3 negatives required for positive communication

Mark MacDonald Feb. 1, 2020

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Often, because church communicators are required to lock down a brand, control messaging and control ministry leaders, we become negative sounding: “No, you can’t do that,” “stop writing things like that,” “you can’t use that color,” “sorry, the logo can’t be used in that manner,” “no, social media isn’t an advertising channel” and the list goes on. We can sound so negative.

A good communicator will concentrate on enabling ministry and not discouraging it in a negative fashion. Except — when it comes to these 3 negatives that every person, church, and organization needs to be aware of in order to have effective communication. An effective communicator has to use these 3 things carefully to emphasize their brand:

1. Communicate barriers

You must communicate solutions to engage and connect with your audiences. If you only talk positives though, you risk people forgetting what you’re solving. 

Good communicators know the barriers that are in the audience’s life, so they can be identified, communicated and then after it all settles in, the audiences need a reminder of the available solution one more time.

2. Define the enemy

A great story needs a terrifying villain that haunts, seeks to hurt and hold back. Regularly point out and name that enemy! It can be a person, demon or character flaw. 

But point to its existence and evidence that it’s around every corner—but only because you want to protect your audience, give them hope, and ultimately overcome the “bad guy.” Think about every major story, fairy tale, movie or illustration—and you can name the villain.

3. Declare why the audience can’t

Something within every person in your audiences holds them back from doing the right thing, accomplishing their goals and feeling victorious in their lives. They need to be reminded of what it is. So that with your help, they can overcome whatever it is. 

Truly, together you’re better. This creates a bond between your brand and them. Just make sure they become the hero of the story!

Should you ever stop after doing these three negatives? Never. They need to know that the Holy Spirit is ever present in order for them to defeat the things keeping them from a victorious life. And you are known for communicating that hope in a constant reminder of that Power that lies within every believer.

Simply communicate the negatives, then remind them of your positive brand thread (that’s what you want to be known for). This is the power of effective communication.

Photo source: istock 

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author, and church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com empowering thousands of pastors and churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread) throughout their ministries, on their church websites and social media. His church branding book, Be Known for Something, is available at BeKnownBook.com. Learn More »

• 4 required church website images (by Mark MacDonald)
• 5 do’s and 5 don’ts of church communication during the holidays (by Mark MacDonald)
• Church branding essential: matchy matchy (4 areas) (by Mark MacDonald)
• 5 leadership communication challenges (how to overcome them) (by Mark MacDonald)

Free eBook

Steps to Launching Your Personal Workplace Ministry

Have you ever felt the pull to full-time ministry work as a missionary or pastor? If not, you can still make a Kingdom impact without quitting your current job. In this eBook, you will learn the four essentials that can change your perspective of work, your workplace, and most importantly, your heart.

Download Now