Communication — “I’m Sorry what did you say?”

Crankeverend (CR) was just about to leave the office to complain about traffic all the way home — when the phone rang.  CR hesitated for just a moment.  “If I leave now, and don’t answer the phone, I can maintain my Crankitude at a reasonable level.”  But, of course, he knew any call could be an emergency.  Slowly he picked up the phone and sighed “Crankaster speaking”.  “Hi Crankastor” the voice began, “can you tell me if there is a note in our weekly newsletter about our new ministry?”  “Why of course”, said the confident CR.  “In fact I have one right here……let me see…..(sigh) no, it’s not there.”  “Crankastor, what are we (meaning YOU) going to do?  No one knows what is going on.”

“No one knows what is going on.”  It is the statement — no the scourge of the congregation.  We have multiple (at least five) ways to communicate information and inform about ministries to the church and the community, and none of them have consistent information, and in fact often have contradictory information including times and dates.  It is usually a Cranktastrophe.   

Crankeverend heaved his medium sized frame onto his chair and sighed a heavy, cranky sigh.  How is it possible we cannot consistently communicate the same information?  We have a monthly newsletter with a calendar, a weekly newsletter with a calendar, a web page, a “FaceBook” page, and announcements at the beginning of each service.  And, on more than one Sunday morning, a congregant has asked CR for information about a meeting or a ministry, and Crankeverend will “politely” remind them that he said something about it in the announcements.  “Oh, I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening” is the usual reply.  Not listening!  Why do I even try!   Crank-o-meter (trademarked) rising….

Lack of consistent and clear communication will kill a relationship, and will limit the effectiveness of the congregation.  But it is not just the responsibility of the pastor to be on top of the communication.  It takes the constant and consistent effort of each committee chair, council representative, and ministry member to keep the communication flowing to and with the pastor, the council president, and the office administrator.   

It was a long, slow ride home as CR gripped the steering wheel like a Circus Clown trying to stop the elephant from stepping on the sword-swallower.  “Maybe I should use a bull horn next time…”

Crankeverend……Out!