Anna Mutzenberger, Communications Assistant. Photo by jlynn studios.

During the 2026 Dakotas Annual Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota, clergy and church leaders gathered for "Tools to Reach Your Community," a workshop led by Dakotas Conference Communications Assistant Anna Mutzenberger.

Churches have incredible stories to tell. Every congregation is making a difference in its community through worship, outreach, fellowship, and service, but if people don't know those stories, they miss the opportunity to be part of them.

The workshop focused on a simple idea: communication is ministry. As Christians, we are called to share the Good News, and while technology isn't the mission, it can be a valuable tool to help us carry it out.

Participants explored three free resources that churches of any size can use to strengthen their communication: MissionInsite, Canva, and social media.

The session began with an introduction to MissionInsite, a community demographics tool available to Dakotas United Methodist churches. Rather than making assumptions about who lives nearby, MissionInsite helps congregations better understand the people in their neighborhoods. Churches can use the information to identify ministry opportunities, support grant applications, plan outreach efforts, and communicate more effectively with their communities. To register, contact Anna Mutzenberger or create an account here. 

Next, participants learned how Canva can help churches create eye-catching graphics for everything from worship announcements and newsletters to social media posts and event promotions. The workshop shared practical tips like starting with templates, keeping graphics simple, using consistent colors and fonts, and choosing authentic photos that reflect the life of the congregation.

The conversation then shifted to social media—not as something churches have to master, but as another way to extend hospitality.

For many people, a church's Facebook page or website is their first visit before they ever step inside the building. Social media can offer a warm welcome, celebrate what God is doing, share stories of ministry, and invite people to take their next step, whether that's attending worship, joining a Bible study, or volunteering in the community.

Participants were encouraged to think of social media as a springboard, not the destination. The goal isn't simply to gain followers or likes—it's to help people connect with Christ and the life of the church.

The workshop also highlighted Meta Business Suite, a free tool that allows churches to schedule Facebook and Instagram posts in advance. By planning content ahead of time, congregations can communicate more consistently while spending less time worrying about what to post each week.

Throughout the session, one message remained at the center: you don't need expensive software, a communications degree, or a large staff to tell your church's story. Sometimes all it takes is sharing one photo, one invitation, or one story of how God is at work in your congregation.

Participants also received information on how to register for MissionInsite and were introduced to additional free resources, including Canva, Meta Business Suite, and the Pro Church Tools YouTube channel, which offers practical communication training designed specifically for churches.

Whether a congregation is just getting started or looking for fresh ideas, these tools can help churches communicate beyond their walls and continue sharing the Good News with their communities.

View the PowerPoint presentation from this workshop here and the handout here.