No doubt, auto-responders are convenient, but they can work against your ability to truly connect and to develop meaningful relationships through this medium.

Using auto-responders sends a message to your audience that seems to say “Hey, you mean a lot to me and I’m totally excited that you connected with me. I’m so excited, in fact, that I’m letting a machine communicate my enthusiasm.”

What a missed opportunity.

If your volume is so high that you simply must use an auto-responder, here are some great tips and examples for how to use them well.

If you are not using an auto-responder (recommended for as long as you can hold out), I’d like to offer one simple tip for ministries and churches to build better twitter relationships.

So, here goes.

When someone follows you, rather than either not responding at all or letting an impersonal auto-responder do the work (which may actually hurt you in the long run), you might consider sending a personal message that includes something like this:

“This is NOT an auto-response” or “This is NOT an auto-responder.”

That’s the tip. Simple, I know. I’ve been amazed at how well this statement has been received and how it has caused people to pause and actually read my initial response rather than assuming it has been auto-generated. I’ve gotten several responses back that indicated that they noticed the statement and actually read my response rather than simply hitting the delete key.

I’m aware that you could cheat and include this statement within an auto-response message, but you wouldn’t do that, would you? ;)

Check out these helpful tips about Twitter for Ministry Strategy 101 and 102.

Here are a couple of good Twitter tip sites you may find helpful: TwiTip and Twitter Tips

Here are some great people to follow: @JosiahRoad @julmer04 @tonynolanlive @davidyeiser @wGregFinley @mthawk @DanDumas @erguncaner @DanDeWitt @kaylab7 @shawnelledge

Sample snapshot below.

Like this idea? Think it stinks? Post up. Just follow me @KerryBural to see how I do it.

This one was a gully washer, but the UU team still managed to handle themselves and the crowd extremely well. I was struck by several things they got right.

While I’m sure there are other things that could be mentioned, I observed 3 key things that are worth highlighting:

1. Never let them see you sweat.

If there was ever an occasion to sweat it, this was it! On campus that day, was the largest incoming class in the history of Union University (515 new and 75 transfer students) which I would guess translates into well over 2,000 people by the time you add mom, dad, little brother and Granny.

If trying to handle the crowd wasn’t enough (think sheep without a shepherd), the monsoon had to ping on their stress meter. This wasn’t just a sprinkle, but a major deluge that decided to hang out with us for much of the day. It completely saturated the campus including the designated lunch space on the lawn—which turned into soupy slushy slop.

But, the UU team demonstrated an impeccable attitude and “can-do” spirit at every turn. In my experience, everyone I encountered (from top tier executives all the way down to the student ambassadors) exemplified the right attitude.

Take away #1: If you strive to do events well, you will sweat. It’s part of the scene and undesirable things just happen. When they do, keep your head clear, your attitude graceful and spirit hospitable.

2. Focus on your objectives.

Moving this size crowd through the process of registration and information download is no easy task. But, the UU team had it down. Though hit by serious weather-related obstacles, they knew what they had to accomplish and stayed laser locked on getting there.

Take away #2: Obstacles can either make you or break you. When you face them, see them as opportunities to demonstrate the Spirit of Christ and to discern God’s sovereign plan that far exceeds our puny efforts. He might be wanting to completely invade your space and could be using those downpours to do it! Full disclosure: I’ve directed a ton of events throughout the years and definitely can’t claim that I’ve always followed my own advice.

3. Nurture a healthy “resonance vibe.”

It’s easy for us to recognize things like organizational efficiency, a great attitude and leadership focus, but we don’t often think about vibe. Though I have no way of knowing if the UU leadership team is intentional about nurturing resonance vibe, it is clear to me that their approach facilitates and nurtures a healthy one.

I define “resonance vibe” as a dynamic that is at play between your organization and your constituents/members that just draws you together. It’s an organic sense that causes people to want to relate to you and engage in your ministry or church. It’s a sense that what you say and do in ministry really matters and resonates with the people you are ministering to and/or trying to reach.

Let’s face it. Not everyone gets this. Resonance vibe is one of those subjective intangibles that may not be on your radar and is hard to define. It’s one of those things that you appreciate (even if you don’t know what to call it), but have difficulty describing. Kind of like I’m having right now. ;)

I’m not really sure how to describe the campus vibe at Union University, but I know it exists and I like it. It feels comfortable, welcoming and approachable. It feels like something meaningful is going on there (probably because it is). It feels like the kind of place where good things happen. It feels like the kind of place where you would want (not dread) to send your teenager away to college.

There’s a new innovative ministry launching called Beloved Virus. The guys behind it are great and I like their vibe. I think what they are doing will resonate.

Take away #3: Resonance vibe cannot be manufactured, but it can be nurtured and facilitated. Everything you do should be intentional about building a healthy resonance vibe. If you want people to absolutely love your ministry or church and contagiously tell others about it, then give them good reason.

That’s great branding.

Some leaders are great at sharing a vision but find it difficult to move people through the process of fulfilling that vision. Other leaders are skilled at walking us through the logistical execution of their vision, but have difficulty getting everyone to “buy-in” and really “own it.”

In either case, the vision remains largely unfulfilled. [Insert sad face here.]

Here are 5 suggestions for how you can share a vision that will take flight:

1. Start sharing with them long before you expect them to be on board.

It’s a good thing to be thinking about your vision way before you start sharing it. The problem occurs when you decide it’s time to share it and then immediately expect people to be on board. People need ramp up time. It’s to your advantage to give it to them.

2. Don’t assume they either “get it” or care.

Your entire world is about ministry. To those you are trying to lead, not so much. They are focused on their daily reality—hard work, a barrage of bills, health concerns, children, family and plain ol’ life issues.

In his book, Making Vision Stick, Andy Stanley writes, “Vision is about what could be and should be, but life is about right this minute.”

You might argue that their world should be about ministry, but in reality, it isn’t. Do they understand your vision? Do they care? Even if they understand it, do they really care? If not, why?

3. Let their DNA shape your approach.

It’s important to really know those with whom you are sharing your vision. Let’s say you are the Worship Arts Pastor and you are trying to get the Lead Pastor to buy-in to your vision for changing the Sunday morning worship service. To the extent that you can understand his beliefs, convictions and preferences, you will have good data to help you shape how you communicate your vision. In other words, how the person on the receiving end is wired matters.

4. Be clear and clarify often.

Be intentional about speaking in terms that cause people to think “Oh, I get what he/she is saying. I feel the same way.” Talk as much about what you are not wanting to communicate as you do about what you are wanting to communicate. In other words, try to eliminate variables that cause confusion. Distill both your vision and how you communicate it.

5. Repeat.

She is seriously mystified by my no-drive tendencies and doesn’t miss an opportunity to bust on me! How is it possible to get lost because you’ve missed the exit to your home on the same route you’ve taken everyday for nearly 9 years? How in the world does this happen?!?!?

The mystery is wrapped up in her observation of my uncanny ability to track with hundreds of details, convos and projects, yet, get lost on my way to the same restaurant we frequent. What’s up with that?

So, back to the GPS. On a recent trip with my family, the GPS hyperventilated and went into spastic convulsions. It started taking us in circles and we eventually caught on to it’s diabolical tactics (it obviously hadn’t been updated in a while).

At that moment, Deborah said, “Why does this thing keep doing this?” My 5 year old son then chimed in and declared, “Maybe it’s having a nervous breakdown!” It was just one of those moments, and we laughed our heads off. It was good comic relief considering how maddening getting lost can be!

There are times in your church or ministry when you feel like your plans have gone haywire, your wires have been crossed and chaos has jumped all over you. You may even feel like your church or ministry is having a metaphorical nervous breakdown.

Here are a few suggestions for staying sane when it happens:

1. Remember that it’s probably not as bad as it feels or seems at the moment. II Corinthians 4:17-18
2. Focus on keeping your relationships healthy and the rest will take care of itself.
3. If necessary, punch in an alternate route. The Spirit of God may be trying to redirect.
4. Don’t panic (Philippians 4:6). Once you’ve survived it, it’s still possible that you will come out unscathed.
5. Like updating firmware or software on your GPS device, make sure you are connected to the Father and His plan for you and your ministry.
6. When all else fails, break out the sledge hammer and smash your GPS into a million pieces. Note: Recommended only in private so your neighbors don’t feel compelled to call the authorities. ;)

Huge props to Sarah Hellems (@sarahhellems) for her awesome work as our lead designer on the project. She just rocks. Thanks to Rob F for doing his magic as well.

Several great people also gave feedback and helped us shape things along the way. For their time and investment, we are grateful: Casey McGarr, Chris Forbes (@cforbesoklahoma), Kayla Barrett (@kaylab7), Dan Dumas (@DanDumas), Kaylan Christopher (@kaylan), Elizabeth Hatchett and Dustin Secrest (@dsecrest). You guys are amazing! My apologies to those of you I’m forgetting.

Last but not least, I’m especially proud of my 14 year old son, Bryant, for shooting, editing and producing this video. Son, your attitude, creativity and hard work blow me away! I love you!

If you like the direction we’re headed, would you please share us with at least one friend in ministry?

With gratitude.

We’re working hard to clean everything up and hope to have things running smoothly soon.

Our sincere apologies for the mess.

Here’s an example of some nice work from Henderson Hills, Edmond, OK.

Check out all the MinistryCom Show & Tell details here and the conference details here.

Oh, as you can see, we still haven’t launched the new Ministry Marketing Coach site. Chris Forbes (@cforbesoklahoma) hit me on Twitter (@KerryBural) and asked me if teasing the new site but not yet launching it was some sort of marketing ploy. I replied that I’d like to think of it more like a strategy. ;)

Your call. Is it a ploy or a strategy to tease the site launch? Please post up.

Several posts ago, I mentioned that changes were coming to MMC. Well, the first major change is about to be unveiled—a comprehensive redesign of MMC! We intend to launch sometime Thursday night, June 18, or Friday morning.

Our hope is that you absolutely love the new site and our team has worked tirelessly toward that end. Please let us know what you do and do not like about it though, because we welcome your comments and listen to your feedback.

So, the new Ministry Marketing Coach site is coming soon. Seriously.

In our ministries – how often do we fall into a process trap?

There is certainly a place for processes in our ministry. They create order from chaos and can provide a road map for others to follow that ensures everyone is working toward the same outcomes.

But think about it. How often do we find a formula or solution that works for us and then (often unintentionally) adapt that idea to the point it becomes “the way we do things . . . always!”

Young points out that processes work great when circumstances never change. So what does that mean?

A church service probably occurs on a set day of each week. A small group or discipleship group may meet every other Tuesday, etc. The dates are constant and we know “something” will happen when we convene.

But how often are the people dynamics or even what has happened in life unchanged, even though we may see someone or gather as a group at a set time and place each week?

So, how do you escape falling into the “we’ve always done it and that works for us” trap?

Consider the following three solutions:

1. Question Everything

Just as a four year old’s favorite question is “why”, so should our question be as we think about our ministry.

Why do we “do” Sunday School this way? Why do we use the same evangelism tool year after year? Why do visitors attend once or twice then never return? Why do we spend X dollars each year on a particular program or event?

Questions are essential, but what is critical is our response to them.

Can we fully explain that we “do what we do” because it is biblically-based, spirit-led and is reaping results (I Corinthians 10:31)? Or, have we slowly fallen into the trap of familiarity?

2.  Broaden Your Horizon

Apart from your guidance from the Lord, where and whom do you seek information?

Although there is no substitute from your close circle of mentors and ministry leadership (Proverbs 11:14), there can also be great wisdom in looking outside your ministry, and sometimes even exploring resources that are geographically different from you. Looking outside your circle of advisors must be intentional because we are naturally creatures of habit.

An approach of self assessment is a trait that sets apart forward-thinking ministries.

What are other ministries trying? How are they reaching a new generation or tapping into an established demographic? How are other ministries taking advantage of technology to spread the Gospel?

As you explore and discover different and new ideas, the critical thinking then turns to the most important question: Is there some application for our ministry?

3.  Learn . . . Apply . . . and Go

Young makes the statement in his video that the application and learning from others gives the chance to create new pathways. In other words, what innovative journey should we take based on what we’ve learned?

While it is time consuming to build a network of resources and to thoughtfully and intentionally audit your ministry, the hardest step is to do something with your new found knowledge (James 2:26).

Application and Movement. What does your pathway look like? Focused learning and application has the potential to ignite real innovation in your ministry. It’s births new vision; creates excitement; and engages people.

So as you consider blazing new trails (pathways) in your ministry, let me encourage you to take on the inquisitive nature of a four-year old and begin to ask the one question that, if answered, will prevent you from the slippery slope of process death in your ministry.

I got involved back in college at Ouachita Baptist Univ. I started doing freelance writing for different ministries. That was back in 2002.

What are some projects you have done?

You name it, and I’ve probably dabbled in it a little one way or another. A few of the ministries I’ve worked with are Insight for Living, PowerPoint Ministries, Starpointe Magazine, Saddleback Church ministries, Moody Bible Institute, Walk through the Word. I’ve also worked in several churches. (Prestonwood Baptist Church, Sugar Creek Baptist Church, and Brentwood Baptist Church).

Why did you decide to join The Resonate Group?

I like variety in my writing and editing, and I feel like The Resonate Group offers me that chance with the various projects we develop through the broad range of branding services we offer. I share the Resonate Group vision to help ministries harness the strength of strategic branding.

What is your greatest ministry passion?

That’s easy: 1) meeting new people, 2) building relationships with them, 3) introducing them to Jesus and/or truth, and 4) telling their stories of life change.

What is the most bizarre thing you’ve ever done?

Here’s a safe one for you that won’t get me in too much trouble. I’m a preacher’s kid, so use your imagination. Back in college, I used to cut people’s hair out of my dorm room to make extra money. It actually paid my bills . . . though I’m not sure how the government would feel about that. Yikes! Don’t tell anyone.

What is a little known interesting or fun fact about you?

I have a 30 by 30 list—30 things I want to do before I turn 30 next March 1, 2010. I haven’t made it too far down on the list, so I’m extending it throughout my 30th year of life. Some of those things include: 1) go to a four-day music festival; 2) backpack through Italy; 3) buy my dream car; 4) get a personal trainer; 5) run a 1/2 marathon. Just a few things here and there.