Communications

Every parish has a natural form of communication as part of its culture. All communication tools to be effective must also follow culture. Making changes without following that culture usually means the roots of your new tool will not take root. The good news is that culture, "we have always done it that way". only lasts one generation.

Is E-mail the New Parking Lot?

by Susan Nienaber

Outside the church, where natural
communications occurs.

It is more than a little ironic that you are reading an e-mail message that is about to warn you of the dangers of e-mail, but here goes:

You may be familiar with—perhaps even have participated in—"parking lot meetings." Those unofficial conversations (often held in parking lots following official meetings) that tend to undermine decisions, complain about individuals, and stir up discontent. They are extremely effective forms of communication, but they are not always helpful. In some important ways, e-mail has become the new "parking lot meeting. It spreads information (accurate or not) quickly and widely, it is impossible to stop, and it can be very damaging.

Many of us could not do our jobs without e-mail, certainly not me. I depend on e-mail to schedule appointments, share documents and stay connected with various groups. The Internet, with its e-mail and blogging, is an important technological advance that helps us work more effectively and efficiently. Many churches are making excellent use of these new electronic resources in very creative ways. Indeed, Alban depends largely on e-mail to communicate with you.

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