Christmas can understandably be one of the most stressful times of year for pastors, ministry leaders, and church staff. For church communications teams, the challenge of keeping all the plates spinning can turn a joyful season into one you just hope to survive. At Missional Marketing, we specialize in simplifying and optimizing the stressful tasks of church communications and digital marketing, that so many churches juggle to keep things running smoothly.
In this recent podcast episode, Bart Blair breaks down everything churches need to do to prepare for Christmas. This ultimate Church Communications Christmas Checklist for 2023 will help you enter the Christmas season prepared and unhurried so you can still enjoy the holidays with your family. With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday this year, having a resource like this will keep you from getting overwhelmed and equip you to make this season a little more joyful for your community. Here are seven crucial steps to prepare for a successful Christmas season.
1. Define the Callback
The first step on your Church Christmas Communications Checklist is to “define the callback.” This means planning what you want attendees to do after Christmas. Consider this a crucial part of your overall strategy because effective communication doesn’t stop at the event itself. Whether it’s launching a new sermon series in January, organizing an outreach event, or hosting a class or workshop in the New Year, having a clear callback is essential. This step ensures your team is aligned in moving attendees toward the next meaningful action so you can connect with the new visitors you meet this Christmas season and deepen relationships within your congregation.
2. Clarify Your Invitation
Your Christmas invitation should be clear and tailored to different audiences within your church community. For your dedicated church members (ring one), invite them to come and worship Jesus with you, emphasizing the significance of Christmas in your church’s identity. When reaching out to those actively seeking a church (ring two), invite them to explore your church community and celebrate the season. Finally, for unchurched, dechurched, and churchless individuals (ring three), consider inviting them to create a memorable family Christmas experience. It’s about addressing their desire for a unique and impactful family celebration.
3. Create a Christmas Landing Page
To streamline the communications process, it’s crucial to build a dedicated Christmas landing page on your church’s website. This page should serve as the central hub for all information related to your Christmas events. By crafting content with your three audience rings in mind, you can make it easy for visitors to access details about your services, activities, and other offerings. For more information about how to optimize your website with effective landing pages, book a consultation with Missional Marketing.
4. Print Postcards and Posters
Printed materials still hold their significance when it comes to church outreach. Design postcards and posters to promote your Christmas events, ensuring they have an appealing design and a clear message. Encourage your church members to distribute these materials throughout your community, making it easy for them to invite friends and neighbors personally. Your materials should include a distinct call to action, directing recipients to your Christmas landing page for more information. To conserve your budget, find out whether your mailing qualifies for the U.S. Postal Service’s nonprofit rate for postage.
5. Identify Free Online Event Platforms
Take advantage of free event platforms like Eventbrite and All Events to promote your Christmas events. These platforms can help your events show up in local searches and reach a broader audience. Craft your event descriptions with your three audience rings in mind, making the information relevant and enticing to those who may not be regular churchgoers. You can make creative event postings for your Christmas services, Christmas programs, and other holiday events to ring in the Christmas season!
6. Run Digital Ads
Digital advertising is an effective way to broaden your audience reach. Consider allocating a portion of your budget to promote Christmas events on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google. Geo-target your ads to reach people in your community. These ads should direct viewers to your Christmas landing page, where they can find comprehensive information about your events and services. For more effective visibility in search results, Missional Marketing can optimize your local SEO.
7. Pray
Finally, never underestimate the power of prayer in your Christmas preparations. Dedicate time as individuals, as a team, and as a church to pray for the success of your Christmas events. Pray for the people you hope to reach, for the success of your outreach efforts, and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is a vital and indispensable component of your preparations.
Next Steps
By following these seven crucial steps on your Church Christmas Communications Checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful Christmas season. Ensure that your outreach is clear, effective, and tailored to different audiences. Leverage digital tools to maximize your reach, and never forget the power of prayer in bringing your Christmas vision to life. If you get stuck anywhere in the process, our communications coaches at Missional Marketing can meet with you and provide individualized tips and tricks so your Christmas season is as stress-free as possible. May your Christmas season be filled with joy, hope, and meaningful connections with your community.