The Church Announcements Formula

Hey, it’s Brady,

Most people ignore church announcements.

Here’s how to fix that once and for all…

Ready for the formula? Here it is:

One Story + One Next Step.

Crazy simple.

(Oh, and make sure to read on - because I’ve got real examples for you below…)

Now here’s how to actually do it…

First, ditch the information overload. Time, place, cost, address - stop it.

I won’t remember that.

Then, replace information with inspiration.

It’s actually so easy. Just tell a brief story.

It doesn’t need to be an elaborate story. It doesn’t need to be a special story. So long as it’s story, it’ll keep attention.

For example, let’s say you have a VBS announcement.

Any amusing anecdote about planning for VBS will work perfectly.

Then comes the next step invitation.

The key? Every announcement should send people to the same place. Every time.

Replace information for inspiration in your church announcements and watch your attention and next steps increase.

Real Church Announcements Scripts

I know this kind of thing can be challenging to digest without real examples.

Which is why I asked y’all on Instagram to provide me with real church events. And then I’d write an announcement for them to show you what this formula can actually look like.

Example #1

Script Below:

"So as you might know this year's VBS theme is 'Deep Ocean Theme.' And I was tasked with getting some blue pool noodles for some of the sets we're building. Let me tell you...I went to about ten stores. No shortage of orange and yellow pool noodles. But blue? Apparently, they're the rare colorway. So if any of you have a lead on blue pool noodles - make sure to hit me up in the lobby. And make sure your kids are registered for VBS this year as well. Head to [YOUR WEBSITE] to register."

Example #2

Script Below:

"Serve Day is coming up. Last month we had a blast. We were helping clean up Stanley Park across town. Started in the morning. Finished around noon. And we thought it might be nice to go out for lunch. Half the group wanted pizza. Half the group wanted sushi. So we had one person from Team Sushi and one person from Team Pizza go head-to-head in a 'best of three' rock, paper, scissors match to decide. Anyway, team pizza won. And we shared a great meal together. Made some memories. We'd love to have you join us for Serve Day this month. Just head to [YOUR WEBSITE] to sign up. Hope to see you there."

Example #3

Script Below:

"Discipleship Groups are really the heartbeat of our church. And what's fun is that there are so many different options to choose from. Last summer I did a pickleball group. Honestly, I was awful at the game. Had never even really heard of it before I showed up for the first group night. I remember getting ready for the first group night thinking, "What are you supposed to wear for pickleball?" And on that first night I got teamed up with a guy at our church named, Mike. Turns out Mike has two daughters just like me. And he had played a couple of times before so he was sharing some pointers. And later that summer Mike's family had ours over for dinner and the kids got to play together. This is why we love groups so much. We really want you to get connected this summer. Head to [YOUR WEBSITE] to find your group."

Trends We Were Wrong About, Declining Engagement, & Giving Up

Today on the pod, we're answering your questions!

Questions like: "how much time should a pastor spend on social each week?”

“What do you do when you’re giving your best on social and it’s still not working?”

And “how do we make sure we’re always serving God in a field so gratifying in itself?”

Full episode link here.

Thanks as always for your time, attention, and trust. Talk to you next Thursday. - Brady Shearer