Pinnacle

Creativity Guided by Questions

Inquiring Communications

To inquire means to be curious and ask questions. Because we live in the Bible belt, it is easy to presuppose people’s knowledge about Christianity and skip sharing the meanings behind our traditions. However, what is assumed is often the most important. That is why before starting a project, I always ask myself what, who, and why.

Recently we redesigned the order of worship. Below is an example of how the answers to these simple questions informed the design.

• What is the purpose?
• Instructional guide for participants to enhance their worship of God.
• Who is this for?
• Everyone, with a particular focus on the newcomer and visitors.
• Why is this important?
• Worship is central to our corporate and personal relationship with God.

Effective communication is intentional, and you can’t be intentional without first asking a few questions!

Amelia Simmons | 

Modeling "inclusive, inquiring, and involved" through NDBC Communications

I am lucky to live close to our church. I often drive by the banner on Northside that declares we are an inclusive, inquiring, and involved community. Applying these adjectives to our theology and mission is natural, but the applications can continue beyond there. We should also use these words to guide how we communicate. Over the next three weeks, I will write a series of reflections illustrating how we model being inclusive, inquiring, and involved through our church communications.   

Communications through the Lens of Inclusion
Inclusive Communication  

Labaloo is my favorite place. I’ve been going there my entire life. It’s a place where our family has gathered for generations for relaxation and adventure. We walk on the beach, ride bikes, and enjoy local restaurants when we are there. Labaloo is a second home, and I visit it more than my hometown.   

When I was three years old, I invented the name Labaloo for what the rest of the world knows as Fernandina Beach, Florida. Labaloo has history and meaning to my family; however, when we use it outside of that circle, it confuses others. The same happens in our church when we invent unique or novel names for events, programs, or ministries. These titles hold a great deal of meaning for those in our church family but baffle those in our community.   

The virtue of inclusivity applies to everything we do, and that includes communications. Sometimes, in the spirit of inclusion, we must be less creative/unique with our words and speak plainly.   

As we go into 2023, let us take a fresh look at the language used to name opportunities at Northside Drive Baptist Church. Do any of our titles create an unintended barrier preventing newcomers from engaging?