Brian Flatgard Annual Report: 2024
View reports for our 2024 assembly on our assembly mission and ministry stories page or in this collection of blog posts.
Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications
Greetings, Synod Assembly!
As I reflect on the past year, I am both humbled and inspired by the ways we have communicated, connected, and created possibilities within our synod. Our news system, encompassing our blog, calendar, Facebook posts, and weekly newsletter, has been a vital part of our community. Here are some key highlights and reflections from the past year.
Strengthening Our Communication System
Over the past year, our news system has continued to thrive. Since starting this job and “call,” we’ve posted nearly 6,500 posts on our blog and produced over 350 newsletters, reaching a wide audience across our synod. Our website received 83,000 visits in 2024, a slight decrease from the previous year, but this was balanced by consistent engagement on our social media platforms and newsletters.
Our website’s performance was solid, with key traffic sources including Google and social media platforms. This reflects the breadth of our audience and the diverse interests we cater to. Notably, mobile usage accounted for over a third of our visits, underscoring the importance of mobile-friendly content.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the feedback from organizations and individuals who feel seen and valued by our inclusion of their news. These interactions reinforce our strategic plan to “Communicate Jesus, Connect People, Create Possibilities.”
Understanding Our Impact
Our newsletter remains a cornerstone of our communication efforts. With around 1,700 subscribers, approximately 5% of our synod’s ELCA members, we achieve a consistent open rate of 31%, with about a quarter of those readers clicking on the links we provide. These metrics, though not indicative of viral success, affirm our purpose: amplifying the messages of the global church, the ELCA, Region 2, and our synod’s ministries and partners.
Each click, each small interaction, is a testament to the engaged and curious faith community we nurture. These “little clicks” are the heartbeat of our synod, representing moments of connection and engagement that sustain our vibrant community.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Bishop Election Resources: As we approached the Bishop election, we prioritized transparency and engagement. Informational materials were developed to educate and involve our synod members in this pivotal process.
Growing Generosity Appeal: This initiative concluded with remarkable success, surpassing our $750,000 stretch goal.
Creating Space for Open Conversation: We launched a dedicated resource page to facilitate compassionate conversations and bridge divides, reflecting the feedback from our community and promoting open dialogue.
AI and Faith: At the Women of the ELCA conference, I presented on the parallels between AI and the Gutenberg Press. This discussion highlighted the democratization of information, acceleration of knowledge spread, innovation stimulus, disruption of existing structures, and the ethical challenges we face.
Looking Forward
Our commitment remains steadfast: to continue sharing, connecting, and uplifting. We aim to enhance our news system, leveraging the influence and networks within our synod to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Encouraging newsletter sign-ups (hey, sign up right now!), offering bulk subscriptions for congregations, and maintaining a dynamic, content-rich platform are key strategies moving forward.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Let us continue to amplify the messages of the global church, the ELCA, Region 2, and our synod’s ministries and partners. Send your good news for us to share. Together, we create a vibrant, engaged, and faithful community.
In Christ,
Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications