An important way we connect and establish relationships with the public audience is effective media relations.
The Basics
For each targeted event or audience, the Creative Team helps facilitate and implement strategies to make it run smoothly for media access. For example, publicizing a conference gathering would typically require a plan to:
- Coordinate any pre-event publicity.
- Author news releases and assemble all event information.
- Distribute news release to the comprehensive media list.
- Follow up by telephone with media list after distribution of news release.
- Coach internally those who serve as spokespersons to the media.
Other Media Relations Responsibilities:
- Authored articles
- Media pitching
- Media distribution list maintenance
- Media alerts/news releases
- Special events
- Editorial request
Ministry-Specific Media Relations
If you have something you consider newsworthy and would like publicity, please coordinate through the Creative/Communication Director’s Office.
Working with the External Media
The external media is a powerful means to reach to the community. If not handled correctly, it can be very damaging. Notification regarding any and all media connections and events is vital to our collective success. If the media contacts a ministry, employee or Ministry Partner of City First Church, before responding, please make the Executive Assistant to the Lead Pastor aware of the inquiry. The Executive Assistant, after gaining direction from the Lead Pastor’s office, will give guidance as to how to respond. It is important to remember that any response, statement or quote from an employee or ministry partner of City First Church may be considered an “official statement” on behalf of the church. If you have any questions, please contact the Executive Assistant to the Lead Pastor.
The exception to this policy is when the media contacts the Athletic Department of Christian Life Schools for scores, player information and the like. In this case, the Christian Life Athletic Director and CLS Administration may respond to all sports related media questions.
On-Campus Photography
In general, the City First Church campus is open to members or community members who wish to take personal pictures for non-commercial use. Taking photographs for commercial or media use should be directed to the Lead Pastor’s office. If you see someone taking photographs and are unsure of the purpose (having professional equipment, filming, etc.), politely inquire if you can be of any assistance to them and/or call the Lead Pastor’s office.
Questions/Comments About Sensitive Issues
There may be situations where our church is asked to comment about a sensitive issue or current event. As a general rule of thumb, please defer these questions to the Lead Pastor’s office.
Homosexuality
Due to the complexity and deeply personal nature of the subject of same sex attraction, City First Church has decided to not discuss the subjects of homosexuality, gay marriage, same sex attraction, or gay related topics over the limited and distant mediums of email, text messages, social media, or phone. It is vitally important that we seek a conversation with the individual asking the question so that a comprehensive answer can be discussed in an environment of Christ-like love. Therefore, City First Church employees, ministry partners, and pastors are prohibited from responding to such questions through email, text messages, social media, phone calls, or the like. If you receive an inquiry through one of these mediums, please inform a City First Church Leadership Team member and together formulate a plan to reach out to the individual, encouraging them to schedule an in-person appointment with a pastor on staff.