What is a Channel?
A channel is the medium through which your communications are delivered. Channels represent the different platforms or methods used to reach your audience, such as Email, Instagram, Facebook, Pre-Service Slides, or Text Messages.
In the Communicate App, channels are set up as rows in the Calendar view, allowing you to organize and schedule communications according to the medium they will be delivered through. Each communication must be assigned to a channel, which determines how and where your message will reach your audience.
Why Do Channels Matter for Church Communications?
Channels matter because different people prefer different communication methods, and different messages work better on different platforms. A comprehensive church communication strategy uses multiple channels to:
- Reach more people: Not everyone checks email, social media, or text messages equally
- Reinforce messaging: Sending the same message across multiple channels increases visibility and recall
- Match content to platform: Some messages work better as visual social posts, while others need the detail that email provides
- Meet people where they are: Your congregation uses various platforms, so you should too
Effective multi-channel communication ensures your message reaches the maximum number of people through their preferred methods, while also reinforcing your message through repetition across platforms.
How Do Channels Work in Communicate?
In the Communicate App, channels are essential elements that define how and where your communications will be delivered. Setting up channels is one of the first steps in using the app.
Setting Up Channels:
- Click on the Channels icon in the sidebar to open the Channels panel
- The app comes with 3-4 predefined channels ready for use
- Click "+ New" to create a new channel
- Select an icon from over 25 options
- Enter a name for your channel (no restrictions on naming)
Managing Channels:
- Edit channels by clicking the three-dot icon to change the icon and name
- Reorder channels by dragging them up or down the list (this affects the order in your Calendar view)
- Delete channels that are no longer needed (channels with communications assigned cannot be deleted until those communications are removed or reassigned)
Each channel appears as a row in your Calendar view, making it easy to see all communications scheduled for that specific medium.
Channel Preferences and Channel Schedules
In addition to name, icon, and order, each channel can use Channel Preferences (optional preferred weekday and excluded weekdays) and Channel Schedules on Plus plans (named repeating slots, optional min/max counts per slot, and optional Lock to schedule). You configure these in the same Channels side panel. For a dedicated guide, see Channel Preferences and Schedules.
When Should You Use Channels?
You should set up channels for every communication method your church uses regularly. Common channels include:
- Email: For detailed announcements and newsletters
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, TikTok
- Text Messages: For urgent or time-sensitive communications
- Pre-Service Slides: Announcements shown before or during services
- Website: Blog posts or website announcements
- Print: Bulletins, flyers, or other printed materials
The number of channels you need depends on your church's communication strategy. Most churches benefit from 5-10 channels covering their primary communication methods.
Related Terms
- Communication - Messages delivered through channels
- Campaign - The framework that organizes communications across channels
- Calendar - The view where channels appear as rows
- Channel Preferences and Schedules - Per-channel preferences and recurring schedules
- Multi-Channel Communication - The practice of using multiple channels simultaneously
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many channels should I set up?
A: Set up channels for every communication method your church uses regularly. Most churches benefit from 5-10 channels covering their primary platforms. You can always add or remove channels as your needs change.
Q: Can I change a channel's name or icon after creating it?
A: Yes, you can edit a channel at any time by clicking the three-dot icon next to the channel name. Changes are applied immediately across the app, so any communications associated with that channel will reflect the update.
Q: What happens if I delete a channel?
A: Channels that have communications assigned to them cannot be deleted until those communications are removed or reassigned. This ensures that no communications are inadvertently lost. Once a channel has no associated communications, you can delete it.
Q: Can I reorder channels?
A: Yes, you can reorder channels by clicking the reorder icon to the left of a channel and dragging it up or down the list. The order in this list directly corresponds to the order of rows in your Calendar view.
Q: Do I need separate channels for different social media platforms?
A: It depends on your strategy. Some churches create separate channels for Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to track them individually. Others use a single "Social Media" channel if they post the same content across platforms. Choose the approach that best fits your workflow.
Q: Can I use the same channel for multiple types of content?
A: Yes, a single channel can contain many different communications. For example, your Email channel might include weekly newsletters, event announcements, and special updates—all organized by date within that channel.