Introduction
As we reflect on 2022 and the beginning of 2023, it is evident that these years have been a period of recovery and adaptation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our nation has been striving to regain a sense of normalcy, and our church has been embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by this new era of pandemic and digital transformation. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, efficient and effective communication is essential for the spiritual growth and well-being of all God's children.
Our Wider Church | ELCA Office of the Vice-President
It was an honor to be nominated and become the runner-up for the Office of the Vice President at the 2022 Churchwide Assembly. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into the broader workings of our church and reinforced the importance of our mission to serve our congregations and communities. Being considered for such a significant leadership position is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the MNYS, and it has further motivated me to devote my energy and expertise toward the advancement of our synod's communications and advocacy strategies. This recognition has also strengthened my resolve to work diligently in fostering strong relationships within our church, ensuring that our message of hope, love, and unity reaches as many people as possible.
Our Wider Church | Mission Partnerships
In our ongoing commitment to strengthen the presence of MNYS within the greater Church, I have been collaborating with the Latino Ministries Association and the Office of the Presiding Bishop on strategic communication projects. Additionally, I have taken on a leadership role in managing several crisis management strategies related to the unfortunate crisis in the Sierra Pacific Synod, and in our entire Church. These partnerships and efforts have fostered deeper connections and shared resources, enhancing our collective ability to serve our congregations and historically marginalized communities.
Executive Master of Science in Strategic Communication | Enhancing Expertise and Expressing Gratitude
In 2022, I had the privilege of graduating from the Executive Master of Science in Strategic Communication program at Columbia University. This achievement has significantly reinforced my dedication to effective communication, fundraising, and marketing within our synod. Armed with the latest theories and best practices, I am now better equipped to serve our vibrant community and further our mission.
The knowledge and skills I have acquired through this program enable me to more effectively support our evangelism strategies and contribute to the growth and success of our churches, leaders, and members. As we continue our collective journey, I am committed to utilizing my enhanced expertise for the betterment of our community and the fulfillment of our shared objectives.
At this juncture, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Egensteiner for his unwavering support and encouragement throughout my time in the master's program. His guidance and mentorship have been invaluable, and I am truly grateful for his steadfast belief in my potential to make a meaningful impact in our synod.
MNYS Congregational Microsites | For a Stronger Online Presence
Understanding the critical role of a dynamic online presence in today's digitally connected world, we launched the MNYS Congregational Microsites Initiative. This comprehensive program provides all interested congregations with access to inter-connected, modern, user-friendly congregational websites tailored to their specific needs. By doing so, we aim to empower our congregations to more effectively promote and advance evangelism projects at both synodical and congregational levels.
As of now, nearly a dozen microsites have been successfully launched or are currently in the development phase. These sites have been designed to facilitate seamless interaction and engagement within their respective communities. By offering an up-to-date digital platform, we enable congregations to communicate their unique message, programs, and events to a wider audience, thereby strengthening their connection with existing members and attracting new ones.
Through the implementation of the MNYS Congregational Microsites Initiative, we are committed to helping our congregations grow and thrive in the digital age. By equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to engage their communities online, we are taking impactful steps toward expanding our church's reach and sharing the message of Christ with an ever-growing audience. Please visit the congregational microsites, below!
Unidad y Fe, Jamaica
St. Jacobus, Woodside
Christ Lutheran, Staten Island
We Are Church Together | MNYS Events
In 2022, we joyfully welcomed the return of in-person events, re-igniting connections and fostering a sense of fellowship among our members. Our dedicated communication and events team played a crucial role in organizing and hosting an array of events, including the Chrism Mass for our rostered ministers, the first-ever Online Special Meeting of the Synod Assembly, our annual Synod Council Retreat, and the inspiring 2022 Bishop’s Retreat. Each of these gatherings offered our members invaluable opportunities to come together, share their experiences, and nurture their relationships, fortifying the bonds within our community.
As we look ahead, we eagerly anticipate a diverse and engaging lineup of events for the remainder of 2023, and on into 2024 and 2025. Among these, we are excited to announce our 2025 Assembly, featuring a Bishop's Election, which will take place from May 1st to 3rd, 2025. Mark your calendars and save the date for this significant event, as we continue to strengthen our community and grow together in faith.
Evangelism | Public Relations Efforts
Our public relations efforts continued to thrive in 2022 and continue in 2023, building upon the heightened visibility and interest sparked by our digital church initiatives during the pandemic. By enhancing our PR presence, we effectively attracted attention for our congregations, synod, leaders, and programs, leading to the inclusion of new members in our community. Notable recent features include:
ASSOCIATED PRESS NEWS
Bishop Paul Egensteiner is featured in a thought-provoking AP News article. In the article, Bishop Egensteiner discusses the role of faith communities in addressing racial inequality and fostering unity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece highlights the importance of interfaith collaboration and the impact of the church's outreach efforts in promoting healing, understanding, and social justice.
“We need to pray for unity and the ability to come together around those things that matter,” he said. “After the year we’ve been through, praying for more commitment to that would be a worthy effort.” Read more,
HERE.
WPIX11
WPIX11 interviewed our vice-president-elect, Christopher Vergara. In this engaging conversation, Christopher discusses the Synod's strategic approach to empowering and supporting our congregations in a post-COVID-19 landscape. Additionally, Christopher shares valuable insights regarding our commitment to elevating and empowering voices from leaders serving in historically marginalized communities.
"I had found that the Lutheran Church was willing to have these tough conversations and not shy away from thinking about how to include more people at the table and to be more inclusive of people engaging in the life of the church, and that is what's drawn me to the church. It's always driving the bend toward justice, toward inclusion, and making people feel a part of the community." Read more, HERE.
NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
The New York Amsterdam News is a weekly, Black-owned newspaper serving New York City. This past week, they interviewed The Rev. Jeanine Owens of Abiding Presence in the Bronx, about MNYS’s efforts geared toward assisting our predominantly Black congregations in building their online church presence.
“The pandemic highlighted many gaps in the system, and as a result, we’ve been able to acknowledge that we have to reinvest in our communities that were hit hardest by the pandemic,” said Pastor Owens. Read more, HERE.
These efforts have not only fortified our church's presence in the broader community but also enabled us to more effectively engage with those in need and share the message of God's love. By continuing to amplify our public relations efforts, we can ensure that our work and the stories of our leaders, members, and ministries continue to reach and inspire a wider audience.
Accountability | Analyzing Metrics, Enhancing Email Campaigns, and Optimizing Social Media Strategies
To guarantee the effective utilization of resources and optimize our outreach efforts, we implemented a comprehensive quarterly metrics review process. Throughout 2022, we experienced a noteworthy increase in audience engagement across various channels, including our website, social media platforms, email campaigns, and public relations opportunities.
Our diligent efforts resulted in the deployment of close to 100 targeted email campaigns, which played a crucial role in maintaining our members' interest and involvement. These emails featured updates on church activities, spiritual guidance, and opportunities for community involvement, fostering a stronger sense of connection among our members.
Simultaneously, our social media presence experienced substantial growth, driven by a strategic combination of spiritually enriching and informative content. We leveraged various formats, such as image quotes, video messages, and live-streamed events, to appeal to a diverse audience and facilitate engagement. This multi-faceted approach enabled us to share the Gospel and our church's mission in a more accessible and relatable manner.
By consistently monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of our communication initiatives, we are able to continuously refine and enhance our strategies. This ongoing improvement process enables us to forge deeper connections with our existing members while also expanding our reach to share the Gospel with a broader audience. Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen our church community and positively impact the lives of countless individuals.
Conclusion | Embracing Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age
As we persistently navigate the complex landscape shaped by the ongoing pandemic and the digital era, our unwavering commitment to efficient and effective communication stands as a cornerstone of our mission. We recognize that adapting to these challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities they present is essential for the growth and success of our church.
Through a diverse range of initiatives, including events, public relations efforts, email and social media campaigns, the microsite strategy, and mission partnerships, we strive to empower and equip our members, leaders, and congregations to excel in their work for the greater good. These interconnected efforts enable us to foster a more connected and resilient community, poised to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
As we move forward, let us remain united in our shared purpose and steadfast in our dedication to advancing our mission. Together, we can continue to work towards the betterment of our community and uphold the values that define us as a church.
THANK YOU!
For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes!
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the MNYS Office of the Bishop communications and events staff for their unwavering dedication and exceptional work in bringing our mission to life. Their invaluable contributions help us forge deeper connections and spread the message of hope, love, and faith that lies at the heart of our beliefs.