Communicate Church: A Fishhook Podcast

A weekly podcast helping churches think strategically about communications, social media, branding, design, websites, and more. Produced by Fishhook, a full-service church communications agency based in Indianapolis, working with churches and Christ-centered non-profits around the country.

Introducing: Making Church Work 04/03/2020

Introducing: Making Church Work We're excited to be launching a brand new Fishhook podcast. Be the first to hear episode one. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/13835249

89: Wit and Wisdom, Part 3 06/05/2019

89: Wit and Wisdom, Part 3 Does your team have little phrases or quips that have become part of your everyday language? Short sentences that encapsulate some of the wit and wisdom you've gathered over the years? In this series, we are sharing the church comm "Wit and wisdom" Fishhook has gathered over the years. These short, encouraging phrases are meant to encourage, inspire, and clarify the work you do as church communicators. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/10048163

88: Wit and Wisdom, Part 2 05/30/2019

88: Wit and Wisdom, Part 2 Does your team have little phrases or quips that have become part of your everyday language? Short sentences that encapsulate some of the wit and wisdom you've gathered over the years? In this series, we are sharing the church comm "Wit and wisdom" Fishhook has gathered over the years. These short, encouraging phrases are meant to encourage, inspire, and clarify the work you do as church communicators. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/9987479

87: Wit and Wisdom, Part 1 05/22/2019

87: Wit and Wisdom, Part 1 Does your team have little phrases or quips that have become part of your everyday language? Short sentences that encapsulate some of the wit and wisdom you've gathered over the years? In this episode, Aimee and Adam kick off a series where we talk about the wit and wisdom Fishhook has gathered over there years. These short, encouraging phrases are meant to encourage, inspire, and clarify the work you do as church communicators. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/9880616

86: The Big 3 of Online Ministry Strategy 05/08/2019

86: The Big 3 of Online Ministry Strategy Digital tools often get lumped together. Social media, website, email marketing. But are they really unique tools that require more intentional strategies? In this episode, Aimee outlines what she sees as the "Big 3" for online ministry strategy. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/9694631

85: Same Mission, New Tools 03/27/2019

85: Same Mission, New Tools As a church, your mission never changes. Collectively, we are all focused on helping people know and growing closer to Jesus. But what happens when the tools and technology we use change? Do we stick to what is familiar and established? Or should we expand our options and take a chance on new ways of thinking and serving? /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/9150311

84: Personalities and Communication, Part 2: Enneagram 02/13/2019

84: Personalities and Communication, Part 2: Enneagram In part two of our conversation on personalities and communication, Jamie and Lindsay share their experience with Enneagram and talk about how hard it can be to work at a church. Plus we share a ton of resources to help you explore personality and work on your own and with your team. Links Mentioned: by Christopher Heuertz on Instagram by Susan Cain by Peter Scazzero /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/8620787

83: Personalites and Communication, Part 1: Myers-Briggs 02/13/2019

83: Personalites and Communication, Part 1: Myers-Briggs Personality assessments like Myers-Briggs and Enneagram are all rage these days. But are they actually helpful? Jamie and Lindsay sit down with Adam to talk about the ways personality tools have helped them personally and how Fishhook has utilized tools and systems like these to fuel team growth and effectiveness. In part one of this series, we focus on Myers-Briggs. Check out part two for the Enneagram and a whole host of resources and tools that can help you and your team continue to grow and thrive. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/8617808

82: Church Design Trends in 2019 01/30/2019

82: Church Design Trends in 2019 Good design is about solutions. Our lead graphic designer, Meredith, is joining the podcast today to talk about trends in solving problems through design in 2019. Along the way, we talk about what churches are doing well and a few things we would encourage them to stop doing when it comes to design. (Hint: stop copying.) /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/8455592

81: Church Website Trends in 2019 01/23/2019

81: Church Website Trends in 2019 “Your website is your welcome mat.” If there’s any truth to the stat that 80% of people will visit your website before they show up at your church, you need to make sure you know what is happening with church websites in 2019. Our Lead Web Developer, , joins Shayla and me for a conversation about what is happening with church websites. What are the trends? Which platforms are we using? What do churches need to stop doing and start doing with their websites this year? Links Mentioned: /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/8357486

80: Healthier, Encouraged, and Equipped in 2019 01/22/2019

80: Healthier, Encouraged, and Equipped in 2019 The podcast is back for another year! We're really excited for the work ahead and the conversations we get to be a part of with local churches all across the country. In this first episode of the year, we catch up on the holiday break, talk about what's coming on the podcast this year, and share a little bit about our team kick off to 2019. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/8335409

79: Navigating Our Own Leadership Transition 12/12/2018

79: Navigating Our Own Leadership Transition Leah and Evan sit down to look back at 2018. Both express their gratitude for the work, the relationships, and the path of Fishhook. Evan shares what he has been wrestling with in recent months and years and unpacks the news of his transition away from leading the Fishhook team. It's an honest, vulnerable conversation, but also one filled with appreciation and confidence in God's faithfulness. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/7889063

78: Why You Need to Define Your Audience 11/28/2018

78: Why You Need to Define Your Audience Who is your church trying to reach? If you have a hard time answering that question with a specific answer, we want to help you out! Every church is in a specific place, with specific resources, at a specific time—so you have a unique opportunity to reach certain people in ways other churches can't. Aimee and Shayla talk about how to identify your audience, why it matters, and what next steps you can take to help your church leaders understand the importance of audience. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/7717316

77: Dale Sellers - Unique Challenges for Small Churches 11/14/2018

77: Dale Sellers - Unique Challenges for Small Churches In this episode, Dale Sellers from the 95 Network joins us to talk about three unique challenges small churches are facing today. Dale brings practical experience and a deep passion for small churches, which he calls the "bread and butter" of the church in America. More than 95% of churches today are less than 500 people. How can church leaders lead with a strong mission and vision? How do they create a discipleship path? Dale brings practical insight and an inspiring drive to help small churches thrive. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/7556789

76: Preparing to Speak and a Peak Behind the Scenes at Fishhook 10/11/2018

76: Preparing to Speak and a Peak Behind the Scenes at Fishhook Get a chance to hear behind the scenes in this episode as prepares for speaking at the Alignment Conference. and also share how they each approach preparing for a talk, workshop, or teaching a class. Then, Evan walks us through his main points for his talk entitled, "Communicating in Your Context." Links Mentioned: /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/7157080

75: How Can Doers and Dreamers Work Together? 09/19/2018

75: How Can Doers and Dreamers Work Together? Every team needs a vision and people who can make the dream a reality. The challenge then becomes helping the dreamers and the doers move in the same direction. How do you begin to bridge the gap between people or teams that see the world in fundamentally different ways? In this conversation, Evan and Lindsay share their personal experiences of learning to communicate and work together as dreamers and doers. There is so much wisdom and insight in this episode, so you get a longer episode than normal! /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/7060099

74: Tech Roundup - IGTV, Facebook Groups, Bible Lens, and More 08/29/2018

74: Tech Roundup - IGTV, Facebook Groups, Bible Lens, and More Aimee Cottle is back and we have plenty of updates for you. Get a rundown on all the places Fishhook will be this fall. Plus, we break down some of the latest tech updates – IGTV, Facebook Groups, Bible Lens, and more. Links: /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6981647

73: You Can't Run This Place on Love Alone, pt. 2 08/22/2018

73: You Can't Run This Place on Love Alone, pt. 2 Evan and Shayla continue the conversation about running your communications team with an agency mindset. Whether you are a team of one or a fully-staffed department, there is something for everyone in this continued conversation. Hear how you can move beyond managing your own time to leading a team and influencing others to operate for effective, efficient project work that fulfills the mission of your church. Free Downloadable: /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6952972

72: You Can't Run This Place on Love Alone 08/15/2018

72: You Can't Run This Place on Love Alone We're back! After a summer podcast hiatus, Evan and Shayla sit down to talk about a key mindset we have shared with many, many churches: running your communications team with an agency mindset. Whether you are a team of one or a fully-staffed department, there is something for everyone in this first part of a two-episode conversation. Links mentioned: by Charles Duhigg /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6926508

71: A Special Event, Instagram TV, and Summer Tips 07/11/2018

71: A Special Event, Instagram TV, and Summer Tips Summer is flying by and we are checking back in to share some fun updates, including details for a special event taking place in July. Aimee shares her quick review of the new Instagram TV feature, and we share some rapid-fire tips for you to make the most out of the remaining time in your summer. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6796743

70: Moving Out of the Margin, Committing to Action 06/06/2018

70: Moving Out of the Margin, Committing to Action In this episode, and talk about the journey Fishhook took to move online engagement out of the margin and into the main focus of our own marketing. Hear the story of how Aimee joined the team, and consider what you and your church might want to move from the fringe of your efforts and into the center of your work. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6672325

69: At the Movies – Field of Dreams 05/30/2018

69: At the Movies – Field of Dreams Sometimes, a great movie or book can help us see truth and bring clarity to a new way of thinking about ministry. In this episode of Communicate Church, we are taking a swing at our own version of "At the Movies," with a full episode talking about the baseball classic, Field of Dreams. shares wisdom, insight, and a few favorite scenes from this summer favorite. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6646126

68: Pursuing Goals is More Important Than Hitting Goals 05/22/2018

68: Pursuing Goals is More Important Than Hitting Goals For some, goal setting is a natural part of their work. For others, goals feeling constricting or even unnecessary. In this episode of Communicate Church, Aimee talks to Adam about why goal setting matters and what churches give up by not being intentional to set and pursue goals. Links mentioned: /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6623255

67: 1 Fishhook in 3 Cities 05/16/2018

67: 1 Fishhook in 3 Cities Big news this week: we are heading to two new cities! In this episode, hear about our plans to set up shop in two new cities beyond Indianapolis. Plus learn more about our next pop-up workshop, taking place on May 31. Also, we have an experiment. We'd love to hear from you! Questions? Thoughts? Any feedback about the podcast? Send us an email at [email protected] Links: blog post about expansion Music at the end of the episode from /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6599933

66: Nona Jones - Facebook is a Ministry Platform 05/09/2018

66: Nona Jones - Facebook is a Ministry Platform Nona Jones leads Global Faith-Based Partnerships for Facebook and she's on our podcast today. After hearing her speak at the Big Idea Conference, we knew that our listeners had to hear her powerful message for churches. In this episode, she shares practical tips on how you can leverage Facebook as a ministry platform and will stretch your thinking about how to engage with people in the digital world. Plus, we talk about a new strategic partnership just announced between Facebook and the YouVersion Bible App. Nona is passionate, hilarious, and focused on helping churches make disciples around the world through Facebook. We know you will love this extended interview. You can find Nona on Facebook (of course) at facebook.com/IAmNonaJones and on Instagram, @IamNonaJones. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6570062

33: Kem Meyer - Less Chaos. Less Noise. Effective Communications for an Effective Church 05/02/2018

33: Kem Meyer - Less Chaos. Less Noise. Effective Communications for an Effective Church We interviewed Kem Meyer, author of “Less Chaos. Less Noise.: Effective Communications for an Effective Church.” In this episode of Communicate Church, Kem shares some of the lessons she learned during her 12-year career as a church communications director and how she hopes her book will help church communicators “stop the crazy.” This is a rebroadcast of an interview from March 2017. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6547320

65: On the Road at The Big Idea Conference 04/25/2018

65: On the Road at The Big Idea Conference It's an experimental episode! Follow along as part of the Fishhook team travels to Nashville, Tennessee! Evan, Shayla, and Adam headed south to present at The Big Idea conference. Plus, a surprise guest joins the road trip. Listen in on the conversations on the road and in-between sessions as you learn more about the people and the story of Fishhook. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6518705

64: Instagram is Waiting for You to Reach People 04/18/2018

64: Instagram is Waiting for You to Reach People In this episode, and explore every aspect of Instagram. Whether you are new to the platform or are trying to master Stories, this episode has something for you. The big take away: start using Instagram to rally your church and reach out to your community. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6492023

63: Guest Experience Through the Eyes of a Designer 04/11/2018

63: Guest Experience Through the Eyes of a Designer We've made the jump to releasing new episodes every week! In this episode, we are talking about the guest experience through the eyes of our two Fishhook designers, Meredith and Jeremiah. From your website to the parking lot to the worship service slides, design choices are everywhere. Clear is better than clever and this episode will help you understand why. /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6466177

62: Facebook - Fear, Controversy and Opportunity 04/04/2018

62: Facebook - Fear, Controversy and Opportunity In this episode, Facebook takes center stage. We have a wide-ranging conversation about the fears churches have about Facebook, the controversy around privacy, and the key opportunities you might be missing if you are only using Facebook for marketing. Plus, we have some exciting news at the end of this episode! /episode/index/show/fishhook/id/6440417

Communicate Church: A Fishhook Podcast

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