MinistryCOM Takeaways - Part 2

Both days of this conference had a different feel, in my opinion. Day 1 was more of a "what are we in for?" feel, while Day 2 had a "I'm ready for more!" feel. At least that's the way I experienced it. So, here's what I brought home from Day 2 at MinistryCOM.

General Session 3 - Shawn Wood, Experiences Pastor, Seacoast Church
Brand Schizophrenia
1. Two faces of brand: a. the expectation of an experience; b. the emotional aftertaste left by an experience.
2. It's not what you say, but what they say.
4. Characteristics of an experience: Distinctive, Relevant, Memorable, Effective.
5. Create for and as unto God.

Breakout Session - Ashley Schuermann, Graphic Designer, Seacoast Church
Graphic Design in Ministry
1. Online printers can save you money.
2. Anything seen by 100+ people goes through the designer.
(this was a very practical, nuts-and-bolts session)

Breakout Session - Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor, Proverbs 31 Ministries
Revamping Your Newsletter
1. Women in their 40s are the most likely audience of a church newsletter.
2. Don't assign an article to a pastor without very specific instructions.
3. Pick a style and stick with it.
4. Embrace your editorship.
5. Always improve.

Breakout Session - Ginger Sinsabaugh McDonald, Top Cookie, TastyFaith.com
The Crave Factor
1. Don't tell people what they need -- create a craving.
2. Know your audience (really well).
3. Keep it simple.
4. Say it in a new way.
5. Don't expect overnight results.
6. Start using creative briefs. (I can tell you what these are if you care)

General Session 4 - Kem Meyer, Communication Director, Granger Community Church
Everybody Doesn't Hate You, It Just Feels Like It
1. Get an image consultant.
a. Find out how you come across to others.
b. What do people say about me?
c. Accountability & Advocacy.
2. Check your ego.
a. What is your motive?
b. Are you taking yourself too seriously?
c. Is it about control or are you looking for ways to help relieve the team's pain?
d. Is it about helping people do what they want to do or getting them to do it your way?
e. Are you having conversations or sending emails?
f. Do you admit mistakes?
g. Are you asking questions or making statements?
3. Find common ground with those you work with.
a. Keep your emotions in check so you can care for co-workers.
b. Show up at events from other ministries just for support.

So, there it is. As you can see, I've got a lot to process from these two days in Nashville, which is an awesome city by the way.
I probably won't write any more about this topic, unless more is requested. These last two posts were actually more for my benefit than anything else. It will help me to have this info an an easily accessible spot.
I'm planning a few posts in the next few days, so don't give up on me if you were bored with MinistryCOM. I'm going to make some fall resolutions and share with you about some of the most important people in my life.