Every church has a marketing plan! The only difference is that some are better than others! When I think of marketing I think of building a relationship with those within reach of your ministry who know nothing about your church or are disconnected from your people. This week we will continue with another set of practical tips for sowing evangelistic seeds through effective marketing.
10. Be positive and never criticize other churches. Only Satan wins when we as the Church send out negative messages about other churches in our community. Here are a couple of examples:
Tired of falling asleep in church? There will be no hymn singing or Bible banging at… Is this you! (Picture of a little boy falling asleep in a suit-tie in a traditional church)
One pastor told me, “If I criticize other churches how can I pray the Lord’s Prayer? Thy kingdom come!” The kingdom comes in a variety of ways and expressions. Your church will not reach your city alone; it takes many kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people.
11. Never delegate the final marketing decision. As a church planter you must see the final copy. You can delegate the details but NEVER delegate the decision on the final product. Your name, reputation and the image of the church are deeply tied to the marketing vehicle you choose.
12. Include map, phone number, address, date, email, web page and picture of the pastor. Don’t miss these details! It is amazing how many times these details are missing in expensive marketing pieces.
13. Know the key word in marketing - “You.” There are six questions people will ask when they receive your marketing piece.
Who are you? Think about ways you would describe your church in terms that connects with your target group. What do you want? Be specific about your request. Are you talking to me? Be relevant to your target audience. So what? Are you creating interest and grabbing their attention? Why should I believe you? Creditability is the issue. Think of ways you can become more creditable to your target audience. Will I like you? Are you the type of person I would hangout with? Make sure the picture you use represents your target audience.
You must answer each of these questions before your audience does. Use these questions as a guide during the designing stage.
Excerpts from FirstSteps to Planting a Missional Church
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