We're excited to be launching a brand new Fishhook podcast.  We’re also in the middle of a global pandemic, which makes it feel a little bit odd to celebrate something like a new podcast. We've been dreaming about this new podcast for a while, but just like you have been doing for the last few weeks, we’ve changed our strategy for this podcast and committed to doing something that feels authentic and hopeful for this moment in time. We also think hard, challenging circumstances give us the chance to tell stories of hope and overcoming. So, give episode one a listen!  Making Church Work In March, the reality of a global pandemic was beginning to settle in across the United States. In this initial episode of Making Church Work, we talk to two local pastors and how they’re responding and adapting in the beginning of this strange, unexpected season.

Does your team have little phrases or quips that have become part of your everyday language? Short sentences that encapsulate some of the wit and wisdom you've gathered over the years? In this series, we are sharing the church comm "Wit and wisdom" Fishhook has gathered over the years. These short, encouraging phrases are meant to encourage, inspire, and clarify the work you do as church communicators. In part three of this series, Meredith and Adam continue through our stack of #WitandWisdom cards. 

Does your team have little phrases or quips that have become part of your everyday language? Short sentences that encapsulate some of the wit and wisdom you've gathered over the years? In this series, we are sharing the church comm "Wit and wisdom" Fishhook has gathered over the years. These short, encouraging phrases are meant to encourage, inspire, and clarify the work you do as church communicators.    In part two of this series, Shayla and Adam continue through our stack of #WitandWisdom cards, including the most inappropriate one of them all. 

Does your team have little phrases or quips that have become part of your everyday language? Short sentences that encapsulate some of the wit and wisdom you've gathered over the years? In this episode, Aimee and Adam kick off a series where we talk about the wit and wisdom Fishhook has gathered over the years. These short, encouraging phrases are meant to encourage, inspire, and clarify the work you do as church communicators. 

Digital tools often get lumped together. Social media, website, email marketing. But are they really unique tools that require more intentional strategies? In this episode, Aimee outlines what she sees as the "Big 3" for online ministry strategy. Links mentioned:  Ep. 62: Facebook Fears, Controversy, and Opportunity Ep. 64: Instagram is Waiting For Your To Reach People Ep. 66: Nona Jones - Facebook is a Ministry Platform Ep. 74: Tech Roundup - IGTV, Facebook Groups, Bible Lens and More  

As a church, your mission never changes. Collectively, we are all focused on helping people know and growing closer to Jesus. But what happens when the tools and technology we use change? Do we stick to what is familiar and established? Or should we expand our options and take a chance on new ways of thinking and serving? In this episode, Leah and Aimee join Adam to talk about how Fishhook has changed over time and what steps churches can take to staying focused on their mission even with a shifting landscape of technology and communication tools. 

Personality assessments like Myers-Briggs and Enneagram are all rage these days. But are they actually helpful? Jamie and Lindsay sit down with Adam to talk about the ways personality tools have helped them personally and how Fishhook has utilized tools and systems like these to fuel team growth and effectiveness. In part one of this series, we focus on Myers-Briggs. Check out part two for the Enneagram and a whole host of resources and tools that can help you and your team continue to grow and thrive.    Links Mentioned:  Fishhook's The Table Episode 75: How Can Doers and Dreamers Work Together? 16Persolalities.com  

In part two of our conversation on personalities and communication, Jamie and Lindsay share their experience with Enneagram and talk about how hard it can be to work at a church. Plus we share a ton of resources to help you explore personality and work on your own and with your team.  Links Mentioned:  Fishhook’s The Table Typology Podcast The Sacred Enneagram by Christopher Heuertz The Enneagram Institute Your Enneagram Coach on Instagram Sleeping at Last Enneagram Podcast StrengthFinders Reading People by Anne Bogel Quiet by Susan Cain Truity.com Type Talk at Work Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero 16Personalities.com MyersBriggs.org

Good design is about solutions. Our lead graphic designer, Meredith, is joining the podcast today to talk about trends in solving problems through design in 2019. Along the way, we talk about what churches are doing well and a few things we would encourage them to stop doing when it comes to design. (Hint: stop copying)    Links Mentioned:  Fishhook Design Resources Culture Making by Andy Crouch  

“Your website is your welcome mat.” If there’s any truth to the stat that 80% of people will visit your website before they show up at your church, you need to make sure you know what is happening with church websites in 2019. Our Lead Web Developer, Ben Goshow, joins Shayla and me for a conversation about what is happening with church websites. What are the trends? Which platforms are we using? What do churches need to stop doing and start doing with their websites this year? Links Mentioned:  Podcast Survey Hot Jar 5 Questions to Ask Before Jumping into a Website Project 8 Tips to Jump Start Your Website Writing Tips for Photography on Your Website