today is the day.

i had the chance to ask Kem Meyer one question.  Kem is the author of less clutter, less noise … she has a passion to see organizations [especially the local church] market in a refreshing, relief-bringing way, instead of the chaotic way people are used to.

i’m also giving away a copy of her book to one lucky person.  all you gotta do to enter the drawing is comment your name and email addy below. increase your chances by commenting as many times as you like…i’ll count up to 5 of them.  now to the Q & A ~~>

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ADAM:  What does the local church need to do to ensure they are not adding to the “noise” that is engulfing their congregation?

KEM:  Love this, Adam! Can you believe you are the ONLY one who asked this? Life is overwhelming enough as it is. Churches shouldn’t be piling more on top of an already mounting problem, especially when people are looking for answers that will make a difference. If the church is looking to be a credible source for those answers, here are ways it should be looking to help reduce that load.

Stick to the facts. Don’t over-sell, over-explain or over-control. Just provide the information someone needs to self-sort and self-decide. People don’t need a page on the philosophy of each ministry, activity or event. They do need to know who it’s for, what it is, when it happens and how to get there or sign up.

Stick to the point. Start with the end in mind before you’re about to do something. If you know the purpose behind your letter, brochure, meeting, etc., it makes it easier for you to stay on track and focused. Otherwise, it’s hard to recognize your own excess. Do you want people to show up or respond? What are you asking them to do? If you can’t answer that question easily, they won’t be able  to either.

Consider the crowd. Does your announcement (bulletin or verbal) apply to everyone or just a handful of people? If it’s not affecting the masses, it’s just going to land like dead weight. Don’t punish the crowd to keep a few people happy (even if they are the most vocal). Find a way to deliver your news in appropriate venues.

Don’t intrude. Unless they’ve asked for it, people welcome unsolicited emails as much as a door-to-door salesperson during family dinner. Respect personal space, and put information in a place easy for people to find when they want it.

According to a Fast Company magazine article, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states unequivocally that 80% of our medical expenditures are now stress-related.  Marketers have responded with superficial, tranquility promises: happiness in a perfume, peace in a lotion, focus in a drink, euphoria in a bubble bath, sex in a lip gloss, etc. The church’s response should be less complex, more authentic and, ultimately, life-giving— it’s as simple as dialing back the volume.

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that’s all folks.  thanks to Kem Meyer for stopping by my blog.

don’t forget to comment your name and email for a chance to win the book!