Getting the Word Out: The Alban Guide to Church Communications

High quality publications and public relations will enhance a congregation’s overall ministry by promoting strong stewardship, effective evangelism, and exciting parish education. Getting the Word Out provides all the tools congregations need to create attention-grabbing, informative, and inspiring communications.

Frederick H. Gonnerman shows readers how to assess their audience and the competition for the audience’s attention; identify a publication’s purpose; and create useful, readable, and attractive publications—whether print or online, for the congregation or a broader community. One chapter deals with the role of publications in the celebration of special events.

Approaching the parish communications task as a team effort—one that might include pastors; a volunteer or paid editor; and secretaries, other paid staff, and lay leaders—Gonnerman shares the experience and expertise of professional journalists, graphic designers and artists, photographers, and public relations personnel. Getting the Word Out will teach every member of the team how to produce the most effective and highest quality publications possible. Foreword by Martin E. Marty.