CHARLOTTE, NC — Faith-based organizations, such as churches and nonprofit ministries, must evolve the way they communicate to engage the “COVID generation” — or risk becoming irrelevant, a leading communications agency said today.

Many of America’s Christian organizations — churches, mission agencies, schools, rescue missions and other ministries — are looking for effective ways to connect with their audiences and supporters as COVID-19 continues to dominate the news, with no immediate end in sight, according to InChrist Communications (ICC, www.InChristCommunications.com), a national branding, marketing, public relations, and crisis communications firm.

The North Carolina-based agency is staging a free, live webinar and panel discussion — COVID-19: Your Message for the Next Season — July 22 at 2 p.m. EDT to help faith-based organizations develop their own plan to break through the media clutter. Communications and ministry leadership teams can register at www.inchristcommunication.com/inchrist-communications-webinar-panel.

Panel experts will include communications leaders from high-profile media organizations, mission agencies, faith generosity movements, donor development consultancies, and churches.

“Our research shows many organizations were completely blindsided by COVID-19, and many are still struggling to find their voice,” said ICC President Diane Lonsdale. “However, three-quarters of those surveyed say they’ve increased their marketing and communications during the pandemic, because they realize it’s vital to keep their audiences engaged.”

‘Must Change to Stay Relevant’

What’s clear, Lonsdale says, is that faith-based organizations will have to change the ways they communicate with the “COVID generation” — especially with rapidly evolving technology — if their message is to stand out and they’re to stay relevant.

“It’s evident that brand messaging and methods will have to change to accommodate the emotional mindset of the public and the evolution most ministries are going through right now,” said Lonsdale, a veteran marketing pro.

“Our survey shows three out of every four organizations plan to change the ways they communicate in the coming 6-12 months,” Lonsdale said, “and more than 80 percent of Christian communications professionals are looking to new ways to use video, social media, and other digital strategies to create the dynamic online connections this generation craves.”

About InChrist Communications

Established in 2002, InChrist Communications (ICC, www.InChristCommunications.com) provides strategic integrated communications services — branding, marketing, advertising, media relations, crisis communications, donor communications, social media, digital media, web — for faith-based ministries, missions, churches, and businesses. A free strategy session is available at www.inchristcommunication.com/inchrist-communications-webinar-panel.

CONTACT: Ty Mays, 770-256-8710, tmays@inchristcommunications.com

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