In this episode of Church Planters Ask, Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill tackle the question, "Should we have a launch team covenant?" They explore what a launch team covenant is and whether it's necessary when forming a church launch team. While Danny shares his personal reservations about formal covenants, citing that they can create barriers, especially with new members or non-believers, Chris offers a more flexible approach. They discuss setting expectations for team members, such as attending events, contributing financially, and inviting others—without making it too formal or legalistic. Both agree that culture is key, and launch teams should have clear but open-handed guidelines, with opportunities for members to reevaluate their involvement after a set period. The episode encourages planters to focus on creating healthy, open relationships within the team, rather than relying on rigid structures like covenants.

In the latest episode of "Church Planters Ask," host Danny Parmelee dives into the question: "Do mailers still work for churches?" To explore this topic, Danny is joined by Tim Speweik from Outreach, a veteran in church marketing with over 27 years of experience and involvement in more than 1,200 church plants.

Tim shares valuable insights into the evolving role of mailers in an era dominated by digital marketing. He challenges the notion that mailers are outdated, arguing that when done right, they can be an incredibly effective tool for reaching people. The episode covers the importance of creativity in crafting mailers, the strategic use of targeting and timing, and the benefits of integrating mailers with other forms of marketing.

Listeners will also learn about the practical aspects of implementing a mailer campaign, including cost considerations, the significance of nonprofit postal rates, and the pros and cons of doing mailers yourself versus using a service like Outreach. Tim emphasizes that while mailers aren't a silver bullet, they are a valuable part of a larger marketing strategy that includes both physical and digital touchpoints.

Whether you're skeptical about the effectiveness of mailers or looking for ways to enhance your church's outreach efforts, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and actionable strategies. Tune in to discover how mailers can still play a crucial role in connecting with your community.