« December 2004 | Main | February 2005 »

January 31, 2005

Time's 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America

(Filed under: Public Relations)

This week's issue (February 7) of Time magazine featured the cover story "The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America". Considering the Time team were measuring influence politically, I think they did a pretty good job with their list. It's nice to see the usual suspects (Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Benny Hinn, etc.) absent from this list because quite frankly the influence of those "kinds" are tainted by the tawdriness of television. (Enough said).

After reading the lead-in article in which Time attempts to weaken the muscle of evangelicals in America by asking the question "What does Bush owe the religious right?", I am renewed in my sense of how much political influence local pastors/churches can have on their communities.

Who are the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in your city? Are any of them in your church? Is there anybody in your church who you can sponsor to be on such a list?

Where is church marketing in all this? People love causes, especially causes that are tangible and somewhat tenacious. A better country starts with better communities. How is your church bettering your community?

Posted by Brad Abare at 6:35 PM
| Comments (5) | TrackBack

The SpongeBob Aftermath

(Filed under: Public Relations)

The continuing controversy of SpongeBob SquarePants versus Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family just keeps getting messier, proving the advice of our own Andy Havens to not pick a fight with a cartoon character.

Dobson and Focus on the Family responded to the coverage by accusing the media of distorting his words (which certainly happened, though a lack of a full explanation and a slow response didn’t help) and encouraging their supporters to e-mail specific members of the media who had made the most vicious comments.

Picking a fight with the mass media is no wiser than engaging a fictional character.

Continue reading "The SpongeBob Aftermath"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:03 AM
| Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 27, 2005

More Web Site Advice

(Filed under: Technology)

Sometimes you have to hear it a second, third or fourth time, so here's more church web site tips from TheosLogic Productions. (thanks to Chris Taylor for the link)

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:15 PM
| Comments (1) | TrackBack

Rolling Stone Accepts Bible Ad

(Filed under: Public Relations)

After tons of media attention Rolling Stone has reversed their decision and agreed to run the Zondervan Bible ad they originally rejected. It doesn't always work out this nicely, but the media frenzy gave Zondervan much more publicity than they would have received with the ad alone.

It's also worth noting how Zondervan reacted from a public relations perspective. While they did express disapointment at the original decision from Rolling Stone and explained the facts of the story, the seem to have avoided making accusations or turning the issue into some sort of culture war. They let columnists pick at the absurdity of the Rolling Stone decision and stuck to the facts.

The PR lesson? Always take the high road. It's doubtful Rolling Stone would have agreed to run the ad in the end if Zondervan had responded with vehement accusations and finger pointing. Zondervan didn't lie down and take it either, but they managed to let the facts speak for themselves. In the end it's been a win-win situation for Zondervan, thanks to wise PR.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:10 AM
| Comments (5) | TrackBack

January 24, 2005

The Church & Technology

(Filed under: Demographics/Research)

A recent study shows a deep gap between large and small churches when it comes using technology. Only 52% of Protestant churches have a web site, but the numbers vary greatly based on church size: 88% of large churches (those with 200+ members) have a web site compared with only 28% of small churches (those with less than 100 members).

Small churches may be missing out on a relatively cheap and efficient method of communication.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:50 AM
| Comments (5) | TrackBack

January 20, 2005

Don't Spar with the Sponge

(Filed under: Public Relations)

by Andy Havens, Guest Blogger

Earlier this week, Dr. James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, launched a diatribe at SpongeBob SquarePants. The lovable sponge, along with a cast of other children's characters, appeared in a video remake of the disco hit "We Are Family," which Dobson alleges is trying to insidiously promote gay tolerance. The video's creators say it's meant to carry a message of multi-culturalism and racial tolerance and does not have anything to do with sexual proclivity.

I'm not going to get into the political, social or moral debate at all, because that doesn't have anything to do with marketing. What I am going to tell you--and this isn't a suggestion, but a straight up marketing imperative--is don't ever, ever, ever get in a fight with a fictional characacter. I don't care if it's the protagonist in a classic novel, a lead figure in a play, a cartoon animal, a comedic role in a modern sitcom or the animated spokes-thing for a major brand of pet-food. It's a lose-lose-lose proposition for you from a PR standpoint. Why? Four main reasons.

Continue reading "Don't Spar with the Sponge"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 7:42 AM
| Comments (4) | TrackBack

Being Present in Life's Transitions

(Filed under: First Impressions & Beyond)

Funerals and weddings are the rare event when the unchurched soul will suddenly find themselves entering a church of their own free will. Some churches cater to that fact, swinging their doors open regardless of membership or faith for the chance to be a faith-filled presence during that time.

It seems callous to call it marketing, but offering hope and solace during a funeral or love and encouragement during a wedding is what the church does best. It’s a service to the community and an invitation to put our faith in action.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:31 AM
| Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 19, 2005

Franchising Church

(Filed under: Church Business)

Borrowing from McDonald's, churches are beginning to franchise--or offer multisite locations, as it's commonly described. The solution allows larger churches to expand beyond the limits of their facilities and location, often reusing elements of the church service for these satellite locations.

It's not a bad ideas, as long as community is emphasized. Unlike McDonald's, people are important to the church and there needs to be a communal connection between a group of believers. Satellite churches can't turn into fast food locations where you visit the corner franchise for the sake of speed and convenience.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:18 AM
| Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 18, 2005

First Podcasting Church

(Filed under: Technology)

Podcasting is yet another word to add to your techno vocabulary. It's essentially broadcasting audio over the Internet in a format people can listen to at their leisure. Just like TiVo allows people to record their favorite shows and watch them later, podcasting delivers new shows to your iPod so you can listen when you feel like it (or check Wikipedia for a better explanation).

At the forefront of this latest techno-wonder: Bluer, a Minneapolis church. The Pioneer Press covers the spreading technology, giving a few lines to Bluer and a quote to their resident techie, Nick Ciske (who in hindsight wishes he'd said something different).

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:06 PM
| Comments (2) | TrackBack

Creativity Matters

(Filed under: Technology)

In a span of ten days 11-year-old Dylan Verdi went from normal kid to being heralded as the youngest videoblogger in the world and featured on ABC News. She posted her first entry on December 20, 2004 and on December 30, 2004 she appeared in the ABC News segment declaring bloggers the People of the Year in 2004. Her dad tells the whole tale in (what else?) video.

How cool would it be to see churches embracing a funky new technology like videoblogging? I can imagine youth groups cranky out weird and hip videos about their current discussion topic, recapping past events, hyping upcoming events, or just expressing themselves in general. Churches seem like a ripe venue for such a viral, communal activity. All it takes is a church brave enough to let their members be that creative.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 11:19 AM
| Comments (0) | TrackBack

Rolling Stone Rejects Bible Ad

(Filed under: Advertising)

by Andy Havens, Guest Blogger

The largest publisher of Bible's in America, Zondervan, is rolling out a new and more modern translation of the Bible, Today's New International Version. But, according to a story in yesterday's USA Today, although the language has been updated, apparently the message itself isn't hip enough for the music industry magazine Rollilng Stone, which rejected an ad for the new publication.

Continue reading "Rolling Stone Rejects Bible Ad"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 10:49 AM
| Comments (2) | TrackBack

Sanctuary or Jet Hanger?

(Filed under: Building Design)

Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa, Fla. is building a new $73-million facility with a sanctuary large enough to hold Air Force One. The new 400,000 square foot building sits on a 143-acre campus and will house the church’s 66 full-time staff members—all to serve the church’s 9,000 members.

A gigantic building project like this certainly makes a statement. I can only hope that statement is heard outside the $73-million facility.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:42 AM
| Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 17, 2005

I Have a Dream

(Filed under: The Christian Walk)

The 86-year-old evangelist Billy Graham was named by pastors across the board as having the greatest influence on churches and being the most trusted spokesperson for Christianity, according to a new report from George Barna (who found himself in the 8th spot for greatest influence). The likes of Rick Warren, George W. Bush and James Dobson top the list of greatest influencers, with a similar list for spokesperson minus Bush and including T.D. Jakes.

With the exception of T.D. Jakes, the top ten lists for all pastors from both categories feature nothing but white men. On a day like today that honors arguably the greatest church leader of the 20th century, it's sad to see that Sunday morning is still the most segregated hour of the week.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream and the Church rose up and left a mark on history. It seems a disservice to call it marketing, but it certainly has to be the Church at its best. If only the church of all places could live up to King's dream.

"Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight, that we as a people will get to the Promised Land. And I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." (from a sermon King delivered the night before he was assassinated.)

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:13 AM
| Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Beginner's Guide to Church Blogging

(Filed under: Technology)

ChangeThis is offering a free download, The Beginner's Guide to Business Blogging, for a limited time (expires Jan. 25, 2005). Though it is a bit repetitive, the guide covers all the basics (including 'what is a blog?') and explains how a blog can be good for business. It's a small step to see how the same can be true for churches as well.

Update: The PDF is no longer available from ChangeThis, but the expired version says if we have a copy we're allowed to post it on our web site, so here it is: The Beginner's Guide to Business Blogging (680 KB, 41 pages)

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:51 AM
| Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 14, 2005

Go to Church, Win a Hummer

(Filed under: Examples)

A Tampa Bay church is giving away a 2003 H2 Hummer. People had a chance to register during 2004 at The River at Tampa Bay Church and those eligible included first-time visitors, members who brought first-time visitors, Bible students, and those who filled out a survey. Other prizes included a scooter and a Play Station, all to be awarded during the church’s Winter Campmeeting which runs this week.

Continue reading "Go to Church, Win a Hummer"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:29 AM
| Comments (13) | TrackBack

Charging for Church

(Filed under: Church Business)

English cathedrals are reinstating admission charges to overcome lost donations since 9/11. While raising prices in an economic downturn is fairly typical, that doesn’t always mean it’s successful (eBay tried it this week).

The Daily Telegraph explores the history of cathedral admission prices, focusing on Frank Bennett who abolished the Chester cathedral’s sixpence admission price in the 1920s. In addition he reworked the way the cathedral operated and as a result voluntary donations brought in four times as much as the admission price did.

It seems grace is not only at the core of our faith, but it’s also an idea that can work in the business world (see Seth Godin’s Free Prize Inside).

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:04 AM
| Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 13, 2005

Never Gonna Be As Big As This Jesus

(Filed under: Off the Wall)

The Beatles can step aside thanks to the 62-foot, $250,000 Jesus statue erected by the Solid Rock Church of Monroe, Ohio. The sculpture towers over the church and nearby interstate 75, serving as a “beacon of hope and salvation.”

"We're living in a day when a lot of people feel hopeless, but we believe that when people see him, they will understand he is the hope for the world," said Darlene Bishop, wife of pastor Lawrence Bishop and originator of the idea.

Nearby roadside attractions include a sign for Hustler of Hollywood, one of Larry Flynt’s largest adult stores and a billboard for an adult club. When it comes to marketing, the “Super Savior” is certainly getting attention, but you have to wonder if going head to head with the tackiest of roadside distractions is the way go.

There is also some debate as to the biggest Jesus ever status as Eureka Springs, Ark. claims to have a 67-foot Jesus.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:19 AM
| Comments (21) | TrackBack

Church of England Grows--Sort of

(Filed under: Demographics/Research)

The Church of England released new numbers showing a 1% increase in church service attendance in 2003 over the previous year, a small but significant change to the recent declines.

The bad news, however, is that very few young people are showing up. The church saw a small rise in marriages and funerals, but big drops in baptisms and confirmations.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:42 AM
| Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 11, 2005

Think Different: The God Pod

(Filed under: Promotion)

What if the church explored the same cross-promotional efforts as U2, arguably the biggest rock band in the world? You might come up with the God Pod.

Yes, it’s a tongue-in-cheek question, but what if the church really did think outside the box when it comes to marketing? Before 2004 making a major motion picture out of a passion play would have been laughable. But it not only happened, it went on to make more than $611 million worldwide.

Perhaps the church should borrow Apple's "Think Different" slogan.

(God Pod via Nick Ciske)

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 10:20 AM
| Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 6, 2005

Behavioral Marketing

(Filed under: The Christian Walk)

by Andy Havens, Guest Blogger

I was reading a post titled "News from Australia" on Seth Godin's blog (author of the marketing books Purple Cow and Free Prize Inside) a few days ago. The second half of the post talks about a dentist who gets much happier after firing his "C" patients; those who complain constantly, don't pay on time (or ever) and make his life miserable. I was reminded of my time in retain marketing when we'd joke that we'd love a churn rate of 2% (losing 2% of our customers every month), if we could hand-pick the 2% that left.

Continue reading "Behavioral Marketing"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 7:38 AM
| Comments (4) | TrackBack

We All Drink From the Same Cup?

(Filed under: First Impressions & Beyond)

For the past several years I've attended an Episcopalian church where communion is served from a single cup (actually two, one for each side of the congregation). This always prompts wrinkled brows and exclamations from visitors about the health risks of drinking from the same cup. It happened when my parents (multi-cup Baptists) visited and even last month at a wedding from unchurched guests.

An article in the Los Angeles Times explores the issue, concluding that there's little if any risk. But what does this have to do with marketing?

Many aspects of church can cause visitors to squirm, scratch their heads and sometimes feel downright uncomfortable. The potential health risk in sharing the communion cup is only one example. Churches need to communicate to visitors exactly what is happening and why, letting them know what's expected of them.

A simple paragraph in the bulletin could do wonders to calm fears and ease social discomfort, making it easier for a visitor to concentrate on the actual church service.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:06 AM
| Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 5, 2005

AdAge's 2004 Marketer of the Year

(Filed under: Brand & Identity)

Last month, Advertising Age dubbed McDonald's "Marketer of the Year." Recent winners have included Apple and Target. Although this is the first time McDonald's has won the award since Advertising Age began the ritual in 1971, McDonald's did win "Marketer of the Decade" in 1989.

If McDonald's can be the marketer of the year for selling food we shouldn't eat, or in the case of their "healthier options," food we won't eat anyway, but we feel good because they have it available, certainly there is hope for the Church.

I find it hard to believe that we have the greatest story ever told, one that has captured more hearts and minds than any for-profit business could ever dream of, and yet the Church in general is viewed as poor communicators with fringe freaks, and a following that views church more as a pacifier than a perpetuator of Truth.

Pastor: what part is your church playing to help nudge the Church to be the unstoppable, undeniable, and undisputed champion of communication that is everything it can and should be?

Posted by Brad Abare at 6:59 AM
| Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 4, 2005

The Church Responds to Tsunami

(Filed under: The Christian Walk)

In the wake of what has to be one of the worst national disasters in recent history*, the world is mobilizing with relief efforts for the tsunami victims. Despite early criticism for the “stingy” U.S. response, government relief has exploded while private efforts are being led by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.

Among all the stories of aid efforts, churches are coming up again and again.

“This is Christianity 101 applied, loving your neighbor in the extreme example,” said the Rev. Joe Kerrigan of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in New Brunswick.

Continue reading "The Church Responds to Tsunami"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:54 AM
| Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 3, 2005

Churches Speak Out Against Violence

(Filed under: Examples)

White crosses littered the yard of Highland Baptist Church last month in a stark statement against violence. One cross stood for each of the 68 homicide victims in Lousville, Ohio in 2004. The crosses were removed yesterday in hopes of peace in the new year.

The crosses are part of the "No Murders Metro" campaign which is led by a coalition of ministers and seeks to stop violence. This year they intend to start mentor programs for those released from prison, challenge at least 100 people to get involved in a Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and partner 10 churches in high crime areas with churches in safer areas.

While it seems misconstrued to call it a marketing effort, this is a well-balanced campaign to fight violence and a great example of what churches should be doing. They're making a difference in their local community, standing up for an issue that's at the heart of their faith, and all the while creatively engaging the public. Nice job.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 2:44 PM
| Comments (0) | TrackBack