The coronavirus pandemic may have a severe impact on the finances of churches, ministries and nonprofit organizations. Phil Cooke, a Christian media consultant in Los Angeles, recently shared his advice on how to reduce the financial blow.
“Show that during this virus, you’re still out there making a positive impact and changing lives for the better,” he said. “Show results. This is not the time to ask for money directly. People are hurting and are growing more concerned about how long their finances will last. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t people out there still passionate about your vision and who want to help it be accomplished.”
READ: She bragged she couldn’t get it, now she has coronavirus
Continuing to communicate through social media, email blasts, videos and livestreams is critical. Show people how their financial support is making a difference in the community.
“In Los Angeles, our friends at Grace Hill Media have asked us to help them mobilize local churches to support The Salvation Army,” Cooke said. “Since local churches have been closed, they have plenty of extra toilet paper, unused cleaning supplies and similar items. So let’s put that to good use and donate it to the important work of The Salvation Army. In fact, the project has been such a great example of churches coming together, the local NBC-TV station in here in Los Angeles has done a news story about the project.”
In short, demonstrate how the church or organization is making a difference.
“What a great opportunity for those churches to share the impact of that ministry with their live stream audience, on social media and on their website,” Cooke said. “That kind of story will remind those congregations that their church is still out there making an impact and why we need to continue our support. This is not the time to hunker down and pull back. This is the time for the church to fulfill its mission and then share the results of that mission with the congregation, donors, and supporters.
“Don’t stay the best-kept secret in town. People want to know that you’re in the fight.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice