OUR [Portsmouth] diocese’s director of communications has authored a manual to help churches to publicise what they do more effectively.
Neil Pugmire has written 100 Ways To Get Your Church Noticed, which has just been published by Church House Publishing. It includes 100 different methods to promote your church, including communications strategy, logos, noticeboards, posters, magazines, websites, media liaison and social media.
It draws on his experience of almost 24 years working with parishes and church schools in our diocese, with several local churches highlighted as case studies. There are dozens of photos and graphics in the book, showing what is possible.
This is the third edition of the book to be published after previous editions in 2006 and 2014, and has been fully revised to reflect live-streaming and digital developments during and after the Covid pandemic. The book has been published by Church House Publishing, the publishing arm of the Church of England and the foreword is by Bishop Jonathan.
It has been launched at two separate book launches over the past few days – at a session with the Association for Church Editors in London, and with Church of England communicators at their annual conference in Birmingham.
A Church Times review said: “This book is stuffed with so many good ideas and so much common sense that if you’re not already doing many of the things he suggests, you’ll wonder why on earth not.” And Premier Christianity magazine gave it a five-star review, with former Church of England communications director Peter Crumpler describing it as “200 pages of sound communication advice. Dip in and find an idea that works for you, then dip in and find another.”
“So much has happened since 2014, including the development of live-streaming, which we all had to learn very quickly during the Covid pandemic,” said Neil. “There have also been developments in websites, social media, video production and mobile apps that mean we’re in a very different world, post-pandemic.
“So it made sense to revise the book thoroughly and to offer it to churches. I hope there’s something for everyone, with some extra tips for the churches that already do communications well and some easier ways to start for those churches that struggle in this area.
“I’m grateful to all those who I’ve worked with, in parishes, chaplaincies and schools, who have helped me to road-test some of these ideas, to jettison those that don’t work and to promote those that do.”
Neil has also led regular training courses in communications, both in this diocese and across the country for all those involved in church publicity. The latest will happen on November 14, at Portsmouth’s diocesan office. More details here.
There’s also a companion website, www.getyourchurchnoticed.com which contains some further hints and tips for churches. You can buy a copy of the book, offered initially at a reduced rate of £15.19, from here.
