Beyond Pretty Visuals: Solving Real Problems in Church Messaging with Wes Gay

Show Notes

In this episode of Conversation with Ministry Leaders, Carl Barnhill sits down with Wes Gay, a certified StoryBrand expert, to discuss effective communication in church ministry. Together they are discussing solving real problems in church messaging.

First, they explore how churches often struggle to communicate clearly and compellingly about their events and initiatives. Next, Wes explains that many churches make the mistake of using insider language, forgetting their audience doesn’t attend staff meetings.
Through practical examples, Wes demonstrates how to transform boring announcements into engaging pitches that address real problems people face. For instance, instead of simply promoting a men’s event called “Driven,” he shows how to frame it around solving struggles in family leadership.

Additionally, Wes emphasizes that visual media should flow from clear messaging. He shares a powerful story about raising funds for a church roof by focusing not on the shingles but on creating spaces for student ministry.

Moreover, Wes provides two key takeaways from corporate spaces that churches should implement. First, churches should send one good, consistent email per week with clear calls to action. Second, they should prioritize clarity in all communications, using plain language instead of ministry jargon and insider language like “Collide for Impact in the Attic.”

Throughout the conversation, the pair discusses how effective communication starts with identifying the real problems people face and showing how the church can help solve them. Ultimately, Wes argues that clear communication leads to better engagement because the gospel message matters.

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Follow: Carl Barnhill | [email protected] |  

Follow: Wes Gay | StoryBrand |