Unity Church Marketing

As you can probably guess, I am on a lot of lists and turn up on FaceBook groups having to do with churches in general and church marketing in particular.

I received an email today that was put out to their congregation that asked members input about a new church logo. And I totally resonated with that idea as they not only put out a quick poll of the logo’s, but just as importantly gave poll takers an opportunity to make comments on the “why” they chose the graphic they did.

Why did this approach resonate with me?  Well, churches are always talking about either being a “church family” or a “community”, but alot of time, that is where it stops.  It sounds good, so they say it.  Some even believe they actually practice being a community…except for the things that matter to the congregation.

I can say that because a church that I go to regularly was very proud of the logo they had since the time they first moved into their new church home a few years back.  Although I have to say that I didn’t think it told anything about the church, or what the church stood for, it was a symbol that most of the congregation really got behind.

Out of the blue about 3 months ago the logo suddenly changed.  There wasn’t any advanced notice.  There wasn’t any discussion.  It changed and the minister wasn’t willing to even discuss it other than to say…”The new logo saves ink” (Which I am not sure is actually the case, but that was the line we were given.)

People started to feel like there voices weren’t heard and that the church community had been shattered because although they financially supported the church, the church really didn’t want to listen to what they had to say about anything. It will recover in time, but they actually lost some folks as a result of actions that seemed very cavalier.

In the big scheme of things, this may not feel like a big deal.  But it is.  What the church who emailed the poll to the congregation did was get buy in.  Because even though your logo might not be the one selected, you not only had a vote, but you had a voice telling why that logo was important. What it comes down to is communications.  You either communicate fully or not at all.  Which type of church are you? 

Because while this is one instance, the attitude takes hold quickly throughout your organization.  People stop giving the effort.  When you are having a big event on Saturday, people think that 1 email on Monday will be sufficient to remind people and get them revved up to attend.  Marketing really doesn’t work that way.

Are you lacking “buy-in” for the projects that  your church puts forth? No one likes to feel like something is being shoved down their throats.

New Thought churches are supposed to be known for inclusion, not exclusion.  Reach out and try to get input, if not consensus on the programs you put forth.  You will see a different attitude in both the people that are willing to help and how enthusiastic they are to support your event.

Start out with little things like the logo poll.  Built up to stewardship campaigns as the more people feel involved and can communicate their feelings, the better your results will be.