Mark Cork, vice president of client services, Premier Studios, lent his expertise today to a panel discussion about faith-based communication initiated by the Kansas City International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The conversation explored how different faith-based organizations communicate with stakeholders in a rapidly changing and information-rich world, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face in keeping their traditions relevant to constituents.

Premier Studios was selected as the panel’s agency representative based on its extensive experience working with missional brands including International Church of the Nazarene, Harvest Partners (The Jesus Film), SUSIE Magazine, The Gideons International and Heart to Heart International.

“It was an honor to engage in conversation with people who are truly striving to make a positive impact in the world,” said Cork. “As an agency, we have put a stake in the ground for missional organizations that are making a difference. They deserve excellence and innovation — our very best thinking and expertise.”

With more than 30 years of experience in the communications industry, Cork, an ordained pastor himself, leads strategy and insight for Premier Studios’ faith-based clients. “The insights shared today apply to every communicator in businesses or the nonprofit world,” said Cork. “Just like any other marketing endeavor, it’s about knowing your audience, how they like to be reached and intersecting with them in ways that are relevant. The main differences are purpose and outcome. We exist to change lives.”

In addition to Cork, the panel included Ruth Baum Bigus, representing the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Peter Metz, director of communications for United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Mustafa Hussein, Islamic Center of Greater Kansas City, and Becky Summers, director of communications for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. John Novaria, vice president of communications for Swiss Re, moderated.

Please click on the video below to play a snippet from this year's IABC panel.