Whether we’re writing an original piece or commenting on some external marketing atrocity, we always aim to temper our columns with solid advice for churches looking to communicate their message. With that in mind, we wanted to see what advice you liked best in 2009. And here’s your verdict:
27% of you kind respondents think our best advice is to quit ragging on other churches. And we covered the subject explicitly two times. Hopefully in 2010, we’ll see churches paying more attention to loving and caring for one another and less attention on monopolizing their stomping ground.
A close second are those 24% of you who appreciated our challenge to tell stories that are true. Kevin challenged churches to fact-check their stories, or better yet, tell the true and real-life stories of people in their own communities.
Next up, 19% of our visitors think “Stop copying” is the best advice we gave. You’re tired of seeing churches copy television series, one another and anything else they can find. Perhaps this will be the year that churches get their creative act together.
12% of you think the best thing we challenged churches was to “Learn to take criticism.” It hurts to hear the hard stuff, but it’s better for all of us if we take it into account. And just a hair behind that are those of you who really resonated with our call thankfulness.
Another 7% of you appreciated our warning on the dangers of spec work. And a measly 3% of you thought the best advice we gave was to check your carbon monoxide detector. C’mon, that one was pure, unadulterated, common sense gold!
Here’s to another year or church marketing advice, philosophy and common sense. We’ll try and do better this time, we promise. But in the mean time, vote in this week’s poll: As 2010 dawns, what church marketing trend do you think will most define the next year?
bondChristian
January 6, 2010
In the coming year, I’d like to see a few more articles that give some practical steps for marketing the church. Lately, I’ve seen a lot of commentary on what others are doing, which I think contain some valuable lessons. But I’d like to more straight up, practical posts.
As usual, though, I’m still enjoying the site and the effort you guys put into churning out the content. Thank you.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Cameron
January 6, 2010
I’d love to have picked most of them, but history suggests that the Church will continue refusing to acknowledge exactly what is going on outside their front doors, both good and bad.
I really, REALLY hope to be wrong.