Radical Transformation, Part 3
So much has changed. Highland Park Presbyterian Church’s communications pipeline has been undergoing a dramatic transformation. I say, “undergoing” because while the philosophies of good communication don’t change necessarily, the methods of delivery often do. It’s good to pause and reflect on where you’ve been and what you’ve accomplished in order to get a clear vision for where God is calling you.
Here’s a snapshot of the major initiatives and sweeping changes that have been rolled out over the last three years:
- Core Four. Designed to give each member a roadmap for measuring how well they are fulfilling the mission of the church to “make disciples of Jesus Christ,” the Core Four are four distinct practices – Worship God, Grow In Christ, Build Community, and Bless the World. This is a long-term initiative that is heavily branded and is the filter through which we perform all of our work.
- ONE Magazine. This content-rich, story-driven, highly produced print magazine has an online companion that includes “Online Extra” videos and more. The quarterly publication was launched to replace an existing weekly newsletter … yes, weekly … newsletter than had run its course. To the best of my knowledge, it had run weekly for about 30 years. No exaggeration.
- Website & Social Media. Enhanced to include some previously unused features of our website’s existing Content Management System (CMS), as well as given a much needed facelift. Our weekly email was also given an overhaul for simplicity and effectiveness. This project is still moving toward a continuing redesign mode for ease-of-use and functionality.
- Video Testimonies. Testimonies had rarely, if ever, been recorded on video and shown in any service. Once a month or so, we interview members’ testimonies and share a less-than-three-minute video in services and online. Here, we call them Lay Witnesses.
- Weekend Update. A printed bulletin that accompanies HPPC’s Order of Worship and gives each ministry area equal announcement space and ads for highest profile events and activities.
- Forward By Faith. A two-year multi-million dollar capital fund raising campaign to strengthen the health of HPPC’s infrastructure locally, immediately benefit both local benevolences and global missions projects, and position the church for generations of future ministry.
- Welcome Center & ONE Gallery. A portion of the Forward By Faith funds went toward the creation of an all-new Welcome Center addition to the first floor of the Hunt Building. The Communications Ministry was given the charge to assist in designing a bright and welcoming space that includes reception, information, meeting and gathering space, as well as an art gallery.
- The Loop. We affectionately call our 16 recently installed flatscreen TVs around campus “The Loop.” Supplementing all of our printed pieces and website, the Loop has the capacity to display slides, scrolling text, and video.
- Wayfinding Signage. HPPC is a large sprawling campus with over two dozen different entry points. Finding your way around was understandably challenging until we installed this helpful system of 26 unique directional signs.
I’m not bragging. I’m simply documenting the many ways that God has entrusted us to clearly communicate the Gospel message to a broken world that desperately needs to hear it. I’m simply acknowledging that everything we do directly and indirectly affects someone’s faith journey. It is a charge that we do not take lightly and it is a calling that we are privileged to answer.
