can think like a music director - ChurchFront Excellence in Communication - ChurchTrain G & P Episode 1 — W...

We're back... almost! Listen for a little preview of what's coming up in this series of G&P, with loads more church comms topics to cover and some brilliant guests. Head to https://gppodcast.uk/ for all our past episodes with transcripts and links to things we mention.

In this episode, we think about the importance of storytelling in communicating our messages, both in church and online. Everyone has a story — and so we consider how we can record these testimonies and share their power with our audience. Mentioned in this episode: Support G&P via Buy Me A Coffee — thank you! Donut Man 2 Corinthians 5:17 (don’t ask) G&P Episode 18 — Church Case Study – Ne...

In this episode, we cover the essentials of SEO, and consider to what extent churches need to optimise their online presence for search engines — including setting up a free Google Business profile for your church. Mentioned in this episode: Google Business G&P Episode 16 — Save me from bad church websites! Image optimisation, covered in G&P Episode 19 — Our Favourite Tools/Resources (Part...

In this episode, we cover some simple tips that can ensure your Powerpoints and church slideshow designs are not only beautiful, but also genuinely useful to those in your congregation. Mentioned in this episode: G&P Episode 28 — Tools and resources - Song Projection G&P Episode 21 — Do we really need sermon series graphics? Find out more about the show  - GPpodcast.uk Like and follow us o...

In this episode, we consider whether video is an essential tool for church comms and if we’re going to use it, how do we do so in a way that’s realistic and sustainable. Sounds like a time for our old friend ‘content repurposing’! Mentioned in this episode: G&P Episode 33 — Repurposing your content the easy way Master the Art of Solo B-Roll: Smartphone Filmmaking for Beginners G&P Episode...

In this episode, we reflect upon a question from a listener, asking for advice on how we can communicate appropriately and effectively through digital methods where there can often be grievances or arguments that may not happen face to face. We consider different perspectives, including the need for appropriate communication and behaviour when acting as individuals and as groups, as churches. It c...

In this episode, we chat with Lydia from RBC about using social media for the church in Rochester and the Coffee Shop that they run as an outreach in the community. Mentioned in this episode: G&P Episode 18 — Church Case Study – New Life Church Rochester Baptist Church Facebook The Moathouse Coffee Shop Facebook Page Podcasts Mentioned: Two Sisters and a Cup  of Tea Drama Queens Parenting Hell...

In this episode, we consider our church from the perspective of a first-timer. We can be so used to our church communities that it can be difficult to think about what it’s like for our visitors. In this episode we run through a process of self-examination for our churches, thinking about aspects such as our church exteriors, welcome spaces, signposting and follow up. Mentioned in this episode: G&...

Sometimes it can seem like creating content is an overwhelming and relentless challenge. But by strategically repurposing the content you church makes throughout the week, following some of our tips and advice, we can help to make the challenge a little less overwhelming. Mentioned in this episode: G&P Episode 7 — Don’t Ignore Photography Find out more about the show  - GPpodcast.uk Like and f...

We’re back for Part 2, where we continue our discussions with Krish, Carl, Glen and Jo. We’re asking some of the big questions of digital theology; how we should be reflecting, adapting and using the tech of our culture for sharing the gospel as well as thinking about using them appropriately and effectively. If you want to find out more about our guests: Krish Kandiah, Director of Sanctuary Found...

In this episode, we have part 1 of our group interviews with four Christian leaders from across the UK, where we ask some of the big questions of digital theology. If you want to find out more about our guests: Krish Kandiah, Director of Sanctuary Foundation -  https://krishk.com/ Carl Knightly, Director of Networks at London City Mission - https://www.lcm.org.uk/ Glen Scrivener, Evangelist &...

Joe and Hannah are back with Series 4! We’ll cover a whole load of different topics including content repurposing, how to communicate well with group chats and difficult situations, using the power of storytelling and practical tips on how to approach SEO, powerpoint design and using video. We start the series chatting with four incredible guests asking the big questions of church comms and digita...

In this episode, we interview the founder of the Church Comms Collective UK, Ben Elliot. Mentioned in this episode: Pro Church Tools Podcast The Founders Podcast Why Jesus Book Find Ben online: Be Creative Church Comms Collective UK - website Church Comms Collective UK - Facebook Find out more about the show  - GPpodcast.uk Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk

In this episode, we discuss the idea of using AI tools to help us in our church comms efforts. But don’t be scared off! We do our best (as ever!) to try and keep things simple, rather than running off on tangents talking about hundreds of new tools and leaving you exhausted. Mentioned in this episode: Buffer AI Assistant ChatGPT Midjourney Dall-E Canva Adobe Express Adobe Photoshop Riverside.fm Th...

In this episode, we share some of our favourite resources and tools that help us through our work in church communications.  In this edition: Photo organisation processes, cloud options Dropbox Google Drive / Google Photos Eagle.app Lyric & media projection options OpenLP WorshipTools ProPresenter Find out more about the show  - GPpodcast.uk Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodc...

In this episode, FIEC head of communications, Joel Murray, joins us for a chat. We look at the trends in church communications since Covid, as well as some quick wins that can make a real difference to your church’s comms efforts. Mentioned in this episode: In:Dependence — The FIEC Podcast — https://fiec.org.uk/resources/series/independence   Knowing Faith podcast — https://knowing-faith.simplecas...

In this episode, we look at the advantages that come from sending a regular e-mail newsletter from your church — especially if you’re already producing written content for your blog. We cover the pros and cons, the details of what to include in each sending, as well as looking at how to manage the process efficiently. Mentioned in this episode: Mailchimp EmailOctopus Mailerlite ChurchSuite G &...

In this episode, we think about whether it’s worth including a blog on your church website. We talk through different examples of blog content, using it as another piece of the puzzle when communicating Jesus to people. We also discuss the logistics — what to include and how to do it in a sustainable way. Mentioned in this episode: G&P Episode 9 — Terrible Church Posters - https://podcasters.s...

In this bonus episode, we lay out a step by step plan for sorting your Christmas publicity, so you can avoid the panic and get on track to promoting your church’s Christmas events. Mentioned in this episode: G&P Episode 10: Christmas but Next Christmas — https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gppodcastuk/episodes/Episode-10--Christmas-but-NEXT-Christmas-e1rr0ul   CPO — https://www.cpo.org.uk/...

In this episode, we share some of our favourite resources and tools that help us through our work in church communications.  In this edition: Spark — https://sparkmailapp.com/   Trello Todoist Google Drive Pro Church Media Church Motion Graphics Church Media Squad Ministry Designs Canva (affiliate link) Find out more about the show  - GPpodcast.uk Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPo...

In this episode, we consider whether churches should continue to livestream now that we’re well clear of lockdown restrictions. And if so, how can we do it in a way which is engaging and effective, without breaking the bank? Find out more about the show  - GPpodcast.uk Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk