One thing I am asked frequently by guests visiting this site is, "Does all this translate to a small church or organization?" Great question. I believe that if the core of what I write concerning communication and the function of media tools in the church is God directed, it will be adaptable by any church, no matter what the size or culture makeup. So what do you do if you're reading this and want to implement some of it, but it's just little 'ole you?

Define your strengths. If you are a "one person operation" in your ministry, and you want to build a strong communications and/or technology strategy, start by taking a quick inventory. What are you good at? Print media, web design, newtorking, programming, tech support, writing, photography, ideas, vision? What are your spiritual gifts and how do you use them in communication?

Whenever I begin a project, I am often struck with the fact that I can't do it all myself. Often the task is too big (even with adequate resources). So I start by asking, "What can I do best? What am I most suited to accomplish on this task?" It helps me zero in on what is possible. It allows me to focus on what can be done or improved so I am experiencing little wins along the way. So many ministers set the bar too high out of the starting gate. Know what you can do, and start by doing that well. Which leads to...

Concentrate on what matters most. Of the various areas of communication and technologies, what's really important to your church or ministry? What must be done well? Or, what, if done well, would make the biggest impact? You can't be an engineer, teacher/trainer, innovator, integrator and motivator to all--but you can likely fill at least one of those roles.

If you read all this and find yourself wanting to change the way your church communicates or uses technology in a big way, then realize it's a lot easier to be the rudder than the engine. Maybe a freshening of the church's website would be a huge improvement. Maybe nailing down your database process would make a difference. Maybe a more thoughtful approach to your weekly email is a start. Maybe casually asking your Pastor or other leaders how you could best use your gifts in creative or technical areas to disciple others would blow their minds.

Seek out small changes that can have big results, versus big changes that freak everybody out. And if you're not good at what matters most, that's your first area of growth. I was a lousy programmer when it came to websites. But I knew the web was important, so I hunkered down and learned. And I'm still learning. I'll never be a web expert--but the sites I manage are important, so I have to be willing to concentrate on what matters most. And as for all that other stuff...

Give it away. You can't do it all. God has blessed you work in the one profession (ministry) where you have a constant supply of willing free labor. Where else can you say, "I need someone who is a graphic artist to write and design a mailout card" and find someone who can do it for free because they believe in the same Christ that you do?

Use your people resource. If you are one person and doing it all, there's something wrong. Ministry is meant to be given away. If you are a task-oriented, creative worker bee, you are going to have to seek the Lord and learn how to be a Kingdom-oriented, encouraging discipler to keep from killing yourself through your job. Never look at communications or technologies as a whole and ask yourself, "How am I going to get this done?" Instead ask, "How am I going to identify those who can help and get them plugged-in?"

Build slowly. It's only taken me 20 years of trial and error to learn one basic truth: slower decisions are usually better decisions. Ministry is fast-paced and demanding, and I can be reactive. My most heartfelt advice to any communications or technology leader in ministry is this: slow down. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

I see so many trends come and go. Remember the Prayer of Jabez Da Vinci Passion WWJD Purpose Driven Praise and Worship Code? There are lots of good tools out there, but if it's just you starting out, keep your head down and stay away from the sparkly stuff on the shelves. Once you identify your key need(s), stay on track, building as you can. It will often seem like neighbors are passing you by. I feel that way all the time--am I doing the speed limit at the Indy 500? No.

I seek God for what's important, what's going to serve the church most effectively, and I stick to it. Others may get there ahead of me, but they'll be burned out a year from now. I'll get there too, but I'll be refreshed and ready for the next leg. And, if I'm discipling properly, I'll have others alongside me the whole time and leaders ready to step out when we arrive.

Slower decisions can also lead to better stewardship. Do you have any idea how much money churches waste on bad advertising because the want to "jump on it" and "get the word out now?" Not to mention the flash-in-the-pan technologies that don't survive to version 2.0. Save your money, think it through, stick to the important stuff and take each step as you can. God rewards patience every time.

Evangelize. If you are starting small, you'll likely have big dreams and big ideas. The ideas may have to wait for resources, but the dreams are golden--don't pack them away. Use them to evangelize and inspire others. "Hey, what if our church could..." makes great lunch conversation. If you are one person, then getting one more person excited about communications ministry has doubled your effectiveness.

A church that thinks through its message, organizes its information and presents it in a compelling way will break through the clutter of a media-rich world. Your church can be that kind of church if you will begin by being that kind of person. Knowing how to communicate well and effectively use technologies enhances every area of ministry. It's a benefit far greater than the sum of the parts. Spread the word.

About the Author. Eugene Mason has more than two decades of experience in ministry communications and technologies. More...