So, what is a S.O.S. talk? It is a “Show Of Support”!

We oftentimes ask folks in our church or nonprofit to give a talk or write about a ministry, service, or a special program they support and have a passion for. Sometimes they are called testimonials, temple talks, or faith focus talks. Whatever you call them, people are moved by a heartfelt and personalized show of support.

A true story: A pastor received an email from a visitor who came to see her grandchildren in a children’s choir musical. During the service she heard a “S.O.S”. talk about the benefits of the capital campaign the church had recently launched. Here is what she wrote:

“You don’t know me but my grandson and his family attend XYZ Church regularly. We live a couple of hours away, but my husband and I attend whenever we can. We attended last Sunday.

 One of your members gave a short message that really struck me – enough so, that I wrote a column for my newspaper using her theme to pay tribute to my brother-in-law who passed away after an eight month battle with brain cancer. We actually heard of his passing on the way to church to attend your services.

 I can’t remember the name of the person who gave the talk, but I’m hoping you can reach out to her and thank her for her words and how they helped me and our family during a difficult time.

 We always enjoy coming to your church and thought you would want to know how much our latest visit meant to me and our family.”

 You see, you don’t need to be a polished speaker, you don’t need to talk long, you just need to send out a S.O.S. message from your heart. You never know who you will touch!

John V. Clark, President/Partner
The James Company
(815) 353-8997
Email: jclark@jamescompany.com