Unity Church Marketing

Don’t think that the bad economy hasn’t affected all areas of our lives. The downturn has hit every sector of our society and hasn’t left out churches either.

In a new survey conducted by Lifeway Research of 1,000 pastors who were asked about the impact of “recent problems in the economy”, they found the following:

* 62% have had more requests for financial assistance from outside the congregation.

* 40% have members of their congregations who have lost their jobs.

* 37% have increased spending from the church budget to help those who are in need.

* 31% have explored starting new ministries to aid the disadvantaged.

* 31% have had more requests for financial assistance from members of their congregation.

* 27% have paid for more ministry items out of their own pocket than normal.

So, what does all this mean in how churches react, grow and actually prosper?

Well, for one thing, that it means that churches are going to need to evolve. Obviously, some churches are getting it while it is disappointing that only 31% are thinking about adding new ministries. Because even if your church is currently offering aid, shouldn’t you also be thinking about how to better meet your congregants needs?

“…we meet people at their point of need…not throw content at them”

The economy is bringing about an increased cry for both financial and spiritual help. Not totally unexpected, but the churches who are meeting the needs both spiritually and otherwise are benefiting the most.

Tony Steward from the online LifeChurchTV said the following in an recent interview about his online church: “…we meet people at their point of need not throw content at them”

What Tony and LifeChurch is doing for online church, brick and mortar churches need to emulate as well. Churches that want to prosper and build their brand should be thinking of the ministries that they might be able to offer.

People are seeking help any way they can get it. What is your church doing? Are you able to help by providing ministries that can offer support for those who have either lost their job or are fearful about their status with their current one? Those are the outreach services that will help to cement your brand and insure your place within the community.

Helping out and being helped at the same point of need.

Some of those outreach ministries could include:

Prosperity/abundance classes for those in financial fear

Ministries to support the unemployed

Creating a Benelovent or Compassionate fund for those in need

Getting involved in service projects in area schools, hospitals, and homeless shelters.

Because doing any of the above not only helps the people you reach out to, but also those who do the reaching out (and some of those are both at the same time)

In reaching out, you build your brand!

And building your church brand is important. Your brand is how you are perceived, the type of people you attract and maybe more importantly the kind of like minded people that support what your church stands for.

Some Questions You Might Ask Of Your Church Regularly

1. What are the challenges that attendees are facing and how can the church address those in a loving and compassionate manner?

2. Can your church be the bully pulpit for spurring action within the community?

3. Do you currently have a budget and/or process to help those with immediate needs?