Communications Track

What does it take to share the greatest story ever told?

Communication.
But where do you start?
How do you know what methods to use?

How can you craft clear, compelling written and visual messages that break through the noise and actually engage audiences and motivate and inspire people to act?

We answer those questions and much more in our Life Leadership College Communications Track.

This program was developed with up-and-coming communications leaders in mind. Our heart isn’t just to teach students to write some blogs or social posts but to give students the strategic communication skills that are instrumental in any professional setting and on any platform they choose.

Together, we’ll work on all facets of communication, from brand identity and marketing, to writing and publishing, to interpersonal communication skills, and everything in between. We’ll touch on the many elements of ministry communication and hone in on passion points as you discover them, all in an effort to help you prepare for a role in ministry communication, or other fields that reward effective communicators.

Communications Objectives

In this first-year track, students will:

  • Learn general principles and practices of effective communication.
  • Understand how the communications team supports every facet of the ministry.
  • Create and implement new communication ideas to share the greatest story ever told and to bring unity, creativity, organization, encouragement, and growth to the ministry.
  • Understand communication, both biblically and practically, and its importance to and impact on the ministry.
  • Get experience developing communications materials and strategies.
  • Write content.
  • Help effectively promote a ministry event through communications.
  • Organize a communications project and see it through to completion.
  • Develop a communication strategy and a content calendar.
  • Apply their knowledge of the fundamentals of:
    – Writing
    – Editing
    – Publishing
    – Marketing
    – Design
    – Branding
    – Digital marketing
    – Project management specific to communications

Communications Requirements

  • Prerequisites:
  • Competency using Google Docs and Microsoft Word
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to think, visualize, and write creatively
  • Willingness to learn
  • Ability to submit to authority and be a servant

REQUIRED TEXTS OR MATERIALS
The Bible
Everybody Writes: Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content 2nd Edition by Ann Handley
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Less Chaos. Less Noise.: Effective Communications for an Effective Church by Kem Meyer
Know What You’re For by Jeff Henderson
Analog Church by Jay Kim
From Social Media to Social Ministry by Nona Jones
Untitled: Thoughts on the Creative Process by Blaine Hogan
Rethink Communication: A Playbook to Clarify and Communicate Everything in Your Church by Phil Bowdle
The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media by Phil Cooke
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
Secrets of Dynamic Communication by Ken Davis
Notebook

Weekly Schedule: (11.5 hours plus homework)

Days and Times

Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Additional track hours TBD
Weekend service times (Students must attend two services per weekend.)

Track Homework – 5+ hours per week

Additional: This track may require an extra 1-2 hours of track time per week for any special training or events, etc.