Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The most important function of communication within an organization is to inform, persuade, and motivate.
Communication mistakes in churches can impact more than what is communicated.
Successful organizations communicate intentionally because they recognize that when leadership fails to communicate effectively, issues arise, conflict presents itself, and organizational momentum slows.
We all have different preferences for how we receive information, yet we all crave communication.
It is what engages us in our relationships, our employment, and our church.
When employees (and volunteers) understand what and why things are happening within the church, they feel valued and engaged.
However, when decisions are made, and things go on behind the scenes that are not communicated, employees feel dismissed and undervalued.
4 Communication Mistakes Churches Make
1. No Communication
In the hustle and bustle of the day, it can be easy to forget that the information we gather in everything we do should be shared with other people.
Oftentimes, seemingly insignificant information can have a major impact on another employee’s job.
For example, if church leadership discusses a new church program, it is their responsibility to think through who will be impacted by this decision and what information needs to be shared before the program is launched.
Employees want to do a good job and can benefit from knowing about initiatives that may impact their jobs and responsibilities.
2. Controlling Who Receives Information
Sometimes church leaders control who has access to certain information because it makes them feel more important for knowing something that other people do not.
This hoarding of information can create workplace problems, particularly if employees are not given the pertinent information needed to do their jobs.
There is a sensitive balance between sharing enough information to help an employee move forward and share confidential information that may not be necessary or applicable.
3. Not Sharing Difficult Information
Sometimes, leaders delay sharing information because it is difficult or uncomfortable to talk about.
When a church is experiencing challenging times and major changes are going on, it is even more important to communicate the specifics with employees.
For example, when church donations are down, and difficult budget cuts need to be made, employees should be aware of what is going on and what the organization is doing to address the situation.
Employees who feel like they are part of the problem-solving process feel valued and engaged and often help identify ways to cut costs or improve operational efficiencies.
4. Poor Communication Process
It is important to establish a predictable process for sharing information.
Employees should know what information is shared, when to expect information to be shared, and who the communicator of information will be.
For example, employees might expect to hear from the senior pastor or business administrator about major church changes, yet their immediate supervisor may share compensation information.
So, what are some things to think about when sharing information with employees?
Recognize Why It’s Important
Keeping the information flowing to employees is important because it helps them feel valued, engaged, and part of the team.
Organizations that do a good job of proactively sharing information help minimize the rumor mill and ensure employees receive accurate and timely information.
Determine Who Needs to Know
When we are busy, we don’t always think about who needs to know certain information.
Think through the impact information might have on employees who perform certain tasks or have responsibility for certain departments.
For example, if an organization decides to change phone systems, the people who use the system the most need to know and be involved in planning and selecting the new system.
As an example, the receptionist would be greatly affected by a change like that and, if not informed and involved in the process, could be made to feel insignificant or unimportant.
How Do They Need to Receive Information
Communication is administered through a process.
Every organization should have a formal communication process that all employees are familiar with.
Often, this process flows through the management ranks as in an organizational chart.
For example, the leadership team may meet and ask department managers to disseminate meeting information to their direct reports.
What Format Will the Information Be Delivered
How information is communicated is just as important as what is communicated.
The process should have a predictable avenue for information sharing.
For example, is all information communicated via email, text, video, memo, staff meetings, or one-on-one interactions?
Regardless, employees should know what format they can expect to receive information.
What is the Process for Asking Questions
Most information sharing sparks thoughts and questions for employees.
Information that affects how an employee performs their job may cause the employee to question how work gets done.
Always provide an opportunity for employees to ask questions for clarity.
Who Will Deliver the Message
Think about who will script and who will deliver the message.
The Senior Pastor may be the appropriate person to communicate if it is about the church’s global state. Still, for information that impacts the organization’s operations, the business administrator, department manager, or supervisor may be the more appropriate person to share information.
Organizations that do a good job of communicating identify someone responsible for thinking through the communication needs, who needs to receive the communication, and scripting the communication.
Good communication is a never-ending challenge, but employees appreciate when an organization’s error on the side of more is better!
Make 2021 the year you earn a certificate in Church Administration. Take $25 off when you bundle the training with our growing library of forms, documents, and job descriptions. Use coupon code newstudent25 to take $25 off the bundled training package!
