How to develop your digital ministry

With a wealth of experience in the communication business Chloe Axford, director of communications for the diocese of Exeter, will be sharing valuable tips at CRE South West in a seminar on developing a digital ministry (2pm, Thu 24 Feb). After more than 20 years working in national and regional broadcast news and church communications, Chloe will explore the various digital tools open to churches to help them in worship, mission and engagement with their local communities. ‘So much of our lives are now spent online,’ she said, ‘and churches need to be confident in that space. We need to be using 21st century communication tools to be telling the eternal story in fresh and relevant ways which will connect with people. This isn’t about having lots of expertise, money, time or volunteers – this is about making the most of what you do have and using digital in a way that is right for where you are.’ The seminar will cover church websites, social media, marketing, working with the media, livestreaming and filming church services and other events. ‘Your church website is the first place people will go to find out about your church, but many websites are hard to navigate and missing basic information for people wanting to book a wedding or find out about children’s groups, for example. A few simple changes can make it a powerful part of your welcome and mission. The same is true of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.’ According to a recent report from the Evangelical Alliance, 85 per cent of people using the internet are on Facebook. Of all those on social media 60 per cent are on Instagram and 25 per cent on Twitter, so understanding how best to engage with people on these platforms is vital. Chloe’s seminar will also to cover how to write a press release and plan a church event – the kind that will get media coverage. ‘I am hoping that this seminar will be enjoyable, creative and interactive,’ she said. ‘I want people to be able to ask questions and share tips and ideas – one thing I have learned in my career, is that digital ministry works best as part of a supportive team.’