Do your students, parents, and volunteers know what’s happening in your ministry? Do you have a clear way to communicate the details of your next activity or event? Check out these 5 Hot Tips for Communicating with your students and families.
1. BE CLEAR
Get the details right.
Include ALL the essential info.
What, When, Where, Why, and How Much?
PRO TIP: Keep it simple.
2. BE CONSISTENT
Plan Ahead: Regularly communicate things in advance.
Centralize Info: Create a ‘MAIN HUB’ of information for core things.
Get a Groove: Develop a rhythm of healthy communication.
Schedule It: Build group communication into your schedule.
Develop It: Create a weekly, monthly, or quarterly calendar, newsletter, or update.
Send Reminders: Life is busy and your stuff may get lost. Repetition is key.
PRO TIP: Find what works for you.
3. BE CREATIVE
Use a variety of methods:
Online: Website, social media, YouTube videos, QR codes, CMS
Personal: Send texts, images, memes, email, and phone calls
Marketing: Posters, flyers, banners, stickers, T-shirts, swag, etc.
Shotgun Approach: Post the same details in multiple avenues— aim wide.
Recruit Help: Invite your students and volunteers to create ways to get the word out.
Graphic Design: Use programs like Canva or Adobe to create social media images, slides, artwork, etc
Old Skool: Go retro and pull out the crayons, paint, poster board, sharpies, markers, glue, & glitter.
PRO TIP: Have fun and mix it up. Brainstorm ideas with your creative students & leaders.
4. BE DIGITAL
Church Management Software: CMS
Group Texting Options:
CMS: Use your existing software
Clearstream (built for youth ministry & churches)
SimplyText by Group Pub
Signal private & secure group messaging
Group Email Options:
CMS: Use your existing software
Clearstream (designed for churches, integrates with CMS)
PRO TIP: Cell phones are KING! Find a way to get your content on their phones.
5. BE IN THE KNOW
What’s the best way to reach your people?
What apps are people using to communicate?
Ask your team…
Students: What’s the best method to communicate with them?
In my context: BEST= Text, images, website links; WORST= email
Volunteers: What method do your volunteers like to use?
In my context: BEST= Text, in person, phone call, paper; WORST= email
Parents: What’s the most effective method for parents?
In my context: BEST= Email, website with event calendar, paper packet or PDF
Staff: What’s the best way to keep your staff in the loop?
In my context: BEST= In person, email, all church calendar, CMS
Church: What’s the best way to keep the church body up to date?
In my context: BEST= Announcement slides, lobby posters, program/handout
PRO TIP: Find what methods work best for each group and then communicate that way.
NOTE: All of these communication tools are merely provided as a resource and should be vetted by each ministry and adapted for your ministry context. They do not represent LEAD222, but have been carefully selected as top resources for youth ministry. Use them at your own discretion and at your own risk.
Author: Larry Ely (Coach) • Posted: April 2026
Coaching Tips: for the 9 Markers
A Shared COACHING Resource from: www.lead222.com & www.amplifyministries.org
