I’m trying to upgrade how we communicate and appeal to those in their twenties or early thirties. One of the things I’m doing to connect with students and beyond is visiting colleges, seminaries and churches. I have a display that needs to be updated. That’s what I would like your opinion on.
The display has our old logo and name on it, and I’m not sure it does the best job about communicating who we are, and what we are trying to do here.
There are four panels on the display that can be changed out. Could you look at the picture of the display on this post, and give me your feedback on how you think I can improve it? For example, what kind of pictures should I include?
Our vision is to see a renewed bi-national city. Renewed socially, spiritually and culturally.
It’s also important to keep in mind where we are ministering. We are on the border in the largest bi-national city and most land crossed border crossing in the world, San Diego – Tijuana.
Isaiah 61:1,2, 4 is a passage that speaks to our mission on the border.
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound… They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.” (ESV)
I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what type of pictures and what short relevant message we can use to communicate well with those in their 20’s and 30’s?
Also, Dawn and I appreciate your prayers that the Lord would raise up faithful and loving, God-fearers who would be willing to join on this journey with Jesus.
In His Grip, Dave
DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org
28 Comments
By loopyloo305
Our Church here in Arkansas is Assembly of God, and lately we have been focusing on “Nothing is too Hard for God.”http://nothingstoohardforgod.org/
It has brought in a lot of younger people by reminding them that whatever they have or are doing, God is still there for them. Music that that age group likes to listen to like Toby Mac, The Newsboys, and so many others have a positive message that appeals to any age group. God bless you, I will keep you and your ministry in my prayers. http://youtu.be/MX5OqyBYKh4
By diasolifeontheborder
Thanks – I like your ideas, and I’ll check out the site.
By loopyloo305
Another thought, a missionary minister that comes to our church frequently has an incredible story and does a lot of mission trips to Mexico and many other places. He is out of Texas and his name is Justo Chavana. His life story and how he came to God is an example that is almost as amazing as that of Paul. You can find more information about him at Jordan Ministries. http://brotherjordan.com/
By Pieter Stok
Great question, but I am not in the demographic. YWAM are past masters at it. Maybe their website is worth a visit.
By diasolifeontheborder
I have some friends with YWAM – I’ll check it out.
By granonine
I’m not very artistic, so I don’t have anything to offer you on the pictures. As far as spoken communication, in my work I find that simple truth spoken in love and kindness reaches any age group. They will see Jesus in you.
By diasolifeontheborder
Do you mean like being authentic? I agree, that’s important
By granonine
Yes, authenticity is important. People want to know that what you do matches up with what you say.
By peacelovegreatcountrymusic
Maybe a who, what, where, why to use on the panels along with a smaller photo collage on them. Lots of great possibilities.
By diasolifeontheborder
good ideas – thanks!
By @homelesscrisis
Hmmmmm, well sadly i am 53 ! :-))! Soooo, i cannot add what you are looking for….however, i would say based on what you all do, i would go deeper with your depictions/visuals.
By diasolifeontheborder
what do you mean by go deeper with depictions/visuals?
By @homelesscrisis
Show more of your core. Make more sense? I will try and think of a different way to put it. Hmmm but for now…..in your case, i enjoy seeing who you are…it leads me to look further….I struggled with the same thing for our org, it isnt easy….simplify it too if you can?? I will try to think of a better way to put it and maybe give you some literal examples to help get your own ideas flowing if i can….:-( its a struggle thats for sure 🙂 ….to be honest though i had to pray about it a lot and i ended up with our “flame”….a throw to “shining forth His light”……thats the kind of thing i am talking about. Ok….i am rambling now …..i will think more…
By diasolifeontheborder
Thanks for clarifying – I do think I need to focus on the main message we are wanting to present.
By @homelesscrisis
Ok, so just thinking out loud here…..how about a sort of Wall, like the border you are at. With something depicting the church planting…like maybe seeds falling and plants(churches) growing……and dont you all teach english too? So something very simple depicting that also…just ideas…have fun! 🙂
By diasolifeontheborder
I’ve thought about a photo of the border – either the crossing with all the cars, or possibly someone at the border fence. It’s hard when I can only have two or three pictures, and it needs to have some type of unified theme
By @homelesscrisis
Do you need to have the multiple picture look? Looks busy to me honestly….without really staring it down i cant see what it is saying. So you are right on about how you feel the need to change. I love what you do, just gotta focus on what you do.
By @homelesscrisis
If you need multiple,,,,how about the main one being the border showing both sides and “unity” that way. Then seeds on another picture showing churches being planted maybe in the city, or one of the cities. Then another showing something you do like teaching….i would stop at 3 pics or displays though. Just my opinion, thats all. Hope this helps somewhat or at least gives you some ideas. Be blessed my friend in this battle we are in! And i pray that Jesus directs you and gives you some great ideas of how He would like to see it. 🙂 Be safe!
By Alison
Hi! Never commented on your blog, but I receive your updates via email. My husband and I live and do ministry in Cambodia. You said in your post, “Our vision is to see a renewed bi-national city. Renewed socially, spiritually and culturally.” Why don’t you use the three key ways you plan to renew the city on each of the three panels. In my experience, pictures really help people feel connected, especially if they can “see themselves” in the pictures. For example, if you are trying to reach students or young adults, show a picture of someone being used to help the city “socially” or “spiritually” or “culturally.” Using a photo program you can type words on the picture, so you can have three pictures labeling what each of them represent in your vision (this way it will be clear to those who quickly pass by). I have found that it is easier for others to see themselves being a part of our ministry or helping out a need if they can see others doing it…or be connected through a picture/video. Blessings to you and your family from Asia!
By diasolifeontheborder
I think something simple like that with the key words and pictures might work. I’ve seen that recently on other displays.
By barbarastanley
What about actual photos of you and your family interacting with the people you minister to?
By diasolifeontheborder
I would like ministry pictures, so I like that idea. I’m not sure if they should be of us or others?
By barbarastanley
You helping others.
By theshepherdspresence
I don’t know why missionaries get all in knots about their display boards. What the missionary SAYS is so much more important. When you come through as genuine whether from a podium or one-on-one, be sincere. Show that you love people. If you want contacts with young people–in the summer make as big a circuit as you can in good Christian camps. The teens are harbored all week from electronic devices and out side influences. You have such a better way to speaking to their hearts at that time. I hear my teen grandsons saying even months after summer is past, “I remember a message in camp. . .”
By Annie Scheffe
Maybe clean up your logo a little bit and make it look more professional?
As for the pictures, try to use some that show action. For example, if you have done a mission trip, use a picture of your group ministering. Or use a picture of a worship or Bible study time. Young adults are drawn to young adults.
As far as a message, speak the Truth. Offer discipleship and evangelism. Share the good news of the gospel, but don’t water it down into prosperity and wealth. Show them how to have a true relationship with Christ and show them what that looks like. Be where they are, but do what Christ would do. Remember that it is the Holy Spirit that speaks and draws people. Don’t give up.
By diasolifeontheborder
Thanks for your input – I’m still trying to figure out the best way to communicate in a simple way what we do, so all the input is helpful.
By dangerouschristian
Good evening! Thanks for stopping by and liking my post today. The best thing I can think of is showing pictures of the work you’re doing. From what I could tell, youth like to see a ministry in action-that I believe what touches them.
Peace and God bless during this Lenten season!
By diasolifeontheborder
Thanks for the suggestions – I’m still working on putting it all together. I agree with you – ministry in action should be appealing
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