At some point during the worship service most congregations include a time for verbal announcements. This content is often reinforced by printed material in the bulletin/worship guide and/or data projected on a screen. While those responsible for the success of just about any and everything that happens on the church campus often desire a verbal announcement, most opportunities simply do not deserve to be highlighted in that manner.
Phil Bowdle, Communications Director at West Ridge Church in Atlanta, shared his list of seven reasons why a request for a verbal announcement during worship should be denied. His list includes two items that are especially significant factors regardless of the size of your congregation:
- 80% rule – it must be applicable to at least 80% of those present, and
- clear “why” – the “why” of the message must be able to be communicated clearly and succinctly.
So What?
All aspects of each service of worship should be given considerable thought and planned by a group/team. If your congregation’s service opts to include verbal announcements then clear guidelines must be present for who makes the announcement, what qualifies to be announced, and how long the announcement can last.
- How well does your congregation follow the basic guidelines above (80% rule and a clear “why”)? What types of announcements do you think should qualify for an exemption from such (if any)?
- Do you know the formal policy for verbal announcements in your congregation? If so, please explain it in a few sentences or less.