Brian McGovern Consulting

08/21/2025

I know, I know… everybody and their brother has an acronym for something. Especially in government work, acronyms are everywhere. And honestly, sometimes they can get a little tiresome.

But I saw one recently that I actually like. It’s a simple reminder for keeping communications on track: make them CLEAR.

C – Context → Give people the “why” so the message makes sense.
L – Language → Use words your audience understands (jargon doesn’t impress anyone).
E – Empathy → Think about what your audience cares about and start there.
A – Accuracy → Get the facts right. Nothing kills trust faster than bad info.
R – Relevance → Share what’s useful and timely for them, not just what’s convenient for you.

When your message is CLEAR, it’s far more likely to land the way you want it to.

06/30/2025

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04/17/2025

📣 New blog post is up!
If your church is in that 100–500 attendee range and going through a leadership transition, I just posted some thoughts that might help.

I’ve been serving on a committee to help our church find an interim pastor, and it’s made me realize just how delicate these seasons can be.

This one’s a little different from my usual Jesus Uncomplicated content... a bit more aligned with my second book, Beyond the Bushel, in fact. But I think it’ll resonate with folks who care about healthy churches and thoughtful leadership.

Read the post here 👉

Even when a pastor leaves on good terms, churches—especially those with 100 to 500 members—face a tender season of transition. This post offers practical insight into the role of an interim pastor,…

04/03/2025

My latest LinkedIn post...

One of the most useful habits I’ve developed in public affairs is to anticipate how a message might be misinterpreted before it ever hits a headline. Whether I’m preparing research-related communications or managing sensitive topics, giving the audience context early helps prevent confusion—an...

09/17/2024

Now, I don’t suggest you respond as bluntly as these celebrities did. But the key here is that you don’t have to play the games of anyone who asks you a “gotcha” question. Just as you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to, you also don’t have to answer every question a reporter asks you. Blocking and bridging are critical tools to have in your media relations toolbox.

02/24/2024

How can nonprofit leaders leverage social media for effective crisis management?

We all know that social media has emerged as a pivotal tool for managing crises. For leaders of nonprofit organizations, understanding how to effectively leverage these platforms can significantly enhance your crisis management capabilities. Social media offers unparalleled opportunities for the bro...

02/05/2024

I was recently asked to write this article for Nonprofit Navigators, a firm that provides grant writing and other services to nonprofits.

Grateful for the opportunity to pass along some media relations knowledge.

In an era where information travels at the speed of a click, nonprofits must be prepared to engage with the media to amplify their voices and advocate for their causes. Recently our client, Casa de Paz, encountered this when migrants were shipped to Colorado at an alarming rate and their services we

12/16/2023

Social media has transcended being just a platform for socializing; it has evolved into a powerful tool for outreach and community engagement. This is particularly true for churches and ministries, which can leverage these platforms to reach wider audiences, connect with congregants, and spread thei...

12/04/2023

Just taking a minute-and-a-half of your time to talk about my second book, Beyond the Bushel. It’s available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TaJ2RY

12/01/2023

Beyond the Bushel: Navigating PR in Your Faith-Based Organization

09/07/2023

“All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."
– Walter E. Disney

10/27/2021

So grateful that Andy Schneider continues to ask me to produce spots for his podcast, “The Chicken Whisperer.” He even requests that I include my (questionable) ukulele playing as background music. 😆

http://www.chickenwhisperer.com/