Gourds & Pomegranates: Recent Episodes
Gourds & Pomegranates
Common Sense for Church Comms — Joe and Hannah discuss how churches can reach people, sharing the Gospel via all the communication methods at our disposal. Our 'from the ground up' approach is accessible to even the most technophobic of church leaders/volunteers!
Trigger Warning: Spiritual Abuse
In this episode, we discuss Spiritual Abuse. What is it and what can we do to recognise and avoid it, whilst communicating with sensitivity to those who have been hurt.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Book - Marcus Honeysett - Powerful Leaders
- Diary of a CEO - Stephen Bartlett
Find Francesca online:
www.linktr.ee/ssa.restart
www.survivingspiritualabuse.com
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1999985648/
Other books relating to Spiritual Abuse:
www.amazon.com/Othered-Finding-Belonging-Pursues-Marginalized/dp/1540903915/
www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse-Manipulation/dp/0764201379/
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this episode, we cover our favourite church comms resources.
Gourds & Pomegranates is one of many resources aimed at churches, each with their own individual flavours and benefits.
So as to best serve you, we’ve created a page at https://gppodcast.uk/resources where we’ll add any new resources we come across and try to keep things up to date.
But for now… mentioned in this episode (hold your breath!):
Church Comms Communities
- Church comms collective
- Church Communications
- Church Social Media Managers
Church Comms Resources
- Church Marketing Sucks
- Pro Church Tools (Brady Shearer)
- Unseminary (Rich Birch)
- First Time Guest Gifts: 26 Lessons from 33 Churches
-
Church Communications Blog Top 5 Resources Every Church Communications Director Needs
-
The Church Comms Handbook G&P Episode 12 — Benjamin Lyon
-
ChurchTrain
-
Church Juice 14 Church Communication Resources to Save You Time and Money
-
Dave Adamson Book - Meta Church
-
John Truscott Communication Resources
- Church Comm - Justin Dean
- Ekklesia 360 — Top Resources for Church Communicators
Non comms orgs that have comms resources such as:
- Donorbox Church Communications
- Tithely Blog
- Buffer
Resources from Denominations/specific churches
- Church of England Digital Labs Blogs
-
Baptist Union Supporting Church Communication Baptist Union First Friday
-
FIEC Digital Communications for Local Churches G&P Episode 27 — Joel Murray
-
Methodist Digital Church
- Life.Church Communications for Churches (Videos)
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this episode, we cover something that’s often forgotten about — how to actually lead a church service in a way which is helpful and engaging.
To help us cover as much of a range of church backgrounds and cultures as possible, we have contributions from a number of friendly voices — some of which you might just recognise.
Mentioned in this episode:
- G&P Episode 34 — Through the eyes of a newcomer
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
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In this episode, we welcome the brilliant James Doc, to talk about all things church and tech and to find out a bit more about Kingdom Code.
Tickets for Kingdom Code’s Build event in October are now available at https://kingdomcode.org.uk/build/2024/
Mentioned in this episode:
- Kingdom Code Build
- Faith Tech
- Christian AI Partnership
- Basil Tech
- Breeze Translate
- Real Time Translation Project (Breeze)
- Work Life Podcast - Adam Grant
- The Sacred Podcast - Theos Think Tank
- Scripture Union
- Bible Society
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this episode, we talk about how we can bring people into the comms team within your church.
We believe that digital and comms are a ministry and giftings area and it’s important to have the right people onboard.
So we talk about aspects to think about such as strategy, onboarding and workload priorities.
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 MartinWhiskin.co.uk
- Phil Knox - EA Podcast - missional house
Guest podcast recommendations:
- Tent Theology by Stephen Backhouse
- Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
- Leeds School of Theology
- Leeds Business Podcast
- Comedy Bang Bang
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 community fellowship and keeping in touch with people.
Mentioned in this episode:
- G&P Episode 9 — Terrible Church Posters
- G&P Episode 33 — Repurposing your content the easy way
- G&P Episode 5 — Where do we start?! Creating a comms plan
- G&P Episode 37 — Do we have to use video?
- G&P Episode 38 — Tips for church PowerPoint design
- Narrowcasting - mentioned in G&P Episode 31
- Voiceover by MartinWhiskin.co.uk
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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:
- Digital Labs — C of E Blogs
- Life Events Diary/The Church Organiser
- Canva (Youtube channel)
- The Marketing Meetup (Youtube)
- Katherine Ryan - Telling Everybody Everything
- What Now? with Trevor Noah
- Rev Anne (Tiktok)
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 — What this podcast is
- G & P Episode 5 — Where do we start?! Creating a comms plan
- Acts 14:1
- Matthew 28 - The Great Commission
- Colossians 3:23-24
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 – New Life Church
- G&P Episode 37 — Do we have to use video?
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 4)
- G&P Episode 25 — Blogs on church websites – an essential feature or a waste of time?
- Church directories:
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 5 — Where do we start?! Creating a comms plan Part 1 and Part 2
- Christian Businesses in Kent
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 can be a very sensitive and delicate situation, often there’s no one way fits all but it’s important to think about how to handle this prior to the situation arising.
Mentioned in this episode:
- What would Jesus post — book review on ChurchTrain
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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
- Off Menu
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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&P Episode 17 — Special Guest: Laura Treneer
- G&P Episode 30 — Special Guest: Ben Elliot
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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
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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 Foundation - https://krishk.com/
Carl Knightly, Director of Networks at London City Mission - https://www.lcm.org.uk/
Glen Scrivener, Evangelist & Director at Speak Life - https://speaklife.org.uk/
Jo Frost, Director of Communications and Engagement at Evangelical Alliance - https://www.eauk.org/
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
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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 & Director at Speak Life - https://speaklife.org.uk/
Jo Frost, Director of Communications and Engagement at Evangelical Alliance - https://www.eauk.org/
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 digital theology.
We’re looking forward to sharing this new series with you soon! (In the meantime, why not share the Podcast with a friend!)
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
- The Rundown AI
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.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:
- 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/GPPodcast.uk
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.simplecast.com/
- Danielle Davis Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/imdanielledavis/
Find Joel online:
- FIEC — https://fiec.org.uk/
- FIEC Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/thefiec/
- Joel’s Twitter/X — https://twitter.com/joelmurray
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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 & P Episode 22 — Talking Privacy & GDPR with Judith Andrews - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gppodcastuk/episodes/Episode-22--Lets-talk-GDPR--with-Special-Guest-Judith-Andrews-e281bvd
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
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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.spotify.com/pod/show/gppodcastuk/episodes/Episode-9--Terrible-Church-Posters-e1redop
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
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/
- Simply Christmas (Be Gallant) — https://www.begallant.uk/project/lansdowne-church/
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.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/GPPodcast.uk
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
In this episode, we speak with Judith Andrews about GDPR, Privacy and Data.
We cover why data privacy is not something to be scared of, and how it can actually be a blessing when we think of how we can use the personal data we hold as a church.
Find Judith online:
- https://www.businesstamer.co.uk/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithandrews/
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this first episode of series 3, we take a look at sermon graphics.
What’s their role? And how can we make the most of them, without it taking over our to do lists!
Mentioned in this episode:
- Canva (affiliate link)
- G&P Episode 9: Terrible Church Posters — https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gppodcastuk/episodes/Episode-9--Terrible-Church-Posters-e1redop
- Adam Savage, ‘So, About Comic Sans’ — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fseQtg9xAwk&t=344s&ab_channel=AdamSavage%E2%80%99sTested
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
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We're back! Well, almost…
Here’s a few hints at what we’ve got coming up in Series 3 of Gourds & Pomegranates. We can’t wait to share it with you, so see you next week!
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this bonus episode, it’s Joe Gallant’s turn to make a surprising appearance, as we interview our co-host to find out more about him and his work.
Mentioned in this episode:
- https://begallant.uk
- https://begallant.uk/work
- https://cbik.uk
- https://www.kentgospelpartnership.uk/ (Kent Men’s and Women’s Conventions)
- https://www.facebook.com/BeGallantUK
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegallant/
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this bonus episode, we interview none other than special guest star Hannah Fleming-Hill, co-host of the Gourds & Pomegranates podcast. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this episode:
- https://fhdigital.co.uk/
- https://changemakersmedia.uk/
- https://twitter.com/TheHannahFH
- https://www.instagram.com/thehannahfh/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@thehannahfh
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In the last episode of the series, Hannah and Joe discuss some of the ways we can take care of those who are in comms roles — whether that applies to ourselves or those under our leadership.
We highlight the importance of equipping and supporting church communicators, encouraging church leaders to consider invest in resources, tools, and events that can help them, as well as actively listening to them. We also cover the power of words of encouragement and, of course, the vital importance of prayer.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Internet safety, wellbeing & awareness - First Friday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB2C0w6bQ40&ab_channel=BaptistUnionGB
- Work & Rest - Tim Keller Gospel in Life podcast episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/timothy-keller-sermons-podcast-by-gospel-in-life/id352660924?i=1000601090144
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer - https://www.eden.co.uk/the-ruthless-elimination-of-hurry-john-mark-comer/
- Fight Hustle, End Hurry Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fight-hustle-end-hurry/id1480300467
- Deskbound: Standing Up To A Sitting World (Dr. Kelly Starrett) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deskbound-Standing-Up-Sitting-World/dp/1628600586
- Social Connectedness, Excessive Screen Time Article - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fhumd.2021.684137/full
- G&P Episode 14 - Cover it in prayer - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ZGxCo9WDPxoDQWvcIco9S?si=71151b421fce40ba
- G&P Episode 17 - Special Guest: Laura Treneer - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aNrDifr4cq0EvxmAZl4dH?si=559cfcf8e98d4dcb
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
See you soon for series 3!
In this episode, we share some of our favourite resources and tools that help us through our work in church communications.
In this edition:
- Epidemic Sound (affiliate link)
- Youtube Audio Library - can be found on the left hand menu of your Youtube Studio
- Squoosh
- ImageOptim - Mac only
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this episode we take a slightly different approach, as we’re joined by Matt and Danielle from New Life Church in Wall Heath.
We talk about their roles covering communications in a fairly small church, thinking about results they’ve seen, as well as the challenges they’ve encountered and lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Then we take a bit of time to do a sort of case study, where we look at some of their main comms channels and comment on what’s working well and what might be able to be improved.
Expect some really applicable tips and advice!
Mentioned in this episode:
- New Life Church Wall Heath - https://www.whefc.org
- Lightroom for Mobile - https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/lightroom-cc/how-to/lightroom-mobile.html
- Canva (affiliate link)
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this episode, we’re really privileged to speak with Laura Treneer — former CEO and Innovation Director for communications charity CPO, with fantastic insights in to all things digital, brand and strategy.
This episode was a joy to record and the only problem was having to persuade ourselves to bring the chat to a close! Expect to have your thoughts provoked as we think about the people behind the comms — at both ends — and the ‘hook and loops’ aspects to reaching people with what we want them to hear.
And as we’re starting to approach the end of our second series, now’s a great time to let us know any burning questions at hello@gppodcast.uk.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Laura’s Reach Out series of books https://equippingthechurch.com/author/laura-treener?sort=dated
- Frank Analysis Consultancy https://www.frankanalysis.com/
- So Can Everyone Here by Mark Crosby https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/careers-and-leadership/so-everyone-can-hear/
- Census Data Map Tool https://www.ons.gov.uk/census/maps/choropleth?oa=E00103866
- Church Comms Collective Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchcommscollectiveuk
- Christian Creative Directory https://christiancreativedirectory.com/
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this episode, we discuss the characteristics of bad church websites and provide tips on how to improve them.
The key factor: your church website should serve people. While it’s important to be found via Google, the focus should be in making the website useful to visitors, providing them with the necessary information.
We talk a bit about your website's homepage and providing clear paths for visitors to find what they need, as well as controversial inclusions like sliders and social media feeds.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Squoosh.app
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this episode, we share some of our favourite resources and tools that help us through our work in church communications.
This time out we’re talking about Password Managers (how they can save time and increase your security) and Video Editing tools, from apps for those just starting, right up to powerful editing applications.
Password Managers mentioned in this episode:
- Keeper (affiliate link)
- Lastpass (affiliate link)
Video Editing Tools mentioned in this episode:
- iMovie
- DaVinci Resolve
- Canva (affiliate link)
- Openshot
- Clipchamp
- Shotcut
- Powerdirector
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this episode, we take a step back from the nitty-gritty comms details to consider the place of prayer in church communications.
If we believe church comms is a ministry like any other, what does — or should — this mean for our prayer lives?
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
Further reading:
- https://www.churchtrain.uk/blog/cover-it-in-prayer/
- https://www.churchtrain.uk/blog/communicating-communications/
- https://www.churchtrain.uk/blog/church-communications-1949-hebrides-revival/
- https://www.churchtrain.uk/blog/admin-or-ministry-who-are-the-church-communicators/
This is another of those incredibly practical episodes where we take you step by step through an important part of church communications.
This time we’re talking social media — how to create a church social media content plan and schedule it in advance so you don’t have to do it every. single. day.
Doing scheduling successfully does require a bit of planning in advance but in the long run it will make it easier for your day to day management.
It helps if you plan your content first then input it into your choice of software. Most will offer free options with limited features, but if you find one you like paying for it should be worth the time and effort it saves you. However don’t plan and leave your content, remember to check your content weekly to make sure there aren’t any issues with upcoming content and topical or community issues.
Feel free to pause the episode and make notes or put things in to action.
We’d love to know what you work with to schedule your social media posts with. What have you tried? What do you love?
Mentioned in this episode:
- Buffer
- Hootsuite
- Meet Edgar
- Meta Business Suite
- Canva (affiliate link)
Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
Like and follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/GPPodcast.uk
In this episode, Joe and Hannah interview Benj from Living Rock Church, covering topics such as the challenges and opportunities that come with running a church comms team.
Benj also gives some super practical advice with some comms quick wins and ideas you can steal to create effective church social media campaigns.
Tools mentioned in this episode:
- Google Business
- Canva (affiliate link)
- Trello
- Slack
Find Benj online:
- Church Comms Handbook
- Free Content Scheduling Page
- Churchlist
- Create Conference
- Benj’s Instagram
- Benj’s Website
Podcasts mentioned in this episode (and some extra recommendations from Benj!):
- Pro Church Tools
- Creative Elements
- Running Explained
- Create Podcast (session recordings from Create Conference)
- 21 Questions (a Living Rock Church produced podcast)
- Meet The Parents (a Living Rock Church podcast)
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Is church comms worth all the time and effort?
We're back with a new series of Gourds & Pomegranates and we're starting it with the big question. Is this all really worth the time?
Spoiler alert… we think it is. But then if we didn't, we probably wouldn't be making a podcast about church comms would we?
By thinking strategically about your organisation, team and the resources you use will help to make you more efficient and reduce the stress of managing so many different parts of Church life.
We mention previous episodes from Series 1 on Creating a Comms Plan (part 1 & part 2)
We’d love to know if anything we’ve shared over our last series or in this episode has helped you to think more strategically and clearly on your church comms? What questions do you need answering? What do you want us to look at in the future?
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Happy Christmas! In this festive episode, we think about how we might use our church events this December to get ahead and prepare for next December.This is a practical toolkit for making the most of our Christmas events in order to best communicate with those we come in to contact with at this busy time — looking on into the New Year and further ahead to planning for 12 months’ time.
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Further reading:
- https://www.churchtrain.uk/blog/church-christmas-publicity/
- https://www.churchtrain.uk/blog/christmas-in-july/
- https://www.churchtrain.uk/blog/how-did-you-find-us/
In this episode, we think about how to avoid creating publicity that looks… terrible (truth in love, sorry!).
We have some practical tips for designing print publicity including posters and flyers, that can be applied to your digital designs too.
Get your church comms questions in by e-mailing hello@GPpodcast.uk and we’ll answer them soon!
Mentioned in this episode:
- Canva
- Creative Market
- Google Fonts
- Coolors
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In this episode, we share some of our favourite resources and tools that help us through our work in church communications.In this edition:
- Coolors
- Buffer
We’d love to hear your favourite tools too, so we can consider recommending them in future episodes! Send us an e-mail at hello@gppodcast.uk.Find out more about the show - GPpodcast.uk
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In this episode we’re looking at photography and its importance though often dismissed use. Expect practical tips for taking photos, organising your images, arranging photographers and more…
Links and tools mentioned in this episode:
- Blog: Event Photography – Take great photos at church events! https://www.churchtrain.uk/blog/church-event-photography/
- Ben Stoney Photographer https://www.benstoney.co.uk/
- Google Drive
- Eagle.cool
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In part two of our episodes helping you to create a comms plan, we look at the next steps including platforms, how to organise your time and planning as well as taking the time to reflect and review. As before, this episode will be covering a lot of ground so have a listen through to understand what you need to do, then listen again taking breaks to put it into practice. If you have any suggestions or questions for us, you can send us an e-mail at hello@GPpodcast.UK.
Tools mentioned in this episode:
- Unsplash
- Pexels
- Pixabay
- Canva
- Trello
- Hootsuite
- Buffer
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In the first of this two part guide into creating a comms plan, we talk through getting started with prayer and getting buy-in from your church teams, on to goal-setting and thinking about your audience make-up.
This is a slightly more intense episode and we cover a lot of topics and aspects of a comms plan so please have a listen through first, then go through it again stopping to complete each of the different areas.
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In this episode, we share some of our favourite resources and tools that help us through our work in church communications.
In this edition:
- Trello
- Google Drive
- Canva
We’d love to hear your favourite tools too, so we can consider recommending them in future episodes!
For this episode, Joe and Hannah look at some practical ways to respond to negative comments on social media. It is never nice to receive negative comments, but we the Gospel opportunities, to connect with your audience and those engaging with your church’s online presence.
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In this episode Joe and Hannah talk about what churches are getting wrong with their communications. This covers a few different areas including a…
- lack of clarity
- lack of mission
- lack of organisation
- lack of sincerity
- lack of confidence
And of course, some helpful pointers in how to get these things right!
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Welcome to the first episode of the 'Gourds & Pomegranates' podcast! Have a listen to learn more about our passion for helping churches to communicate and maybe even to get a clue as to the random, vague title of our podcast…
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