As we approach the Fall, here are some tips for your congregation. We are in what I consider STORM conditions. I think most of you will benefit from a "Get everyone in lifeboats ASAP!!!" approach -- this means small groups, prioritizing and promoting group life, and helping newcomers bypass all barriers between them and face-to-face community experiences (online and onsite).

CHAPTERS
Jump to video YouTube video chapters using time code links below or in YouTube video description.

(0:00) Welcome
(0:40) Training Preview
(1:00) Digital is here to stay
(2:30) Hour long online worship not a viable first step
(5:00) Prioritize lifeboats = small groups!
(6:26) Expect group-LESS people to drift away
(7:20) Designing a viable congregation
(8:30) Different types of groups
(10:20) Connecting worship and group life
(12:25) If you have declining membership
(13:18) Use video to communicate and connect
(14:20) Engaging with video now essential skill
(15:00) Digital is a primary context of congregational life
(16:00) Recap
(16:17) Use groups to grow and rebuild
(18:16) Focus, simplify, group up, and thrive!
(19:00) Be clear, this is how we're organizing
(19:15) Some will always want to opt out
(19:50) Groups not your thing?
(20:30) Video Message Academy
(21:25) I know video is hard
(21:40) Small group growth training
(22:20) Share your questions
(22:25) Closing. Thinking of you!

Want information on trainings mentioned in this video?  Click here to get my email updates for congregational leaders including training announcements,  live stream invitations, replays, and other free resources.

As we approach the Fall, here are some tips for your congregation. We are in what I consider STORM conditions. I think most of you will benefit from a "Get everyone in lifeboats ASAP!!!" approach -- this means small groups, prioritizing and promoting group life, and helping newcomers bypass all barriers between them and face-to-face community experiences (online and onsite).

CHAPTERS
Jump to video YouTube video chapters using time code links below or in YouTube video description.

(0:00) Welcome
(0:40) Training Preview
(1:00) Digital is here to stay
(2:30) Hour long online worship not a viable first step
(5:00) Prioritize lifeboats = small groups!
(6:26) Expect group-LESS people to drift away
(7:20) Designing a viable congregation
(8:30) Different types of groups
(10:20) Connecting worship and group life
(12:25) If you have declining membership
(13:18) Use video to communicate and connect
(14:20) Engaging with video now essential skill
(15:00) Digital is a primary context of congregational life
(16:00) Recap
(16:17) Use groups to grow and rebuild
(18:16) Focus, simplify, group up, and thrive!
(19:00) Be clear, this is how we're organizing
(19:15) Some will always want to opt out
(19:50) Groups not your thing?
(20:30) Video Message Academy
(21:25) I know video is hard
(21:40) Small group growth training
(22:20) Share your questions
(22:25) Closing. Thinking of you!

Want information on trainings mentioned in this video?  Click here to get my email updates for congregational leaders including training announcements,  live stream invitations, replays, and other free resources.

Congregations across religious traditions are challenged, stressed, and worried about their future.

In this episode of The Peter Bowden Show I share the KEY to growing congregations today (in my experience) and three easy ways to start growing your congregation.

• One is focused on connecting newcomers.
• Second prioritizes congregation-wide community building during periodic services -- I'm talking during PRIME TIME, not an additional program people have to register for.
• Last, making important changes to your small group program.

Sign up here to receive new episodes of the show and other content for congregational leaders delivered to your inbox.  This will allow you to forward specific episodes to other leaders based on the content.      

Watch Episode 20 //  Subscribe on YouTube

Listen to Episode 20 // Listening Options
 

In this episode, how to write announcements that get results!  Download my free Announcement Makeover worksheet discussed in this episode:

• Announcement Makeover Worksheet (PDF)

The average congregation is an announcement making machine!  However, many are not getting results.  There's a reason for this.  Today, people are bombarded by information online. THEIR need to rapidly identify which content is relevant to THEM changes how WE need to write announcements.  I’ll tell you how!

 Watch Episode 21 //  Subscribe on YouTube

Listen to Episode 21 // Listening Options

Social media platforms are changing how they determine what people see online!

Driven by TikTok's success, they are shifting from a "social graph" to an "interest graph."

What's that mean?

Instead of showing people content based on what they SELECTED they want to see -- like, follow, subscribe -- they are showing them MORE of what they are actively watching and engaging with!

These companies know what your members, friends, and potential newcomers are watching on their apps and websites. They have the data.

To get people to spend more time on their platforms and see more ads, social media algorithms are being re-designed to show people more of what is capturing and holding their attention.

If we aren't careful, this has the potential to SQUEEZE CONGREGATIONS OUT!

Where does that leave your congregation? 

In this episode, I explain the shift, what it means for you, and three communication priorities. 

Watch, listen, and read some key takeaway points below.

 Watch Episode 22 //  Subscribe on YouTube

Listen to Episode 22 // Listening Options

Highlights

These changes offer some HUGE opportunities for those interested in harnessing the power of the algorithms. It is actually getting easier to reach more people and grow an audience. Watch this segment.

Here are my top three communication priorities for congregations:

Priority #1: Email
But not just weekly long newsletters. We need to be writing emails crafted to be from your minister or other leaders to fellow human beings in a personal and relational way.
Watch this segment

Priority #2: Website Hub
We need to make websites our primary hub for information, getting involved, and connecting online.
Watch this segment

Priority #3: Video with a twist
Video is a powerful way to bring your leaders online, to connect, engage and inspire participation in congregational life. We need to be doing more with video, but I think it is prudent to be focusing more on publishing via YouTube. Then we can easily add videos to websites and include links in emails. So, video that we can deliver via our first two communication priorities.
Watch this segment

Ultimately, we need to prioritize and cultivate communication channels we control and can use to consistently engage with members, friends, and newcomers.   

Many social media platforms are evolving in ways that makes them less reliable for these purposes.

Does your congregation have very few or no visitors?  Talking with leadership teams in small congregations, I'm finding some are waiting for visitors to come BEFORE they establish or re-start their process for welcoming and connecting with visitors and COMMUNICATING what that visitor experience will be like. 

In this episode, I explain why we can't wait for the visitors to show up before we map out how we are going to welcome, greet, and connect with them AND to communicate "the plan" to potential visitors.

For many, to feel comfortable visiting, they need to know what to expect. 

What's it going to be like?  Where do I go?  How do I connect with people when I visit so I don't have to suffer through an awkward and painful experience?  Is it going to be okay?  Can I do this or should I just stay on the couch watching Netflix?  I have a lot of shows waiting for me... What's the plan?  

Watch Episode 23 // Subscribe on YouTube

Listen to Episode 23 // Subscribe to Audio Podcast
 

If you do not have many visitors and want more, I recommend the following:

1) Agree on a simple process
Set a clear process for how you will welcome, greet, and CONNECT with visitors when they show up.  This includes creating a facilitated space to connect when they visit.   I discuss options for making casual opportunities to connect after your weekly services in this episode.  

2) List the process on your website
When visitors land on your visitor page, they should be able to read about the process and RSVP to participate.

3) Share via social media
Every week, when you share what's happening in your congregation via social media, also include this visitor opportunity with a link to your visitor page with RSVP form.  

4) Share via email 
Every week, when you share what's happening in your congregation via email, also include this visitor opportunity with a link to your visitor page with RSVP form.

Video Helps!  Adding a video that welcomes and orients newcomers to your visitor page including a description of "the plan" for visiting can help them feel comfortable making the decision to do so.  I explain how to implement this strategy and as well as other video content for visitors in my online training program Video Message Academy for Congregations. 

Learn how "meet the minister" videos on congregational websites support the visitor research process and membership development.

Have you ever heard someone say they chose to visit the congregation after meeting the minister somewhere? This happens all the time. After getting to know the minister at a wedding, funeral, protest, or elsewhere in the community people feel comfortable visiting.

Today, we can help people get to know the minister on-demand when they land on your website, through social media, and if you choose, advertising. It is part of building a digital path into the life and heart of your congregation.

This session introduces strategies from my Video Message Academy for Congregations program. 

I know things are challenging but I want you to pause and ask yourself an important questions.  Are you vision-casting or manifesting a congregational death spiral? If you have a budget problen, gloom and doom talk is going to make it worse!  Here's a live stream on this topic followed by a shorter 5 minute version.

Full 28 minute live stream:

Listen via my podcast.

I’ve been reviewing congregational fundraising communications. Many communicators are so caught up in their challenges, the congregation’s vision has been lost. In this session, how gloom and doom communication can undermine your fundraising capacity especially with newcomers and how you might approach it instead.

🚀 KEY TAKEAWAY:
The last few years have left most congregations with fewer members than before the pandemic. This is driving widespread budget deficits.

As leaders and communicators you get to choose how you frame the challenges you are facing. You can frame pandemic re-building challenges with a gloom and doom "gap" approach or a rocket "relaunching" vision, growth, and innovative approach. Which do you think is going to energize newcomers and your donors?

ROCKET LAUNCH!!! 💰

Again, the same goal. Same budget challenge. Two ways to frame and tackle it = 💀 🚀

🤩 You can change how you communicate and, in turn, how people respond with your very next email, video, sermon, or donor meeting.

⚡ We also have amazing digital tools that can help you reach new people in your community in record time! We have incredible digital tools. I'm teaching new and updated digital ministry approaches online and via team strategy sessions all the time. If you are not using these tools and strategies, time to upgrade your approach!

UPDATE:

5 Tips for Congregations Facing Budget Deficits (in 5 minutes)
After discussing this topic in a live stream I was asked to make a five minute version to share with leaders. Here it is!

Do you need to relaunch, rebuild or start a new program this fall?    

In this live strategy session, I share tips and strategies for rebuilding programs especially when you are starting over from scratch.

How do you gather people and get them excited when you have NOTHING??!!   

How do you avoid having people see they are the only ______ (young adult, young family, etc...) and run for the door? 

How do you communicate honestly about having nothing while gathering people to form a new amazing ministry, program, or community? 

I've worked across areas of congregational life and have started many programs over the years including programs for children, youth, young adults, and adult small group programs.

This session shares successful approaches plus some of the latest from my hands-on work with congregations.

Listen via my podcast.

To inspire participation in congregational life this holiday season and New Year,  go beyond announcements!  People need more help choosing to participate.

I recommend using video to show in people's live and to be their guide and mentor BEFORE they visit or choose to re-engage.  Before.  You need to show up for them first. FIRST.  If you're waiting for people to show up in your congregation to minister to them, time for a critical strategy update!

Here's how you can use a simple video message and optional ad campaign to help newcomers and members alike choose connection, community and meaning this season.

I explain how in today's live stream:

Listen via audio podcast: The Peter Bowden Show

Example scripts

In this video I use the new ethical AI system I'm developing to generate some sample scripts.  These are to get you thinking!  You may access them using the link below.  

Google Doc with Example Scripts and Outlines
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CLr4JyFELPR6qycQ1shoSW_y3Ji9b5lKprdg-QzdYo4/edit?usp=sharing

Live Stream Highlights

Welcome! Back from AI Sabbatical

Hello friends, it's Peter Bowden. I'm glad to see you. I'm back from my artificial intelligence sabbatical, where I delved deep into ethical issues and technology. Now, I'm here to help you get ready for the holidays with specific outreach strategies you can use right now.

Video Strategy Training Announcement

I'm excited to announce the opening of enrollment for the new year cycle of my video strategy training. This program is designed to help you engage with newcomers, members, and your community using video effectively.

Video Dominates Engagement

The internet has shifted significantly towards video. If you're not using video, you're missing a crucial element of online engagement. Video helps in decision-making, showcases leadership online, and connects all the pieces of your digital strategy.

Holiday Outreach Strategies

As we approach the holidays, I recommend recording a simple video message to invite newcomers and existing members to your holiday services. This is not just about inviting them to an event, but encouraging them to think about participation beyond the holiday season.

The Heart of Your Video Message

Imagine using your webcam or smartphone to record a video. It doesn't need high production value; what matters is authenticity. As a leader, convey why it's important to gather for the holidays and beyond.

AI-Generated Script for Congregations

I'll also share an AI-generated script to help congregations develop tools and systems for using AI ethically. This script can be a starting point for creating engaging social media content to combat social isolation and model ethical AI systems.

Boosting Engagement Through Video

For the holidays, consider the impact of sharing a meaningful video invitation on your Facebook page. Boost it to reach not only your current audience but also those who've interacted with your page before. Use Facebook Ad Campaigns to expand your reach to a lookalike audience, bringing your message to a wider community.

Utilizing AI for Script Generation

This is where AI comes in handy. I've been working on customizing a system to generate scripts for congregational outreach. The aim is to use AI for good, to combat social isolation, and to advance the development of ethical AI systems. I'll be sharing more of this as we progress.

Preparing for Post-Holiday Engagement

It's crucial to plan for post-holiday engagement. Ensure your website and social media reflect upcoming events and opportunities for newcomers right after the New Year. This helps in retaining the interest of those who visit your holiday services.

Sample Script: Warm Holiday Invitation

Let’s take a look at a sample script. It's a warm holiday invitation by a minister, inviting the community to join in holiday celebrations and emphasizing the inclusivity of the congregation. Remember, it’s easier to edit an existing script than to start from scratch.

Importance of Clear Newcomer Instructions

We must be crystal clear about the best ways for newcomers to get involved. Whether it's a welcome table, newcomer gatherings, or small group programs, explicitly instructing newcomers on how to engage is key to successful integration into the community.

Refining the AI-Generated Script

I'm working on refining the AI-generated script to make it more precise and strategic. The goal is to clearly communicate the value and meaning of holiday gatherings and what your congregation offers in the new year.

Emphasizing Clear Communication

Communication needs to be clear and appealing. Videos allow you to express emotions and connect with your audience more effectively than written text alone. It's about helping people see the alignment between their life goals and what your congregation offers.

The Role of Video in Digital Ministry

In today’s digital world, leaders need to embrace video to connect with their audience effectively. Videos are essential for helping people decide to get involved with your congregation. It's not enough to just post worship services; you need to actively engage with your community online.

Embracing Digital Tools for Connection

Digital ministry is more than just online presence; it's about being an effective leader in the digital age. This includes showing up as passionate, helpful, and inspiring leaders in people's digital lives.

Conclusion and Future Plans

As we wrap up, I'd like to highlight the potential of AI in enhancing our congregational outreach. I'm working on ways to utilize AI with intention, purpose, and integrity. Keep an eye on the video description for a link to a Google document containing all this valuable content.

Sharing the Refined Script

In the shared Google document, you'll find refined scripts with effective messaging for holiday invitations. These scripts are designed to convey warmth and a sense of community, inviting people to not just attend holiday events but to also consider deeper engagement with your congregation.

Using Video to Be a Guide

Video plays a crucial role in today's digital ministry. It's a powerful tool for connecting with people and helping them decide to get involved in congregational life. We need to show up online as real, passionate human beings, actively inviting people into our community. By using these tools effectively, we can foster deep connections and community involvement.

Competing for Attention 

Remember, our congregations are competing for attention with numerous online influencers and brands. It's crucial for our leaders to be present, engaging, and authentic online. This presence helps in reaching out to those seeking community and meaning.

Priming People for New Year Engagement

In your holiday communications, prioritize vision casting for the future beyond the  holidays -- New Year engagement!   For this to work, plan events and gatherings for after the New Year, making sure they are visible on your website and social media.  This helps in maintaining the momentum and interest generated during the holidays.

We Have the Tools!

We have the tools to reach people online, to show up, to lead, coach, mentor and be of service.  If you are a leader wanting to help your congregation thrive, I look forward to assisting you on this journey.  Make sure you are subscribed to my email newsletter for congregations and consider enrolling in Video Message Academy for Congregations.

Go team!
Peter  

AI Process: After doing this live stream, I generate captions using Adobe Premiere. I then pasted the caption and time code from  theSRT file into a new chat with my custom AI. I had it generate YouTube chapters and timecode which I then added to the YouTube video with a few title edits. That took 5 minutes instead of 30 minutes. Chapters help video engagement. I then had work on an easy to scan written version of highlights.

Training Update
I'm about to re-open enrollment in Video Ministry Academy for Congregations, my comprehensive video ministry strategy training for clergy, staff, and volunteer leaders.  If you aren't on my email list yet, you may sign up to be notified and receive all the details as soon as enrollment opens later this week. Visit https://www.videomessageacademy.com.  

An AI driven meaning crisis is looming.  Noticing the accelerating rate of AI advancement, recently I started doing more intentional study. What I learned and what I'm expecting to unfold in the very near future has me changing my priorities, projects, and how I work with congregations and community organizations.

Join me, Peter Bowden, on November 14, 2023, at 12:30 PM EST for a live stream strategy session preparing for the coming A.I. meaning crisis for community clergy and congregations (sessions for others to follow). With AI evolving at an exponential rate, artificial general intelligence (AGI) is coming fast. What happens when AI can do any job a human with a computer can do?

That's not sci-fi, that's what companies are working on today. As these systems are able to perform the tasks previously preformed by humans, a ‘meaning crisis’ looms, challenging our notions of value and identity.

Live Stream Replay:

Listen via audio podcast: The Peter Bowden Show

In this session, I'm going to share highlights from my accidental AI "mini-sabbatical" and how I think clergy and congregations should start responding. Friends, those of us with associated expertise -- bringing people together and facilitating conversations on meaning and purpose -- need to take the lead on hosting community conversations on the issues of our time.

This, of course, includes what it means to be human in the age of AI. Specifically, I am re-arranging my schedule, projects, and priorities to fast track launching an open-source decentralized community group model any person, group, or institution can use to host conversations along with session plans and an invitation for us all - humanity - to crowdsource the development of group sessions.

THANK YOU, MO GAWDAT!
Special thanks to Mo Gawdat. I listened to his book "Scary Smart" on the way to lead a Clergy Summit last week. It is an amazing contribution to the this conversation and orientation to AI, AI ethics, AI emotions, and how we might be better parents as we raise these AI beings.

I highly recommend all of human colleagues read it as soon as possible. Gawdat's book is my favorite so far. If you like audio books or have trouble engaging with hard topics, get the audio version. He has a wonderful voice -- You said it,  Mo.

Read the book SCARY SMART:
https://www.mogawdat.com/scary-smart

RECOMMENDED INTERVIEWS
Watch Mo Gawdat conversation with Steven Bartlett on  @TheDiaryOfACEO  EMERGENCY EPISODE: Ex-Google Officer Finally Speaks Out On The Dangers Of AI! - Mo Gawdat | E252 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk-nQ7HF6k4

Watch Mo Gawdat conversation with Tom Bilyeu on Impact Theory
MEGATHREAT: Why AI Is So Dangerous & How It Could Destroy Humanity | Mo Gawdat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itY6VWpdECc

Friends, 2024 is coming fast!  Interested in growing your congregation in the New Year? If you are, consider joining us for Video Message Academy for Congregations 2024!

This just might be the most important cycle of Video Message Academy for Congregations ever. Yeah, I know I sound like the host of the Bachelor.

"This is the most dramatic season ever!!!" they say every single season...

Well, I feel like this is one of the most pivotal seasons in the life of many of our congregations. What about your ministry? Do you need help?

Many of you need to learn and implement new strategies if you are going to adapt to today's world, be of service, and thrive.  This training can help.

🙌 You'll learn skills and strategies to help you lead and grow congregations in today's video dominated world.

This video shares the latest program highlights.

This 2024 New Year cycle features:

• The full on-demand video ministry strategy training. The approaches I share are helping congregations of all sizes get results!
• A 2-hour live training January 9th via Zoom with full strategy overview, discussion, and Q&A.
• Program Facebook Group with six-weeks of facilitation guiding you through the program. Running Jan 1 through Feb 15.
• Ask me questions on every post in the training as well as in our Facebook group.
• Handouts to support implementation.
• Video content outlines for my top recommended videos.
• More bonuses in the works :-)

Those are the highlights. It is going to be amazing! I hope you'll join us.

Registration is open with an early bird discount through December 31st:
http://www.videomessageacademy.com

Questions
If you have questions about the program, you may contact me here.

Existing program members
You'll have full access to the training and Facebook group. If you know someone who would appreciate this training, please forward this to them.

Go team!
Peter