Hey, it’s Brady,

Most church announcements are bland and generic.

Here's a fix for that: stop trying to talk to everyone. Instead, just pick someone.

You’re probably asking: What does that mean?

Here’s an example: A generic small group announcement might sound like: "Small groups are a great way to connect. Sign up today."

That's fine. It's not wrong. But no one will hear that and go "oh, they're talking to ME."

Now same invitation, written to someone specific - let's call her Lonely Lydia.

She's isolated. She wonders if anyone sees her.

Here's what you write for her: "You don't have to walk alone. Our small groups are places where you're not just another face - you're known, you're seen, and you belong."

Same ask. But one speaks to a specific feeling.

Here's another - Doubting Derek.

He's skeptical. He's got questions.

For him: "Got questions? Good. Our small groups aren't places where you have to pretend you have everything figured out. They're places to wrestle honestly - and find people who've asked the same things you're asking."

That’s one simple change that makes all the difference.

You’ve seen the headlines about Gen Z and church - but many popular stats are misleading or unverified. So we took the biggest claims and rated them by confidence - based on real studies and data.

Get our insights here.

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