Dean Cothill

Tag: how can my church use SEO?

  • Church Online Presence 101

    Church Online Presence 101

    How can I build my churches online presence?

    As a local church, having a strong social media presence can be a valuable tool for reaching and connecting with your community. However, with so many different platforms and strategies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blogpost, we’ll discuss some ideas on how to do this, like tips on road mapping your social media channels, documenting your story telling, restarting your social media presence, building a sustainable content calendar, and understanding your audience correctly.

    Who is my target audience and which social platforms are they on?

    First and foremost, it’s important to determine which social media platforms your target audience is most active on. This will help you focus your efforts on the channels that are most likely to reach the people you want to connect with. Once you know which platforms to focus on, you can then create a cohesive and consistent presence across those channels. This includes developing a consistent brand image and tone of voice, as well as regularly posting relevant and engaging content.

    If you’re running a youth groups social pages, are you wanting to speak to the parents or to the young people themselves?

    When running various pages for your children church, how are you setting up resources for the parents? For example:

    1. Keep it age-appropriate: When creating content for a kids church ministry, it’s important to remember that your audience is children. This means that the content should be age-appropriate and easy for them to understand. Avoid using jargon or complex language, and instead opt for simple and clear messaging. Also, consider the visual aspect of your content, colorful, and fun images and videos will grab the attention of children.
    2. Encourage parent participation: The parents of the children in your ministry are likely to be your biggest advocates. Encourage them to share content from your ministry’s social media pages with their friends and family. This can include sharing pictures or videos of their children participating in ministry activities, or sharing posts that provide information about upcoming events.
    3. Make it interactive: Children love to be engaged and interactive, so make sure your social media content is interactive as well. This can include creating interactive polls, asking questions, or hosting virtual events that allow children to participate. This will not only increase engagement but also help them to be part of the ministry and make it more meaningful for them.

    By keeping these tips in mind, you can create a social media presence for your kids church ministry that is both effective and engaging for children and their parents. Remember to always keep the focus on building community and connection, and have fun with it!

    How do I go about documenting our story?

    Documenting your story telling is also crucial for building a successful social media presence. This means being intentional about the messages and themes you want to convey through your content, and having a clear understanding of your church’s story. This will help you create a cohesive and compelling narrative that resonates with your audience. It’s a strange way to think about history, but remember, today will one day be 5 years ago, and I want to encourage you as best as possible to ensure that you’re documenting today.

    Here are 4 tips on how to document your story…

    1. Use a variety of mediums: There are many different ways to document the story of your local church, so it’s important to use a variety of mediums to ensure that the story is being told in the most engaging and impactful way. This can include photos, videos, written accounts, and audio recordings. Each medium has its own strengths and can be used to tell different parts of the story.
    2. Create a timeline: Putting the story of your church into a timeline format can help to provide context and a sense of progression. This can include important events, milestones, and the people who have played a role in the church’s history. This timeline can be shared on your website, social media, or in a physical display at the church.
    3. Collect personal stories: Personal stories are a powerful way to document the story of your local church. Encourage members of the congregation to share their personal experiences and memories of the church. These stories can be collected through interviews, written accounts, or even audio or video recordings. Personal stories can help to give a deeper and more personal understanding of the church and its history.
    4. Use archival materials: Look for archival materials such as old photographs, videos, documents, and other items that can help to tell the story of your church. These materials can be used in exhibits, online galleries, or even in a digital book. This will give a glimpse of the history of the church and its members.

    By using a variety of mediums, creating a timeline, collecting personal stories, and using archival materials, you can create a comprehensive and engaging documentation of the story of your local church. Remember to keep in mind that the story of the church is ongoing, so keep updating the documentation as new events happen or as new personal stories are shared.

    But we have been inactive for a while, how do we restart?

    If your church’s social media presence has been inactive for a while, don’t worry! There are steps you can take to restart your social media presence. One strategy is to focus on creating a sense of community and connection through your content. This can include sharing personal stories, hosting virtual events, or simply reaching out to your followers to see how they’re doing. Additionally, you can also consider running a social media campaign to build momentum and increase engagement. So some tips to get going again…

    1. Be transparent: If you’ve been away from social media for a while, it’s important to be transparent with your followers about why you’ve been absent. This can include sharing an explanation on your social media pages or sending out a newsletter. By being transparent, you’ll help to rebuild trust with your followers and show that you’re committed to being active on social media again.
    2. Create a content plan: Having a content plan in place will help you to be consistent and strategic as you restart your social media pages. This can include planning out the types of content you want to share, the frequency of your posts, and the specific platforms you want to focus on. Having a plan in place will help you to stay organized and focused as you get back into the swing of things.
    3. Engage with your audience: One of the best ways to restart your social media pages is to engage with your audience. This can include responding to comments and messages, hosting a Q&A session, or running a social media competitions or polls. By engaging with your audience, you’ll be able to build a stronger relationship with them and create a sense of community.
    4. Promote your return: Use the different platforms and strategies available to promote your return. This could include email, press releases, or even billboards. This way, you will be able to reach a large audience and let them know you are back.

    In conclusion, restarting your social media pages after some time off can be a daunting task, but by being transparent, creating a content plan, engaging with your audience and promoting your return, you can regain your followers’ trust and build a strong social media presence. Remember to always be consistent and authentic, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

    Making sure your schedule is sustainable

    We will be remembered by how well we finish, not how well we start. Having a sustainable content calendar is another important aspect of maintaining a consistent social media presence. This means planning out your content in advance, taking into account factors such as holidays, events, and any other relevant dates. Having a content calendar in place will help ensure that you’re always prepared with fresh and relevant content for your audience.

    Short form video

    Short form content, such as Instagram stories and TikTok videos, has become increasingly popular on social media in recent years. These types of content are great for building engagement and growing your audience, as they’re quick and easy to consume. Additionally, by being clear on who your audience actually is and what their interests are, you’ll be able to create content that is more likely to resonate with them.

    To wrap up

    In conclusion, having a strong social media presence as a local church can be a valuable tool for reaching and connecting with your community. By road mapping your social media channels, documenting your story telling, restarting your social media presence, building a sustainable content calendar, and understanding your audience, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful and sustainable social media presence. Remember, the most important thing is to be consistent, authentic, and to always keep the focus on building community and connection with your followers.

  • 10 things you have to know about SEO and the Local Church

    10 things you have to know about SEO and the Local Church

    How can you, as the pastor of the church, ensure that people easily locate your church online? The good news is that by following a few simple local SEO guidelines for churches, you can increase your online visibility. 

    When looking for a new church, the majority of individuals start by pulling out their phone and searching Google for nearby churches. If your church website has good local SEO, it will show up at the top of the search results page for churches in the area (search engine optimization). 

    With the help of these ten local SEO tips for churches, you can significantly raise your Google position and make it easier for people to find you online.

    What Does Local SEO Mean for Churches?

    When someone searches for “encouraging online sermon” or “Bible study ideas” online, they receive millions, literally millions, of results. When they are looking for a nearby church to attend, location is crucial. Local SEO is helpful in this situation. 

    At least 33% of consumers look up neighboring businesses on a daily basis. Every day of the week, a lot more people utilize online search engines to find nearby products and services. 

    One or more key phrases, such as “near me,” “nearby,” or include a city or neighborhood name, let Google know that the searcher is seeking for a specific location. Location settings on our phones is something that we have all become very familiar with… When searching for that restaurant or using WhatsApp pin drops or sending a LIVE location to a family member…

    For example, someone who has recently moved or looking for a new church might search for

    • churches near me
    • churches in [city name]
    • top churches in [city name]
    • nondenominational churches near me
    • churches with kids program in [city name]
    SEO for local churches

    Location-based queries like the ones in the aforementioned instances will display the Google map pack at the top of the search results page. This feature has probably already been seen by you. The map pack displays the locations of the top three search results on a Google map. 

    It’s crucial to get your church listed in Google Maps if you want it to appear in local searches. Google claims that the order of local search results is dependent on 

    Relevance\Distance\Prominence 

    Local SEO strategies for churches can increase your relevance and prominence in search algorithms even when you have no control over how far a church seeker is from your location. Here are some recommendations to get you going.

    1. Set Up a Solid Google Business Profile

    A free web tool called a Google Business Profile connects to Google search and maps. Even while some businesses and churches may already be listed on Google Maps, it’s still vital to claim and validate your profile. In addition to verified listings appearing more frequently, you will also be able to amend your information. 

    In order to claim your listing, you typically need to mail a verification code on a postcard to an actual address. Once you’re live, spend some time carefully filling out your profile. 

    Add photographs and videos highlighting your culture, community, and church experience. * Include your physical address, business hours, website, phone number, and other pertinent information. Connect your social media accounts Respond to reviews and the feature that asks questions. And get those reviews rolling in…

    2. Claim Your Listing in Online Directories

    You might not be aware of how many websites your church is listed on. If you’re keeping track, there are at least 77. Have you verified the accuracy of your information and claimed your company citation across all of these platforms? 

    Sources like Yelp, Bing, Apple Maps, Yahoo!, Waze, YP (previously known as Yellow Pages), and others list local business citations. 

    Websites, social media, apps, and local directories are some examples of the different types of online local citations for churches. 

    Local directories, which are those that are exclusive to your area, may include local newspapers, blogs, and chambers of commerce that list the churches there. 

    If the idea of updating 77+ directory listings overwhelms you, you might want to think about employing a directory management service. 

    3. Ensure All Your Information is Accurate and Consistent

    Make sure all of your information is current once you’ve set up your Google My Business account and claimed your online directory listings. 

    Your NAP, or name, address, and phone number, is the most important information. Maintaining accuracy across all platforms has a big impact on Google rankings. 

    Try to maintain a consistent format for the data. Instead of abbreviating “Avenue,” spell it out in full everywhere. 

    Additionally, keep in mind that you’ll need to go in and update all your listings if any important information about your church changes. 

    Update Local Church Information: 

    * Taglines/Mission statements 

    * Name, address, and phone number 

    * Business description 

    * Website 

    * Email 

    4. Ask for Reviews to Improve Google Ranking

    What more elements might persuade Google to list your church among its top results? Reviews and ratings are unquestionably important. 

    Genuine reviews are a reliable indicator to Google that your page merits a recommendation. You should increase your reviews on Yelp, Facebook, and any other sites where people may rate you in addition to Google. 

    You could be reluctant to bring this up due to the painful worry: What if we get terrible reviews? 

    It’s certain that you’ll receive reviews that are fewer than five stars at some point.

    But keep in mind that a few unfavorable remarks won’t harm your rankings or deter visitors. On the contrary, by highlighting your distinctive qualities, they can end up benefiting you in the long run. Not everyone will find a church to their liking. 

    You can’t just wait around and hope that people would publish reviews on their own initiative. If such request makes you uneasy, think about the following strategies.

    • Ask people to share their testimony online. It’s not just a plug for your church; it’s the story of what Jesus did for them at or through your church.
    • Remind people of the purpose and mission of reviews: it allows more people to find your church online. This is digital evangelism!
    • Ask for reviews in your email newsletter or on your website with a direct link. Take out the extra steps and make it easy for people.

    Finally, remember to reply to reviews that individuals leave. You can congratulate and support them. Leave a brief reply if the comment is unfavorable and take any further discussion offline. Avoid engaging in online arguments, stoking the flames, or starting new discussions.

    5. Optimize Your Website for Mobile

    One of Google’s key ranking variables influencing where you appear on the search results page is your site speed (how quickly your website loads). Additionally, since the majority of people search on mobile devices, you must optimize your website for them.

    In 2021, mobile devices accounted for more than 56% of all web traffic worldwide. Start with a free church website review if you’re unsure about the technical aspects of website optimization and optimizing site load time.

    6. Do Keyword Research

    Don’t be intimidated by the phrase “keyword research”; it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. 

    By conducting keyword research, you may find out what terms and phrases individuals are searching for. What inquiries do they make? 

    With this knowledge in hand, you can create online content to enhance local SEO. 

    You can get started with brainstorming and creating target keyword lists with the use of free keyword research tools. A couple to check out are: * Wordstream * Neil Patel’s Ubersuggest * Google’s Keyword Planner (part of Google Ads) No cost keyword tool.

    To get started on your keyword research, check out our post on free SEO tools for churches. When you’ve compiled a list of pertinent terms, INCLUDE THEM EVERYWHERE!!

    7. Include Local SEO Keywords in Your Headings, Images, and Descriptions

    Using local keywords in your titles, headings, and picture names will help your local SEO because Google searches every word and piece of information on your website. Here are a few illustrations of landing pages for Easter services. 

    * The names of your pages and blog entries are contained in title tags. Use “Church Easter Services in Fairview, Montana” in place of “Church Easter Services.” 

    * Your website’s URL is its address. Use mychurch.com/easter-services-fairview-montana in place of mychurch.com/easter-services. In the file name and alt-text of your images, include regional SEO keywords. You may name the file “Easter service in Fairview” rather than “church service” when naming an image.

    Use these guidelines for creating headlines for your website, webpage content, meta descriptions, and Google or social media adverts. 

    Don’t make things too complicated. Make sure your titles and descriptions are clear, logical, and concise because a pleasant user experience and easy readability come first.

    8. Update Seasonal Church and Event Content

    What is happening in your neighborhood? Include content on your website and blog that highlights the local events your church attends, from holidays to community festivals. 

    Events’ booths, neighborhood outreach programs, and partnerships could all be listed. Other instances include: * Christmas or Easter services * Trunk or Treat or Fall Festival * Easter Egg Hunts or Spring Festivals * Summer Camps * Back to school activities for families * Men’s Breakfast, Women’s Retreat, etc. 

    Adding your church’s website to local event sites or directories also generates backlinks, a crucial element of search engine optimization.

    9. Use Local Lingo to Improve Local Search Results

    Do your city or neighborhood have a moniker? Are there any well-known local proverbs in your area? Sometimes, only locals are familiar with the insider terminology and will search using it. 

    Local slang might aid searches in pinpointing regions and target populations if you have different campuses. Whether your church is located in a major suburb, downtown, or on a university campus, describe it in a distinctive manner that speaks to your neighborhood.

    10. Think Like Someone Searching For a Church

    The most crucial local SEO tip for churches is to create material with the perspective of someone who is looking for a church. Yes, we’ve already touched on this idea, but adopting this attitude is essential to applying all of the other local SEO best practices. 

    Your church’s website cannot be created from that viewpoint; it is more than just an online bulletin or information board that pushes internal updates. What questions are being posed from an outsider’s perspective? 

    People who… * recently moved to the region * stopped attending church and want to reengage * are looking for a different church * have never attended to church before may be among the several groups you’re attempting to target.

    Your keyword research should have given you a list of things to include on your web pages. But if you “keyword stuff,” Google will penalize you (overusing keywords in an attempt to rank higher). Instead, they aim to find information that is actually pertinent to searches and valuable to users. 

    It’s true what they say about how you say things being more important than what you say. Therefore, be sure that your article contributes relevant information and is interesting to read.

    Common Questions People Ask When Looking for a Church

    Create a website with a simple navigation system and user-friendly page layouts to help website visitors get the content they’re looking for. These are some queries potential visitors to your church might have. 

    Does the church offer biblical instruction? 

    Where can I access an archived sermon? 

    Exist any youth/programs? children’s 

    What is the philosophy of leadership? 

    What are their names? 

    What is the structure of the church’s leadership or governance? 

    What community services does this church provide? 

    What opportunities are there for growth and discipleship?

    In conclusion, providing comprehensive and consistent information about your church online can help you rank higher in Google and make it simple for people to locate you at the top of the search results page. Your rating is influenced by your church’s website, other internet directories, and reviews. 

    In today’s world, instantaneous responses are expected. Your preferred search engine will provide pages and pages of results for any query you can think of, but the majority of users won’t scroll past page one. 

    It’s not difficult to enhance local SEO for your church. If you work on each of these local SEO tips individually, your church’s internet presence will improve.

  • How to market your local churches Sunday gatherings and other events.

    How to market your local churches Sunday gatherings and other events.

    Are you looking for ways to effectively promote your church’s events and increase attendance? Look no further! In this blog post, we will be sharing 7 key ideas for marketing your church’s events and reaching a wider audience. From utilizing social media platforms to leveraging the power of SEO, these ideas will help you effectively promote your church’s events and build a sense of community among your congregation. Whether you’re planning a special service, a fundraising event, or a community outreach program, these ideas will help you get the word out and attract more attendees. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can effectively market your church’s events and make a meaningful impact on your community.

    Church Service

    1. Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote upcoming church events by creating engaging and visually appealing posts, including details about the event, location, and time.

    I would say that utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is an essential aspect of promoting upcoming church events. By creating engaging and visually appealing posts, including details about the event, location, and time, we can effectively reach out to our congregation as well as the wider community. Social media allows us to connect with people on a personal level and build a sense of community, which is crucial in getting people excited about attending our events.

    You should also make sure to include a call to action in our posts, such as “RSVP now” or “register today” to make it easy for people to take action and attend the event. Additionally, we should consider using paid social media advertising to reach a wider audience, particularly targeting those who live in the local area. See more here on “targeting specific audiences”.

    In short, social media is a powerful tool for promoting church events and building a sense of community among our congregation. By utilizing it effectively, we can increase attendance and make a meaningful impact on our community.

    2. Leverage the power of Instagram and Facebook stories to share behind-the-scenes content, testimonials from attendees, and live updates from the event.

    I would emphasize that leveraging the power of Instagram and Facebook stories is an excellent way to share behind-the-scenes content, testimonials from attendees, and live updates from the events we host at our church. These platforms allow us to create a sense of excitement and anticipation among our congregation, which in turn can help to increase attendance.

    For example, we can share photos and videos of the preparations for an event, such as setting up the stage or decorating the venue. This will give our congregation a sneak peek into what they can expect and get them excited about attending.

    Additionally, by sharing testimonials from attendees, we can showcase the impact our events have on the lives of our congregation, which can be a powerful motivator for others to attend. Live updates from the event can keep people engaged and connected, even if they are unable to attend.

    In summary, Instagram and Facebook stories are an effective way to create a sense of excitement and engagement around our church events and help to increase attendance. By sharing behind-the-scenes content, testimonials, and live updates, we can create a sense of community and connection among our congregation.

    3. Create a YouTube channel for your church and post videos of sermons, teachings, and events to reach a wider audience and improve your SEO.

    I would stress that creating a YouTube channel for our church and posting videos of sermons, teachings, and events is an excellent way to reach a wider audience and improve our SEO. By having a YouTube channel, we can share the message of our church and the teachings of our faith with a global audience, which can help to attract new members to our congregation.

    YouTube Logo

    Additionally, by optimizing our YouTube videos with relevant keywords and captions, we can improve our SEO and make it easier for people to find us online. This can be especially useful for attracting new members who are searching for a church in our local area.

    Moreover, by posting videos of our events, we can give those who were unable to attend a sense of what they missed and keep them engaged and connected to our community.

    In summary, creating a YouTube channel and posting videos of sermons, teachings, and events can help us reach a wider audience and improve our SEO, which can help to attract new members to our congregation. Additionally, by sharing videos of our events, we can keep our congregation engaged and connected, even if they are unable to attend in person.

    4. Optimize your church’s website for local SEO by including location-specific keywords, creating a Google My Business listing, and encouraging attendees to leave reviews on your listing.

    I would express the importance of optimizing our church’s website for local SEO. This includes including location-specific keywords, creating a Google My Business listing and encouraging attendees to leave reviews on our listing. By doing so, we can ensure that our website appears at the top of search results when people in our local area search for a church. This can be especially useful for attracting new members who are searching for a church in our area.

    Creating a Google My Business listing allows us to provide important information about our church such as our address, phone number, and hours of operation. Additionally, by encouraging our attendees to leave reviews on our listing, we can showcase the positive impact our church has on the lives of our congregation. This can be a powerful motivator for others to visit our church and join our community.

    In short, by optimizing our church’s website for local SEO, we can improve our visibility online and make it easier for people in our local area to find us. This can help to attract new members to our congregation and showcase the positive impact our church has on the community.

    5. Partner with local influencers, bloggers, or media outlets to help promote your church events and reach a “new” audience.

    As I even begin to think about this topic I begin to cringe a little bit and actually struggle to connect the dots between influencers and The Church. But even as I type this I think about the woman at the well, was she an influencer of sorts? So as “Dean Cothill” and that weird world of social media influencers and the likes, I would stress the importance of partnering with local influencers, bloggers, or media outlets to help promote our church events and reach a new audience. By doing so, we can tap into their existing networks and reach a wider audience than we could on our own.

    Social media influencers at an event

    For example, partnering with local influencers can help us reach a younger demographic and showcase the relevance of our church in today’s society. Working with bloggers or media outlets can provide us with valuable coverage and exposure for our events, which can help to attract new members to our congregation.

    Additionally, by partnering with these individuals and organizations, we can gain valuable insights into the needs and interests of our community and tailor our events and services to better meet their needs.

    So by partnering with local influencers, bloggers, or media outlets can be a powerful tool in promoting our church events and reaching a new audience. By tapping into their existing networks and gaining valuable insights, we can attract new members to our congregation and better serve the needs of our community.

    6. Use email marketing to keep your congregation informed about upcoming events and remind them of the details.

    Email marketing has almost slipped under the radar with the rise of social media and us just trying to keep our Facebook and socials up to date, but email is still so key to keep our congregation informed about upcoming events and remind them of the details. Email is a powerful tool for reaching our congregation directly, and we can use it to keep them informed about important dates, events and other church-related information.

    For example, we can send out email reminders about upcoming events, including details about the location, time, and what attendees can expect. This can help to increase attendance and ensure that everyone is informed about what’s happening at our church.

    Email marketing for churches

    Additionally, we can use email marketing to share updates on the progress of our events, such as fundraising efforts, and ask for support. We can also use it to share post-event reports and highlight the impact of the event on our community.

    7. Create a hashtag for your church events and encourage attendees to share photos and posts using it on social media.

    Lastly, hashtags are a powerful tool for creating a sense of community and engagement around our events. By using a specific hashtag, we can easily track and curate all of the social media posts related to our event in one place.

    For example, we can create a unique hashtag for each event and encourage attendees to use it when posting about the event on social media. This can help to create a sense of community and engagement among our congregation, and also allow us to easily track and curate all of the social media posts related to our event.

    Additionally, by encouraging attendees to share their photos and posts on social media, we can create a sense of excitement and anticipation for our events, which can help to increase attendance.

    In summary, creating a hashtag for our church events and encouraging attendees to share photos and posts using it on social media is a powerful tool for creating a sense of community and engagement around our events. It allows us to track and curate all of the social media posts related to our event and increase attendance.

    Having a specific hashtag for a brand or community is important for several reasons:

    1. Branding: Using a specific hashtag helps to establish and reinforce the brand’s identity. It makes it easy for people to recognize the brand and associate it with specific content.
    2. Community building: Hashtags allow people to easily find and join conversations about a brand or product. This can help to build a sense of community around the brand, which can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy.
    3. Content curation: Hashtags make it easy to curate and organize user-generated content. This can be used for marketing purposes, such as showcasing customer reviews, testimonials, and engagement.
    4. Analytics: By tracking the usage of a specific hashtag, brands can gather data on engagement, reach and the demographics of users who are engaging with the brand.
    5. Discoverability: Hashtags increase the discoverability of a brand or product on social media. Hashtags make it easy for people to find and join conversations about a brand or product, which can increase the brand’s visibility and reach.

    In summary, a specific hashtag is important for any brand as it helps in building recognition, community, curating content, tracking analytics and improving discoverability.

    Hashtag coffee cup for church.

    Last bonus tip, we all love coffee and have worked hard to offer great coffee to our volunteers and church guests. Put your next big event on your take away cups, can be as easy as using a stamp.

    In conclusion, effectively promoting your church’s events is crucial in building a sense of community and increasing attendance. By utilizing social media platforms, leveraging the power of SEO, and partnering with local influencers, you can effectively reach a wider audience and promote your church’s events. Additionally, by using email marketing, creating a mobile app, and encouraging the use of a specific hashtag, you can keep your congregation informed and engaged with your church’s events and activities.

    Implementing these 7 key ideas can help you to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for your church’s events, and increase attendance. Remember to stay consistent, always evaluate the results of your efforts and adapt accordingly. Don’t be afraid to try new strategies, and most importantly don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback from members of your congregation. With the right approach and a little creativity, you can effectively market your church’s events and make a meaningful impact on your community.

  • The Content Creation Process Made easy

    The Content Creation Process Made easy

    If you’re reading this, chances are you’re someone who is interested in creating content – whether it be for a blog, social media, or any other platform. And if you’re like me, you may have found the process of coming up with ideas, organizing them, and then actually putting them into words or pictures or video or music, to be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when there is a deadline at hand. New Years. Christmas. Easter and everyone in-between.

    But fear not, my friend, because I am here to tell you that the content creation process doesn’t have to be so daunting. In fact, it can be downright enjoyable (yes, you read that right). ENJOYABLE!

    Over the years, I have learned a thing or two about how to make the process of creating content more manageable, and I am excited to share those tips with you today.

    First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the content creation process is just that – a process. It’s not something that happens overnight and it’s not something that you should try to rush through. Instead, try to embrace the journey and enjoy the ride.

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating content? Maybe you’re not sure where to start or what steps to take. If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with the content creation process, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

    In this blog post, I’m going to break down the content creation process into three simple steps. By following these steps, you’ll be able to easily plan, create, and publish your content with confidence.

    So, if you’re ready to streamline your content creation process and start creating amazing content, keep reading. I’ll guide you through each step and provide tips and tricks along the way.

    What are the 3 steps of the Content Creation Process?

    • Creative
    • Content
    • Communications Platforms
    The Content Creation process by Dean Cothill

    On the one hand this is a chronological process but its also so important to look back and keep the flow going…

    1. The Creative

    So whether it’s a new ad campaign or sermon series, or new ideation project of any kind, this is where the magic happens.

    In the creative space, there are no rules. Yes you heard me, no rules. No dream is too big, no idea is too crazy. This is creation in it purest form. Dream. Go Big. Get food and coffee for everyone. Get your favourite snacks and get the team in a beautiful place and come up with every idea under the sun.

    Put it all on the wall. Every idea. Every single one.

    The beauty of the creative process lies in its unpredictable nature. It is a journey of self-discovery, filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. It is a process that requires us to let go of our need for control and surrender to the unknown. It is in this surrender that we are able to tap into our true potential and create something truly beautiful and authentic. The creative process is a dance between the conscious and unconscious mind, a collaboration between the logical and the intuitive. It is a process that allows us to connect with our deepest desires and bring them to life. It is a journey that teaches us to trust ourselves and our vision, and to have faith in the unknown. In short, the creative process is a breathtaking, wondrous adventure that has the power to transform us and the world around us.

    2. The Content

    • Graphics
    • Photos
    • Videos
    • Graphic Design
    • Interior Design
    • Copy

    Here is where the method meets the madness. In the Creation Narrative in the book of Genesis we see that The Spirit hovers over the water and brings order to the chaos, the earth is formless and void. We can all the ideas in the world but if they aren’t ordered and structured, they will just remain ideas.

    So you and your team have a CREATIVE LIST now, you then choose and grab the best ones that line up with what you guys wanna do, now the question is, how do you communicate those ideas to the world? Video maybe? Some still images? Blog posts? Each creative idea must find a “vessel”.

    3. The Communications Platforms

    Here quite simply, videos go to particular places (Social media platforms). Words go to particular places. Graphics also go somewhere else. If the team has decided that video is the medium that will be used, here are some questions then. As a team you guys have settled on which social media platforms you guys wanna and need to be on. You can read more here.

    • How long is the video?
    • Do we make one long video and break it down into smaller shorter content pieces? Can we :screen grab” images from the video?
    • Can we use the audio from the video for other platforms?
    • Will we shoot is 16×9 or rather look at specifics for short form video platforms?
    • Do we then take that video and grab still from it for social media posts?
    • How does the video then define the narrative for our copy and blogposts?
    • What goes on YouTube and what goes on IG or TikTok?
    • From the copy and voice overs we have created, how many tweets can we get?

    All these questions inform our content creation funnel…

    Content Creation Funnel by Dean Cothill

    Here as we go down the funnel, the prices of content “become smaller” and the platforms for the communication process also changes. Audio goes here and video goes there, still go there and copy goes here. Here we will use various forms and make sure they work well together on that specific platform, like your blog or website. The “look and feel” of the video can be used for stage and interior design layouts. All the pieces of the puzzle slowly start to fit together.

    So you have actually only created “1 piece of content”, a 3 minute video, but it informs everything else about the project and actually makes our lives much easier down the road.

    In a nutshell – a content creation funnel is the creation and circulation of helpful content – blogs, social media posts, videos, newsletters – to current and prospective visitors and guests! (See image 1)

    Other tips include to keep a running list of ideas. This could be a physical notebook, a document on your computer, or even just a list on your phone. Whenever an idea pops into your head, jot it down. This way, when it comes time to actually sit down and create content, you’ll have a wealth of ideas to choose from.

    Finally, don’t be afraid to get brave and have fun with the process. Content creation should be an expression of your thoughts, ideas, and personality. Don’t worry about perfection or trying to please “everyone” – just focus on creating something that is authentic and true to you and your team.

    So there you have it – a few tips to help make the content creation process a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. I hope they inspire you to embrace your creativity and start creating the content you’ve always dreamed of. Happy creating!

    Much love

    Dean

  • How to Develop a Weekly Creative and Communications Rhythm in your teams

    How to Develop a Weekly Creative and Communications Rhythm in your teams

    Have you ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks and responsibilities you have on your plate? Or have you ever noticed that you tend to procrastinate on certain tasks and projects, leading to last minute rushes and less than optimal results? If so, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. But there is a solution that can help you save time, increase productivity, and build momentum for your organization: developing routines and habits. We all know how it goes, new ideas, new vision boards, new decor and stage elements and at a crazy pace.

    In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the benefits of establishing routines and habits, as well as providing tips on how to create and maintain them. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be able to streamline your daily tasks and make progress on your long-term goals with greater ease and efficiency. So if you’re ready to take control of your time and boost your productivity, keep reading!

    This is a no-brainer for some things.

    Think about the chaos that would ensue if every week, your church had to ask everyone if they could come to worship on Sunday and what time would work best for them. Based on the responses, the leaders would then decide on a time and let everyone know. Can you imagine the extra work that would involve? And the uncertainty of not knowing when you should show up would likely lead to inconsistent attendance. Instead, churches establish a routine of meeting at the same time(s) every week until further notice. This allows people to easily incorporate the weekly gathering into their schedules. So, by having a consistent routine, everyone benefits!

    This same principle can be applied to almost all church communications.

    Save time and energy by deciding on a weekly communication routine and sticking to it. This can include what goes on your website, what you post to social media, and what emails you send out. This way, you won’t have to make these decisions every week. Having a consistent routine will help you stay organized and keep your communication channels running smoothly. Make sure that you and your team are on the same page from the get-go.

    Not only will a weekly communication routine help you stay organized and keep your communication channels running smoothly, it can also improve your church’s search engine optimization (SEO). This means that your website will rank higher in search results, bringing more visitors to your site. This is because search engines love fresh content, and the more consistent you are in producing and sharing it, the more people will see and share it. So, by developing a routine for your communication efforts, you can benefit both your internal organization and your online presence.

    5 Things to Include in Your Weekly Creative Communications Rhythm

    Every church is different. The resources, staff, volunteers and types of communication that work best for each church will vary. But somehow we all keep get the same message of DO MORE DO MORE! Slow down, take a deep breath and set it all out before you. It would be impossible to create a weekly communications rhythm that would work for every church. Instead, I’m going to propose some options or ideas to consider and build on for yourself and or your team. None of this is fool proof, we can only plan so much and we can only be so proactive, but I hope this helps…

    1) The Message

    I recommend sharing audio, video, notes, resources, and action steps from your weekend message as soon as possible after the gathering. Ideally, this can be done on Sunday afternoon if you’re crazy enough, I remember editing photos and videos during the sermon to get stories and visuals out before the end of the service, I was crazy enough to try test myself to see if I can finish editing and then still get to the front of the stage to pray for people, but Monday morning works too.

    It’s best to create a separate post or article for each week’s message (instead of adding to an existing page). This way, you can easily share the post on your social channels and make it easier for people to find and access. By sharing this content, you’ll be able to engage with your community and provide valuable resources for them to continue learning and growing.

    2) Newsletter

    It’s important to keep your community informed about what’s happening at your church. We recommend sharing news and announcements on your website and via email. To make things easier, try doing this the day after you post your sermon to the website. That way, you can mention and link to the sermon materials in your newsletter. This will help your congregation stay in the loop and stay connected to the happenings of your church. By keeping everyone informed, you can foster a sense of community and keep your church running smoothly.

    3) Devotionals (and even groups materials)

    One way that churches can help their congregations stay focused on Jesus and the weekly theme is by writing and sharing daily devotions. Some churches do this for a short season, while others make it a regular part of their routine. You can also use devotional materials written by others. These devotionals can be shared on your website, via email, and on social media channels. This is a great way to keep your community engaged and connected, and to provide spiritual nourishment on a daily basis. Whether you write your own devotionals or use materials from others, we hope that these resources will help you grow in your faith and strengthen your connection with Jesus.

    The Bible App is an amazing tool that’ll assist you and your local church do this really well.

    4) Mid-week nugget

    If your church is not publishing daily devotions, another option would be to post something in the middle of the week to encourage, inspire or challenge your congregation. This could be:

    • A blog post by the pastors
    • A short, 1-2 minute audio or video clip from the weekend message
    • A testimonial from a member of the congregation
    • Pictures, video or story of the people of your congregation living out their faith, responses from the weekend, kids church appraisal etc.

    5) Weekend teaser

    Want to build excitement for your upcoming weekend service? A great way to do this is by posting a question related to the message on your social channels. Friday afternoon is a good time to do this, as it gives people time to think about their response and engage with the content. When crafting your question, try to make it something that is easy for people to respond to. If it’s too personal or too theological, you may not get much engagement. By asking a thought-provoking question, you can spark conversation and interest in your upcoming service.

    In conclusion, developing a weekly creative and communications rhythm can greatly benefit your church team. By establishing routines and habits, you can streamline your tasks and make progress on your long-term goals with greater ease and efficiency. Some strategies to consider include deciding on a weekly communication routine, sharing audio, video, notes, resources, and action steps from your weekend message, keeping your community informed about what’s happening at your church, writing and sharing daily devotions, and posting thought-provoking questions on social media. By implementing these strategies, you can foster a sense of community, stay organized and on track, and effectively communicate with your congregation. We hope that these tips will help you develop a weekly creative and communications rhythm that works for your church team.

  • How can our church get more local reviews on Google Business?

    How can our church get more local reviews on Google Business?

    Now that you know how to get onto Google Business and you’ve got that up and running…

    Where to from here?

    Google reviews are an important aspect of any local churches online presence. Not only do they help to improve the visibility of your church in search results, but they also serve as a trusted source of information for potential church visitors or guests. In today’s digital age, (church goers/seekers/christians/consumers) rely heavily on the opinions of others when making purchasing decisions, and Google reviews provide a platform for your “people” to share their experiences with your church. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Google reviews are so important for your local listings and how they can help to drive traffic to your church.

    Did you know… the number of Google reviews is one of the biggest factors in Google’s local search algorithm?

    Take a moment and see for yourself:

    • Google “church in [your city].”
    • Look under the map at the “Local 3 Pack,” add together the number of reviews the 3 churches there have, and divide by 3 to get the average number of reviews.
    • Click the map in the Local 3 Pack to see the top 20 results in Google maps
    • Scroll down and take a look at how many reviews churches towards the bottom of the top 20 have.

    Big difference, right?

    How do you get more Google reviews for your church?

    Glad you asked. Here are…

    3 Ways to Get More Google Reviews for Your Church

    1) Add a Google Business Profile icon/link in the header or footer of your website.

    By placing social media icons that link to your church’s profiles on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can encourage members to review your Google Business Profile. Including these icons makes it easy for visitors to access and read all of the positive reviews that your church has already received. This simple step can help to drive traffic and engagement on your online profiles, as well as improve the overall visibility of your church in search results.

    2) Post a request for reviews to social media.

    One way to encourage your followers on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to leave reviews for your church is to post a request for reviews and include a link to your Google Business Profile. Remind people that by posting a review, they are not only sharing their positive experiences with your church, but they are also helping to improve your church’s search rankings and reach a wider audience online. Highlighting the specific ways in which your church has made an impact on people’s lives through the power of God can be a particularly effective way to motivate people to visit your church in person on Sunday.

    3) Send email and/or texts to members asking them to post a review.

    As it becomes increasingly difficult to reach people through social media channels, email and text message communication can be effective alternatives. Both of these mediums tend to have high open rates, and you can make your request for reviews more personalized in an email or text. When asking for reviews through email or text, be sure to include a link to your Google Business Profile and explain how the reviews will help your church achieve its mission. It’s also important to be mindful of Google’s efforts to combat fake reviews. If your church receives a large number of reviews in a short period of time, it may be flagged by Google’s algorithm as suspicious. To avoid this, it’s best to aim for a steady stream of reviews rather than a sudden influx.

    To avoid triggering any red flags with Google’s algorithm, it’s best to gradually collect reviews from your congregation rather than sending a mass email all at once. A good goal is to aim for around 5 reviews per week. You can start by sending an email request to a small group of people, such as 20 individuals, and then assess the response after a week. If you receive a high number of reviews, such as 10, you can scale down the number of people you email the following week. On the other hand, if you only receive a few reviews, you can try increasing the number of people you email to see if that leads to more reviews. This approach allows you to adjust your strategy based on the response rate and ensure that you are collecting reviews at a natural and sustainable pace. Natural and organic is key here.

    In today’s digital world, Google reviews are more critical than ever for local communities, businesses and churches. Not only do they help to improve the visibility of your church in search results, but they also serve as a trusted source of information for potential visitors and guests. By encouraging your people to leave reviews and actively managing your online reputation, you can build trust and credibility with potential guests and drive traffic to your community. So don’t underestimate the power of Google reviews – they are an essential part of any successful digital marketing strategy.

    Let’s stay in touch

    Grace and Peace

    Dean

  • Let’s show some gratitude online…

    Let’s show some gratitude online…

    Less grumpy, more gratitude.

    Gratitude is a powerful emotion that has the ability to transform our lives and relationships for the better. It can help us to appreciate the people, experiences, and things that bring joy and meaning to our lives. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of cultivating gratitude, and provide tips for how to make it a daily practice. By learning to express gratitude regularly, we can improve our mental and physical well-being, strengthen our relationships, and lead more fulfilling lives.

    How to show gratitude online

    One way to show gratitude to people online is to simply say “thank you” when they do something that you appreciate. This can be as simple as thanking someone for answering a question or providing a helpful suggestion. It’s important to be sincere and specific when expressing gratitude, so be sure to mention what you are thanking the person for and why you appreciate it.

    Another way to show gratitude is to express your appreciation for someone’s character or actions. For example, you might say something like “I really appreciate your kindness and generosity” or “I’m so grateful for your support and encouragement.” By focusing on the person’s positive qualities, you can show that you value them as an individual and not just for what they have done for you.

    A third way to show gratitude is to offer a small gesture of appreciation, such as sending a virtual gift or sending a handwritten note. These gestures can be especially meaningful if you are unable to be physically present with the person.

    A fourth way to show gratitude is to simply be there for someone when they need it. Whether it’s offering a listening ear or providing practical assistance, being a supportive presence can mean a lot to someone who is going through a difficult time.

    A fifth way to show gratitude is to make an effort to stay in touch with people, even when you are busy or live far apart. A simple message or phone call can go a long way in letting someone know that you care about them and value their friendship.

    A sixth way to show gratitude is to celebrate the achievements and milestones of the people in your life. Whether it’s a big accomplishment or a small win, taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate someone’s success can mean a lot to them.

    Finally, a seventh way to show gratitude is to simply be grateful and express your appreciation for the people in your life on a regular basis. This can be as simple as telling someone “I’m so glad to have you in my life” or sending a message to let them know that you are thinking of them. By expressing your gratitude frequently and consistently, you can strengthen your relationships and build deeper connections with the people in your life.

    So let’s break it down…

    1. “Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it.”
    2. “I can’t thank you enough for your advice and guidance.”
    3. “I’m grateful to you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.”
    4. “I appreciate your willingness to lend a helping hand.”
    5. “Thank you for being such a great support and encouragement.”
    6. “I’m grateful for your kind words and encouragement.”
    7. “Thank you for always being there for me and for your ongoing support.”

    There you go, copy and paste these into a few chats…

    Let’s have an attitude of gratitude, together, online.

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • 25 Ways to Promote your Church’s New Years Vision on Social Media

    25 Ways to Promote your Church’s New Years Vision on Social Media

    Vision Sunday is around the corner isn’t it? What’s the word? What’s the statement that’s being plastered everywhere? Where are we going as a church this year? Whats the plan? Here a couple of ideas to try and nudge you and your team in the right direction…

    Right away… Let go!

    1) Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp etc to recruit a virtual DREAM TEAM, people in your church who are engaged in social media and will help lead efforts to promote the Christmas production. Call them your social media INFLUENCERS (LOL) if you will…

    2) Create a social media promotional schedule in Google Docs. Share it with your dream team, get their input, add to it & improve it based on their input. Make a WhatsApp group if you want to share details quickly…

    3) Create a Facebook event for your activation or the start of your years service(s).

    4) Post the event to your church’s Facebook page, invite guests, invite your friends. (Your church does have a Facebook page, right?) Right? See more here.

    5) You & your virtual dream team share the event on your personal Facebook profiles & encourage others to do the same. Share. Share. Share.

    6) Post the event to any other social media profiles your church may have (Twitter, Instagram, etc)

    7) You & your virtual dream team share your church’s post promoting the event on your personal profiles (Twitter, Instagram, etc)

    8 ) Run a Facebook ad to promote your Christmas production. Boost or promote the post and get more engagement

    Create a promotional video for your Christmas service, and…

    9) Put the promotional video on YouTube, TikTok and Facebook, see number 10.

    10) Share the YouTube video on your church’s Facebook page.

    11) You & your virtual dream team share the YouTube video on your personal Facebook profiles and encourage others to do the same. Send the link on your WhatsApp groups and get as many people sharing…

    12) Share the video to any other social media profiles your church may have (Twitter, Instagram, etc)

    13) You & your dream street team share your church’s video promoting the event on your personal accounts on those same social platforms (Twitter, Instagram, etc)

    Reach out to other local organizations

    14) Find local online guides that have an event calendar. Submit your event, embed or link to the YouTube video. Local churches in PE will be familiar with http://pechurchnet.co.za/

    15) Find the Facebook pages for your city, chamber of commerce, & other local community organizations. “Like” their page. Then post the Facebook event to their wall if you can do that in a non-spammy way. Make friends. Be nice. Get the word out…

    16) Find on other social platforms (Twitter, Instagram, etc) profiles for your city, chamber of commerce, & other local community organizations. Send them a DM & ask if they would share your post about your Christmas production. Really make it a community event.

    If your Activation or Vision Sunday services span more than one Sunday…

    17) Post pics from the first day/night to your church’s Facebook page. Be sure to tag as many people as you can. Tagging will cause those pics to show up on those people’s profiles for them and their friends to see.

    18) You and your dream team share those pics on your Facebook profiles. Tag tag tag.

    19) Post some of the pics to your church’s other social profiles (Twitter, Instagram, etc)

    20) You and the dream team, share those pics. Personally.

    21) Create a video that includes footage from the opening day & short comments from people afterwards saying good things about it. Post the video to YouTube.

    22) Share the opening day/night video on your church’s Facebook pages and groups…

    23) You & your virtual dream team share the opening night video on your personal Facebook profiles & encourage others to do the same.

    24) Share the opening night video using your church’s other social accounts (Twitter, Instagram, etc).

    25) You & your virtual dream team share your church’s posts of the opening day/night video on other social accounts (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok etc).

  • The Joy and The Journey

    The Joy and The Journey

    The joy and the journey,

    A brand new year begun.

    Promises made in good faith,

    To be carried out, one by one.

    The road ahead is long,

    But we’ll travel it with grace.

    With hope in our hearts and fire in our soul,

    We’ll make our mark in this place.

    The future is ours to shape,

    With hard work and determination.

    We’ll turn our dreams into reality,

    No obstacle too great to overcome.

    So let us embrace the new year,

    With open arms and open hearts.

    The joy and the journey,

    A brand new start.

  • Should insecurity stop me from…

    Should insecurity stop me from…

    A few days ago I was up early and a cold misty morning at Sardinia Bay was not the most auspicious of starts, but as I wrapped my red KWAY Jacket around me and trudged up the sandy dune (LOL if you know exactly what I mean), the sand was cold and the mist was thick. Even made it hard to see as the air was so moist… Can see more here about Sards.

    I ran down the dune to get my feet warm and hit the water and it was freezing cold and so I just followed the shore and kept walking. Calm, windless, misty Sards. I made my way about 500 down the beach and just surround by mist, I saw these 3 Dark Horses in the distance. So I continued my way down the beach and got a very flat section of the ocean, a pond like, very flat swimming pool if you will. Ice cold water and perfect for a morning swim.

    As they approached the shore, the group of horses standing at the water’s edge didn’t move, their dark coats glistening with the morning dew. They were majestic creatures, with powerful muscles rippling beneath their skin and eyes that seemed to penetrate my very soul. They just have so much presence and I was so nervous that I had interrupted their walk, that I was getting in the way somehow. So I asked one of the jockeys if everything is ok, if I should move or leave “their space”, if they wanna get in the water.

    And she gently replied, “No please, them seeing you in the water is giving them the courage to consider getting in the water, as they never want to walk in water, ever. So this is amazing. Thank you.

    So I asked nervously if I may approach the horses and she said I could…

    I approached cautiously, not wanting to startle them, but as I drew near, one of the horses turned its head towards me and let out a soft whinny. I couldn’t help but smile at the greeting, and I reached out a hand to stroke the horse’s nose. To my surprise, the horse nuzzled my hand and I let out a contented sigh. I couldn’t believe it – these wild creatures seemed almost tame, as if they were waiting for me to arrive. (I know that sounds ridiculous…)

    I spent the next 10 minutes walking with with the horses, marveling at their beauty and grace as they walked gently in the shallow water, almost to my knees at times. I had never felt such a strong connection with an animal before, and I knew that this was a moment I would always treasure. I felt Gale (more about that later and my YouTube channel coming soon) Story time with Dean and Gale, say, Dean if you’re brave enough, you will give other people the courage and bravery to also step into cold situations and take some risks for their dreams. And that’s all I hope to do here… Light a fire in your bones.

    And then almost instantly, the jockey gestured to her friends and the horses turned around and they said good bye, and then I was alone, with what felt like the most Holy Moment just before sunrise… I quickly whipped of my clothes and dived into the freezing water, Goodness me what a wake up. Best. Feeling. Ever.

    As I turned to head back home, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the magic of the natural world. It was moments like these that made me believe that there was still so much out there waiting to be discovered, and that life was full of endless possibilities. I realised then that goodness me I long for the wild, I long for the cold on my skin, I longed for the insecurity and unpredictability that the weather and the wild could produce.

    As humans, we are hardwired to seek security and predictability. It’s a natural instinct that helps us feel safe and grounded in a rapidly changing world. But sometimes, following our dreams requires us to make scary, insecure decisions that challenge the status quo and push us out of our comfort zone. (And sometimes we need someone to show us that some things are possible…)

    For many of us, the thought of taking a risk and stepping into the unknown is downright terrifying. We worry about failing, making mistakes, or being judged by others, the fear that maybe the water is too cold and I don’t know what I could find in the depths? These fears can hold us back and prevent us from pursuing our passions and living the lives we truly want.

    But as Brene Brown says, “the only way to get to the other side of fear is to walk through it.” In other words, the only way to achieve our dreams is to embrace the fear and uncertainty that comes with making bold moves.

    This doesn’t mean that we should blindly charge ahead into the open seas and hope for the best without considering the potential consequences. (I think of Frozen 2 here) It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and make informed decisions. But it does mean that we should be willing to take calculated risks and embrace the potential for failure as part of the journey.

    Making scary, insecure decisions can also be an opportunity for growth and learning. When we face challenges and setbacks, we have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger. These experiences can help us develop resilience and build the courage to take on even bigger challenges in the future. one small step into the water turns into an open water swim turns into an icy swim in the arctic circle. My prayer is that your dreams would frighten and awaken you to your core.

    But perhaps most importantly, making scary, insecure decisions allows us to live authentically and follow our hearts. It’s easy to get caught up in the expectations of others or the societal norms of what we “should” be doing. But when we make the brave choice to pursue our dreams, we are able to live a life that is true to ourselves and fulfill our unique purpose.

    At 19 I started to play the guitar for our little local youth ministry in Benoni. (Yes I have photos and no I won’t share them, LOL) And I recall the bravery I summoned to perform for a small audience of like 20, even though it took a million wrong notes to find the right melody and key. I remember the insecure steps I took to my first job interview as I tried to impress the boss with all the “right” words”. I remember the strength I had to pull out of my self when I had to stand for something I believed in and no one stood up with me, leaving me without a job, but standing up for what I believe was right. I even remember the insecure teenager who knelt on his girlfriends kitchen floor and asked her to marry him.

    Now, we seek clarity and stability, but the truth is they aren’t real. You know this to be true with in yourself.

    So if you’re feeling scared or uncertain about making a big decision, remember that it’s okay to be afraid. It’s a natural part of the process. But don’t let your fear hold you back from chasing your dreams. Embrace the insecurity and take that first step towards making your dreams a reality. You never know where it might lead you…

    I’ll come with a couple lines from my favourite band, Switchfoot. (Thanks Jon)

    We found a way out
    The city takes everything it can
    But outside the crowds
    I can feel my lungs again

    Born for the blue skies
    We’ll survive the rain
    Born for the sunrise
    We’ll survive the pain

    Listen here.

    Grace and Peace

    Dean