A new year invites ministries to reflect on what is working, what needs to change, and how to communicate the gospel with clarity and warmth. As digital habits continue shifting, 2026 offers an opportunity to refresh your church's communication strategy with simple, sustainable practices. These ideas can help your congregation stay connected, reach new people, and serve your community with intention.
Focus on clarity before creativity
Many churches feel pressure to be clever or highly polished online. While excellence matters, clarity is what helps people know who you are and how they can belong. Review your website, social media profiles, and printed materials. Ask a few trusted members and/or newcomers to tell you what makes sense and what feels confusing. Are your worship times easy to find? Do you clearly explain how to get involved? Do people know where to find prayer support?
A clear message builds trust and sets the foundation for any creative strategy that follows.
Refresh your website for mobile-first users
By 2026, most visitors will view your website on a phone before ever setting foot in your building. A mobile-first refresh does not require a complete redesign. Start with simple steps:
- Shorten long paragraphs
- Make buttons large and easy to tap
- Replace outdated images with current photos
- Check that your worship schedule and contact information are correct
ResourceUMC.org offers helpful tools and articles to help you evaluate your digital front door, including website basics and accessibility practices. Keeping your website current is one of the most welcoming steps you can take this year.
Tell more stories from within your congregation
People connect with people, not announcements. In 2026, plan to highlight short stories from members or ministries throughout the year. These can be simple:
- A photo and a brief quote about how someone experienced God through worship (Planning ahead of your church's events can help you gather this content throughout the year)
- A recap of a mission activity told by a volunteer
- A three-sentence reflection from a youth or child
Stories build hope, encourage engagement, and remind your congregation of the ministry you share. You can use them across newsletters, social media, Sunday slides, or printed bulletins.
Use one communication calendar for everything
If event details live in one staff member's email, another person's notebook, and someone else's memory, communication becomes stressful. Create a single shared communication calendar for the year. Include:
- Major church events
- Deadlines for newsletter and bulletin submissions
- Social media themes
- Holidays and special Sundays within the United Methodist calendar
A central calendar reduces miscommunication and helps your team work ahead rather than catch up. It also ensures your messages reflect your church's larger rhythm, not just last-minute needs.
Offer a simple weekly touchpoint
People receive more information than ever. Rather than trying to cover everything, consider a single consistent weekly touchpoint that helps your congregation stay grounded. Options could include a short email on Wednesday, a prayer text on Friday, or a 60-second video reflection recorded after worship. Keep it brief, predictable, and encouraging.
Consistency teaches people where to look and when to expect something from your church. Over time, that has a greater impact than occasional long messages.
Moving into 2026 with purpose
You do not need a complicated plan to refresh your communication strategy. A focus on clarity, minor technological updates, authentic storytelling, shared planning, and one weekly touchpoint can make a meaningful difference in how your church connects with members and neighbors.
By approaching communication with intention and grace, your church can create pathways for deeper engagement and remind your community that they are loved and welcomed in the body of Christ.
With over 20 years of experience across various media outlets, Renee McNeill has guided brands in crafting and executing effective strategies for both internal marketing and public-facing campaigns. As a specialist in social media and e-marketing, Renee is passionate about empowering churches worldwide to enhance their communications and marketing efforts.Renee is the producer of the MyCom brand, and can be reached at [email protected].