The local church is where lives are changed and we learn to live out our faith in the world around us. When we are busy, we can overlook the importance of sharing opportunities to get involved and stories of lives changed.

Bishop Hee Soo Jung recently announced the creation of the Office of Local Church Communications and Engagement. We offer practical tools, training, coaching and resources to help churches communicate more effectively and build on their existing strengths. Support includes templates and best practices for websites, social media, photography, video and storytelling. And we are just getting started.

We build networks among local church communicators to strengthen relationships across the connection. These networks offer opportunities for churches to learn from one another, draw on shared experience and share ideas.

The people of The United Methodist Church have compelling stories of faith, mission and generosity. We help churches discover, develop and share those stories to reach more people and celebrate the ways God is moving in congregations and communities across Ohio.

The goal is not to communicate for local churches but to build their capacity, strengthen their connections and help their stories reach farther.

Equip churches. Connect people. Amplify local church stories. To learn more, contact Kay Panovec at kpanovec@wocumc.org.