Dr. Kristi Meyer
Rev. Kyle Bitter
Tuesday, Jan 24
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Modernizing Church Communication Without Losing Anyone
In many churches today, announcements are still made mainly through verbal blurbs after worship and printed bulletins that few people read. Meanwhile, e-mails go unopened, texts are rare or awkwardly used, and younger generations quietly tune out. Churches want people to be informed—but without a clear communication plan, even the most important messages get lost.
This session helps church and school leaders build a modern, multi-channel communication strategy that actually reaches people. You’ll learn how to move beyond outdated methods without abandoning older members, how to write announcements that people will read, and how to make the most of tools like e-mail, texting, social media, and digital calendars. We’ll also address common pain points—like unclear wording, last-minute chaos, the myth that older adults can’t engage with tech, and the potentially overwhelming idea of just not knowing where to start. With thoughtful planning and clear messaging, your communication can become a true ministry tool that keeps people connected, informed, and engaged. Whether you’re a pastor, church secretary, school administrator, or volunteer coordinator, this session will help you move from information overload to messaging and interactions that work—no matter where you currently are on your communications journey.
Dr. Kristi Meyer is a mathematics professor at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee. She also works with communications at St. John’s, Wauwatosa, Wis., first as a volunteer member of the Communications Committee and then as the hired part-time communications coordinator. In this role, Kristi oversees all aspects of communication at St. John’s, including print, electronic, video, social media, and more. Kristi earned her master of arts in theological studies from Martin Luther College in May 2022 and serves as an adjunct instructor for Martin Luther College. She is also a member of the WELS Women’s Ministry Executive Team. In her free time, Kristi enjoys running, traveling, and directing the St. John’s handbell choir.
Rev. Kyle Bitter served at St. John’s in Wauwatosa, Wis., from 2013 to 2022 until he accepted a call to teach religion and foreign language at Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wis. During his time at St. John’s, Kyle oversaw community outreach, worship and music, and youth/young adult ministries as well as taught religion and coached cross country and track at St. John’s Lutheran School. He also helped develop the Communications Committee—a committee that eventually grew into a hired part-time communications coordinator position. In his free time, Kyle enjoys running, cycling, music, and various home improvement projects.
