Annual meetings can be most effective when they communicate clearly and adequately. This takes multiple considerations:
1. Timeliness: getting the information out in a manner that allows people to make appropriate plans on their calnedars.
2. Adequate: Two points here. First there is adequate communication in terms of frequency. As a minister of education I told my church leaders they should seek to announce an event or other information at least thirteen times in at least four different media. Second, there must be adequate information conveyed that will allow the targeted particpants to know what is going on and how they are to be involved.
3. Target group: The right people must get the necessary information. Chains of communication must include the right people. Assume nothing!
4. Level of importance: The method of communication must convey the importance of the event/information. People with tight schedules and full calendars will make choices.
5. Value of the event/information: It is important to you. Why should it be important to them?
Annual meetings can be special times for local church members. Today's members, however, don't need an associational annual meeting to catch up on the latest social events. Determine the reason for the annual meeting, and convey its importance for the churches in no uncertain terms. If it conveys nothing important, then say so, drop it, and stop cluttering up the calendar!
