Marcus Insights
Cru Ministries: Faith Building & Global Evangelism Strategy


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Role: Director Digital Strategy
Industry: Faith based Non Profit


Situation:

Our purpose is helping to fulfill the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit by winning people to faith in Jesus Christ, building them in their faith and sending them to win and build others. Cru offers spiritual guidance, resources and programs tailored to people from all cultures in every walk of life, including Campus ministries in 2,300 locations engaging more than 101,000 students and faculty members on U.S. college campuses. Cru's city ministry, serving in over 35 cities and partnering with over 2,000 churches and organizations in mobilizing Christ-followers to share God's love throughout the city. Cru ministry FamilyLife, at which more than 4 million people in 109 countries have been trained through marriage getaways and other events. Athletes in Action, Cru's sports ministry, which has outreaches in 64 countries, including at 225 college campuses and with 46 professional sports teams in the U.S. Its sports media touches the lives of an estimated 100 million people annually.


Question to Marcus:


How can i build out a framework for digital strategy that includes audiences, tools and technology


Based on your specific organizational details captured above, Marcus recommends the following areas for evaluation (in roughly decreasing priority). If you need any further clarification or details on the specific frameworks and concepts described below, please contact us: support@flevy.com.

Digital Transformation

For a faith-based non-profit like Cru, embracing Digital Transformation is essential to expand your mission's reach and enhance engagement with your diverse audience. Leverage technology to create immersive and personalized spiritual experiences, using Mobile Apps, virtual reality, or Augmented Reality for teachings and prayer.

Additionally, harness Data Analytics to understand donor behaviors and improve fundraising strategies. Implementing a robust CRM system will also help manage relationships and communication with donors, volunteers, and those you serve. Digital transformation should be woven into the fabric of your organization's culture, encouraging innovation and agility in spreading your message and fulfilling your mission.

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Learn more about Digital Transformation Mobile App Augmented Reality Data Analytics

Social Media Strategy

Utilizing social media effectively can amplify your message and connect with a broader audience, crucial for a non-profit with a global mission like Cru. Develop a Social Media Strategy that resonates with your values and Purpose.

Tailor content to different platforms, understanding that each has its own audience and style. Use compelling storytelling to share testimonies, live events, and updates about your initiatives. Engage with your audience through interactive posts, live Q&A sessions, and prayer groups. Remember to measure the impact using social media Analytics to refine your approach continually. Social media is a powerful tool for storytelling and engagement that can help you reach the hearts and minds of people worldwide.

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Learn more about Social Media Strategy Analytics Purpose

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Business Transformation

As you consider the digital strategy for your non-profit, a holistic Business Transformation approach is critical. It involves aligning your digital initiatives with the mission of winning and building faith.

This could include digitizing resources for spiritual guidance, creating online platforms for community building, and streamlining operations to better utilize donations. A transformation might also involve rethinking your approach to engaging with your audience, focusing on digital evangelism, and discipleship tools. Embrace Change Management principles to ensure your staff and volunteers are on board with these new directions and have the necessary training to leverage new technologies effectively.

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Learn more about Business Transformation Change Management

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

For Cru, a robust CRM system is not just about managing contacts but nurturing relationships with your global community. Use CRM to track and support individual spiritual journeys, maintain communication with donors, and manage volunteer databases.

Look for a CRM that allows for segmentation and personalized messaging, ensuring that each interaction is relevant and meaningful. Personalized communication can significantly increase engagement, retention, and donor generosity. As a faith-based organization, showing that you value and understand each individual's journey will be key to deepening relationships and fostering a supportive community.

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Analytics

Powerful analytics can guide your digital strategy by providing insights into audience behavior, engagement, and content effectiveness. Use analytics to understand what spiritual content resonates most, which digital channels are most effective, and to identify trends in giving.

This data can inform how you develop new programs, tailor messaging, and allocate resources. For instance, you might find that certain articles or videos are particularly impactful in driving engagement or that mobile giving has an upward trend that justifies further investment. Analytics can help you make informed decisions to optimize digital outreach and stewardship.

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Stakeholder Management

Stakeholder Management is pivotal for your digital strategy, as it involves balancing the expectations and contributions of various groups connected to your organization, such as donors, church leaders, volunteers, and the communities you serve. Engage these stakeholders early and often in your digital strategy planning to ensure alignment with their needs and values.

Communication is key, so use digital channels to keep stakeholders informed about progress and how their input is shaping your strategy. Their buy-in is crucial for the success of your digital initiatives and, ultimately, the impact of your mission.

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Content Strategy

Your digital strategy should incorporate a content strategy that communicates the essence of your mission in a compelling and accessible way. Content is the heart of your digital presence, serving to inspire, educate, and mobilize your audience.

Develop content that reflects the diversity of your audience, with materials suitable for different cultural contexts and stages of faith. Use a mix of formats, such as blog posts, videos, podcasts, and downloadable resources, to cater to various preferences. Your content strategy should also include a plan for regular updates and engagement to keep your community active and involved.

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E-commerce

E-commerce can be a valuable tool for a non-profit like Cru, not just for fundraising but for resource distribution. Consider an e-commerce platform that allows the global community to purchase or donate for faith-based resources, such as books, courses, and event tickets.

Ensure the platform is user-friendly, mobile-optimized, and secure. Utilize e-commerce analytics to understand purchasing behaviors and optimize your offerings. Remember to integrate this with your CRM to provide seamless Customer Experiences and to nurture ongoing relationships with your supporters.

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Learn more about Customer Experience E-commerce

Cyber Security

As a non-profit handling sensitive data, including donor information and potentially confidential communication, Cyber Security must be a priority in your digital strategy. Protecting your data from breaches is not only critical for your reputation but also for the trust that stakeholders place in your organization.

Invest in comprehensive security measures, such as encrypted transactions for donations, secure login protocols for digital platforms, and regular security audits. Educating staff and volunteers on Best Practices in digital security is also crucial to safeguarding your organization's data and technology infrastructure.

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Project Management

Introducing new digital tools and platforms requires rigorous Project Management to ensure timely and on-budget delivery. As you embark on digital initiatives, adopt a project management framework that aligns with your strategic goals and Organizational Culture.

Utilize project management software to track progress, manage resources, and facilitate communication among all stakeholders. Your digital projects may involve cross-functional teams, external partners, and volunteers, making clear roles, responsibilities, and documentation critical for success.

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