programmer-at-the-deskThe use of communication tools like a website and social media have become increasingly important to congregations. Reaching those in your community through these digital means can not only help lead people to you congregation’s door on Sunday mornings but more importantly be a vehicle to showcase community outreach programs that are available through your church.

This page is dedicated to assisting with many aspects of communications surrounding the life of the church. They represent some “best practices” that we have seen but are not necessarily policies that have been adopted by the Synod of the Trinity. These resources have been gathered through different entities associated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination as well as other outlets.

STRATEGY

Creating a Communication Plan for Churches

Strategic Communications Planning

Designing a Church Website

Resources for church communications in the digital age

 

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS PLANS

‘Before the Crisis & How to Calm the Storm’

Local Church Crisis Communications Sample Plan & Template (from United Methodist Communications)

 

PREVENT ONLINE SCAMS

5 Tips to Protecting Yourself from Increasing Phishing Scams

Phishing Scams Targeting Pastors: Who’s Next?

 

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES

Sample Social Media Policy

Ultimate List of Church Social Media Policies

Photo and Video Release Form (Word and PDF versions)

Social Media, Email and Internet Policy (Presbytery of Donegal)

Social Media Information (Presbytery of Cincinnati)

Social Media Policy (Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery)

Social Media Guidelines (Flint River Presbytery, GA)

 

PHOTO ARCHIVES

Pixabay

Google Advanced Image Search

Creation Swap

Morguefile

Wikimedia Commons

Flickr

Free Images

Fotosearch

Pixnio-Public Domain Images

Stock Photos for Free

Free Range

StockVault

Getty Images (pay site)

 

ONLINE MEDIA EDITING

LunaPic (free online photo editor)

 

VIDEO ARCHIVES

WingClips

 

WALK-THROUGH ANALYSIS

Use this checklist to see if your church property passes the test

 

NEWSLETTERS AND PROMOTIONAL ITEMS

Webinar: Creating effective church newsletters (Presbyterian Mission Agency Communications)

Create flyers, posters, business cards, letterhead, etc. on Canva.com

Checklist for Successful Newsletters

Event Promotion Planning Checklist

Designing a Tri-Fold Brochure

Designing Flyers

 

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Avoid Copyright Infringement

Complying with copyright laws

Licensing (from Pittsburgh Presbytery)

Religious Service Exemption