Thanks Kem
I remember around eight years ago being asked if I would be interested in taking up a role as the Communications Director here at Crossway. At that time I had no actual experience as a comm’s lead, but had been in various job roles where I had learnt about public relations, communications to feel confident enough to consider the jump across from being a Creative Director to a Communications Director.
During that time I also remember doing some research and googling what a Church Communications Director was. It was here where I discovered a blog from Kem Meyer. It was through Kem’s blog that was part of the reason I said yes to doing what I do now some seven years on. Kem shared about her experience and wrote insights and tips to help churches improve their communications.
At the time I sometimes felt like a castaway on an island where I felt like there was no one else here in Australia that had a similar role and even understood the unique challenges and opportunities that the role presented. Kem’s influence through her blog was very formative in shaping and helped me get through the first few years. Kem was also the link for me to discover a non-profit called Church Marketing Sucks. It was strange that I had to go so far to find like-minded people who could support me in what I was doing, but I’m so grateful they came along-side me.
It was Kem and the crew at Church Marketing Sucks that really inspired me to share what I have learnt here on this blog.
Over the weekend Kem announced that she was passing on the baton and was moving on to a very different season in her life. Kem, I want to take the opportunity to say thank you. Thanks so much for investing and sharing your experience with all of us in our various roles. Your gracious positive influence and impact has gone much further than you can ever imagine.
It’s one of the amazing things of life to know that someone I only ever briefly met once has been so pivotal in helping and supporting me in what I have taken on.
The church communications community and beyond is much better for having you in our lives Kem.
Thank you.
If Kem has influenced you in any way drop a comment below.
Well said!
I’m the very same Steve, Kem’s influence, knowledge, amazing podcasts, experiences, quotes and blog and mind-blowing book helped me get on track early.
one of my favorite Kem quotes:
“it’s not our job to send the right message, its to release the right response” – my team live by this!
” I thought I was coming to my church to do them a favour” – total gamechanger
thanks Kem
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Good to hear Ron! For me, many of the most useful tips Kem shared where around the reality of working on a church staff and how to navigate thru that.
Thanks, Kem, for your “Less Clutter. Less Noise.” book. It was very challenging and the beginning of a paradigm shift, which we are still struggling through! Succinct simplicity is proving even more true in our instant glance mobile device world. Blessings on whatever your new ventures are…
It was a great book Sandy. I read it too. I’m writing just starting to write an free e-book and its a huge task on top of regular commitments. What Kem did with that book was amazing!
I met Kem at the Granger Innovative Church Conference in 2005. The church communications world was a bit lonelier back then so it was especially good to connect with someone who had a similar professional background and ministry calling. Thanks to her wisdom and faithfulness in serving the church my team has been doing our best to “remove barriers to entry” and “reduce the noise” ever since.
I believe her conference talks, blog posts, and amazing book have made an eternal difference in countless lives. Thank you, Kem, for your ongoing encouragement. Best wishes to you on this next leg of your journey.
Great to hear from you Justin!