Increasingly, churches are using outsourcing for help with communications. For most industries, certain professional standards are expected by outsourcing organizations.

Called “industry promises,” I’ve listed seven that churches should be able to expect from providers of church communications.

For this discussion church communications refers to Information Technology (software applications and computer hardware), marketing, media (Internet, broadcast, print), website and content management.

Providers of church communications will:

1. Keep their word and never promise to do the impossible. “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’.” (Matthew 5:37)

During the sales process, providers will often say, “Yes, we can do that.” Absent mitigating circumstances, all commitments should be kept. If not, then, as broadcasters do when advertising fails to run as promised, “You make it good.” If something can’t be done, it’s never appropriate to suggest otherwise, just to make the customer happy in the short-term. That approach will eventually fail. As a rule, it’s better to under promise and over deliver.

2. Make recommendations that are really practical and necessary. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10)

Churches are entrusted by their congregations, and God, to use funds wisely. Practical recommendations strengthen trust. A provider that ensures positive returns from investments in communications products and services demonstrates an understanding of biblical stewardship. This can lead to increased opportunities for partnership.

3. Share information and teach others. “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18)

We live in a time when everything’s on the line for the gospel. Global communication is changing rapidly. Churches need a vast amount of knowledge from their partners to keep up. They need it now. At the same time, volunteers and young professionals being called into church communications will greatly benefit from the providers expert instruction.

4. Never lose sight of the fact that technology and media are just tools. “He is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)

Technology and media are powerful accelerators for the gospel. They can exponentially expand outreach. But, technology isn’t the focus. Christ is. Media isn’t the mission. Spreading the gospel is.

5. Listen intently, speak honestly and show respect. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19) “Show proper respect to everyone.” (1 Peter 2:17)

Listening two times longer than time spent talking is one way to show genuine interest. It also doubles the listener’s opportunity for a clear understanding of what the customer truly needs and values. When there is a difference of opinion, disagree, agreeably. Focus on the objectives of the relationship. Keep the process moving toward.

6. Maintain a spirit of cooperation. “Se we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” (Nehemiah 4:6)

Never in history has the Church been able to reach the entire world with the gospel. Communication technologies have made it possible. No one church, ministry or organization will accomplish this mission alone. Every church-provider partnership is an opportunity for working together with one heart and mind.

7. Meet or exceed expectations of performance excellence. “They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God’s will.” (2 Corinthians 8:5, God’s Word Translation)

Doing what was mutually agreed upon is the expected minimum standard for success in any partnership. Webster’s definition for exceed: “Go beyond. Be or do something to a greater degree.” Acting on opportunities to help in unexpected ways is like compounding interest. It will add ever increasing value to the relationship. Do what’s expected and then…at no extra charge…do some more.

Making & Keeping Promises

Church communications is a vibrant, dynamic and fast growing field of work. Churches will continue to turn part of this work over to outside organizations.

I’m not aware of an association that exists to set industry standards for providers. Individual organizations will have to establish a set of principles on their own.

A majority of providers making and keeping promises will strengthen and promote all professionals using communication technologies to help churches advance the kingdom.

Questions: What other promises should churches be able to expect from providers? If you serve the church, what promises do you make?