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September 30, 2006

Back to Church, $60 Design & Back Doors

• Back to Church Sunday - A campaign to welcome people back to church.
• Faith Visuals - Another media download site for churches, this time brought to you by Christianity Today.
• Automatic Tithing Machine - ATMs in church for automatic giving: cool application of technology or sign of impending armageddon?
• Should We Fret the Back Door? - Even Jesus had people walk out on him.
• Churches are Like Record Stores - Both face extinction. "The lesson here is to adapt or die."
• Church Door Hangers - Designed in 3 days for $60 thanks to Elance.com.
• Bad Press - Mark Batterson and the National Community Church deal with some negative press.
• Come As You Are - Crazy church marketing ideas. And while we're plugging Batterson again, he's got some book coming out.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:22 PM
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September 28, 2006

Do It Yourself Market Research for Churches

by David Zimmerman, Guest Blogger

Sometimes the best things in life don't cost any money. This is a fact that is very easily overlooked in the realm of church marketing. From fliers and mailers to complete demographic surveys--there is a lot of money you can spend in marketing your church.

Let's face it, to market your church effectively you are going to have to spend some money--but I think I'm preaching to the choir on this blog. There is a potential hazard down this road, however, and it is overlooking the simple, inexpensive ways to find out about our market. One of the most effective and least expensive things I've ever done to learn about my church's market is simply going around the neighborhood and asking people questions.

Continue reading "Do It Yourself Market Research for Churches"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 6:06 PM
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September 26, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Lightning Round

by Brandon Meek, Guest Blogger

Some images get lots of comments in the Church Marketing Lab and sometimes they don't. Here are some images that could use your feedback.

What are you waiting for? Take two minutes for a critique and help Church marketing not suck.

- Winter Camp Flyer

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Lightning Round"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 11:40 AM
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September 25, 2006

The Ageing MySpace Population

We've talked before about how your church can use MySpace and other social networking sites to connect with people, whether it's connecting your congregants or giving visitors a preview, but some interesting new stats prove that social networking sites aren't just for the youngsters. While MySpace.com (the runaway hit with 82% of traffic in the category) is perceived [and vilified] as the online hangout for teens, 87% of users today are 18 or older. If that's not shocking enough, 52% are 35 or older, which means the majority of users on the youthful MySpace are, well, old. And it's still seeing 230,000 people sign up every day.

For churches it should be clear that MySpace is no longer a tool for youth groups or young adult ministries. It's something the whole church should consider. (link via churchrelevance)

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:31 AM
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Church Newsletter Poll

Last week we asked about church newsletters, the sanctuary for modern clipart. But apparently it's the church newsletter that's endangered. 35% said had no church newsletter. The remainder cited the cheesy clip art (22%), the layout (16%) and the bad writing (12%) as making their church newsletter sucky. 11% claimed their church had the best newsletter ever.

I always thought church newsletters were mandatory. You learn something new every day.

This week we ask about the ol' church van and what should be printed on the side. Personally I'd like to see an air-brushed version of "The Last Supper," but that answer didn't make the cut for our poll.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:15 AM
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September 22, 2006

Sheep, More Mars Hill, Buildings & More

• All We Like Sheep - "This god of consumerism shows no resemblance to the Consuming Fire described in Scripture. People may say they believe in Jesus, but the archaic Lord, who calls forth sacrifice, promises suffering in this life, and demands obedience for his glory, the one Barth described as 'wholly other' is not what they have in mind. They're thinking of the Jesus that adorns t-shirts and SUV tailgates."
• It's Always Something at Mars Hill Church - Mark Driscoll talks about negative media attention Mars Hill has recently received.
• The Science Behind Your Church's Facility - Flooring, lighting, decorations and signage should have intentionality backed by what works.
• Church Math - Are church attendance figures inflated?
• Willow Creek Drops Young Adult Service - Moves away from the niche offering: "Young people are actually yearning for a holistic community, he said, 'rather than something that looks like a club.'"
• Tony Morgan on ICC - The Innovative Church Conference is happening today and Tony Morgan, among others, is offering some live blog action. And you've got to love Mark Batterson's list of Perry-isms. Funny stuff.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:56 AM
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September 20, 2006

A Slimmer Sinner: Does Your Brand Match Your Message?

I think HP has gone off the deep end with their latest attempt to market the Photosmart line of digital cameras. They are promoting a "slimming" feature on the camera that can instantly take away the pounds! Forgive my frustration, but when companies engage customers in a context that is anything less than authentic, it goes against the loyalty potential for the brand. I don't doubt this campaign may sell a few more cameras and generate some buzz (things HP is certainly aiming for), but for a long-term brand (something else I would imagine HP desires), dumb campaigns hurt more than they help.

Continue reading "A Slimmer Sinner: Does Your Brand Match Your Message?"

Posted by Brad Abare at 6:49 AM
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September 19, 2006

More Church Web 2.0: MyChurch.org

The church web 2.0 trend continues with another new site and some media attention. This time around it's MyChurch.org, founded by recent guest blogger Joe Suh. And the media attention is from Red Herring in an article covering web 2.0 and the church, including MyChurch.org, eBible and a quote from yours truly.

MyChurch.org is basically MySpace with an emphasis on churches (in case you couldn't figure that out for yourself). Much like Facebook builds community around colleges, MyChurch.org builds community around churches. It's a cool idea, though you have to wonder if people will go for another social networking site. MyChurch.org doesn't have the same customization as MySpace, which could be a bonus--or boring, depending on your take.

The real question tech-savvy pastors will have to answer is how many of these web 2.0 sites their church can really take advantage of. You can build an online community in so many places. Time will tell.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:23 AM
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September 18, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #15

by Brandon Meek, Guest Blogger

It's been a while since we've had a round up, but there has been a lot happening in the Church Marketing Lab. We have nearly 700 images in the lab and nearly 450 members. So what are you waiting for? Get in there and check it out.

Identity Theft – Sermon Series

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #15"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 10:04 AM
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Communication Events Poll

With MinistryCom 2006 over and the Innovative Church Conference coming up this week we decided to ask about church communications conferences and what matters most when you decide to attend an event. The clear winner was content with 51% of the vote. Cost came in a distant second with 16% and location was next with 13%. The big name speakers, reputation of the event coordinators and fitting in your calendar were all minor concerns with 5% or less each.

We also had the open field "other" option on last week's poll, though there wasn't any clear consensus among the answers. Though one answer certainly sounded appealing: "Whether or not Kem Meyer, Mark Batterson and Brad Abare are buying dinner for the whole group!" That might just push me over the edge as well.

This week we ask about the church newsletter.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:18 AM
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September 16, 2006

Have a Pint with Jesus

The face of Jesus has shown up in some mysterious places, but now it will appear in the frothy remains of a pint of beer as a part of the Churches Advertising Network's Christmas 2006 ad. You may remember the Churches Advertising Network from such controversial ads as Che Guevara Jesus and What would love do now?. Part of the campaign includes a MySpace site set up for Jesus.

"The message is subtle but simple--where is God in all the boozing at Christmas?" asks Churches Advertising Network Chairman Francis Goodwin. "For many, Christmas is just drinking and partying and God is excluded, yet many young people are interested in finding deeper meaning and exploring faith. We hope the link to Myspace will offer another venue for them to discuss their feelings and debate the issues."

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:04 AM
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September 14, 2006

Church Plants, 88% Drop Out Rate & (gasp) Sex

• How the Internet is Changing Denominations - Minimal design, but some interesting thoughts about technology changing the church. (link via Drew Goodmanson)
• Come As You Are - "To say that Mars Hill is just a church is to say that Woodstock was just a concert." (registraton or watching an ad required)
• How to Market a New Church Campus - How Fellowship Church marketed their new Miami campus.
• 88% of Teens Leave Church After High School - The stat keeps coming up--when are churches going to do something about it?
• Another Church Talks About ... It - You know, it. As in the birds and the bees? (link via Scott @ Igniter Media)
• BrandSpankingNewChurch.com - Gotta love the site for this new church plant. (link via Mark Batterson)

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 9:45 PM
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When Church Signs Suck

by Joel Bezaire, Guest Blogger

One of the first impressions that a church gives a passer-by is its church sign or marquee. In recent years, it has become chic for churches to quote presumably pithy sayings on these church signs. It is my assessment that most of these church signs "suck" (by CMS' definition of the word), especially when taking the "Church Marketing" perspective. What follows, then, is a Top Ten List (of sorts) that outlines when church signs suck.

1. When a church sign makes its author seem smarter than or superior to the reader, it sucks. What potentially new parishioner wants to attend a church that humiliates those that read its sign? Example: "It's a new year, why don't you do something new: go to church."

Continue reading "When Church Signs Suck"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 6:02 AM
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September 13, 2006

MinistryCom 2006 Recap

by Elizabeth Anchondo, Guest Blogger

"Definitely a home run!" sums up the overall reaction of attendees at this past week's MinistryCom Conference in Phoenix. The second annual conference hosted speakers from all over the globe who were brought together to share insight into the increasingly complex world of communication. Our very own Brad Abare spoke at the conference giving a workshop entitled "Return to Sender". We also hosted the first ever CFCC Get Together, featuring a few folks from the Church Marketing Lab talking it up with Brad over lunch.

So if you didn't make it out to Phoenix, we've done the next best thing for you: compile a list of links to check out blog postings about this past week's MinistryCom conference. And if you did make it out, relive the memories by posting your thoughts.

From what we've read so far, it was a huge success and has made an impact in so many lives. Read on and feel free to jump into the conversations.

Continue reading "MinistryCom 2006 Recap"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 5:45 AM
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September 11, 2006

Church Safety Poll

Last week we asked about church safety, prompted by news of a church hiring sex offenders. 71% were up on safety, with 40% focusing on what safety communicates and 31% focusing on a church's responsibility. Only 16% thought grace should be a bigger concern.

While it's an entirely non-scientific poll, the results shouldn't come as any surprise after the recent glut of abuse cases against clergy. Churches simply have to be concerned about safety.

This week we want to know what you want in your events. So far 'content that matters to me' has the lead with more than twice the votes of any other option.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:20 PM
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September 7, 2006

Making the Most of Your Sermons

The sermon is the bread and butter of church life. We get a new one every week. 52 per year. Start adding up the years your church has been around and that's hundreds, even thousands of sermons. Multiply that by the number of churches and you've just won the content lottery. And you know what they say about content: Content is king.

So what is your church doing with its content? I'd guess many rely on the old faithful cassette tape ministry. My church does. Some lucky churches have tapped into podcasting and are making sermons available online. It's a good first step, but we could do so much more.

Continue reading "Making the Most of Your Sermons"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:03 PM
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September 6, 2006

8 Lessons from My Secret

by Cory Miller, Guest Blogger

An Internet confessional booth?

That's what LifeChurch.tv has provided web surfers with their Internet site MySecret.tv--an online drop box of sorts where people can anonymously post their secret sins.

Right out of the gate, LifeChurch provided the site with all the proper elements to start a marketing virus that most of us, in church marketing circles, still drool at--providing church members with yard signs, bumper stickers and easy-to-use online links, graphics and videos.

The frenzy has been incredible. It's stirred discussions--online and off. Incited some criticism. Generated tons of media attention. And in the process, a bunch--I mean, a bunch--of people have actually gone online and come clean--anonymously, of course--to the deepest, darkest, hidden sins in their lives.

Continue reading "8 Lessons from My Secret"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 8:06 AM
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Free T-shirts

While I usually work more hours on Church Marketing Sucks then I'm compensated for (one of the things you can learn from the 'heart and soul' series--OK, I'll stop flogging it), one of the perks has been the free T-shirts.

It started with now 17% less judgmental from a church called the Annex in Canada, which has to draw more quizzical looks than any other shirt I've worn.

And now it's continued with my free eBible.com T-shirt, which they sent our way after we did some early coverage of the web 2.0 Bible tool.

I say keep the free T-shirts coming!* Blogging may not put food on the table, but it can put a shirt on my back.

*Disclaimer: But don't think that just by sending me a free T-shirt I'm going to blog about you. I like free stuff, but I'm not some topless sellout waiting for a mutually beneficial solution.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:19 AM
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We're Pioneers: Final 'Heart & Soul' Post

Yesterday we posted the final entry in our 'heart and soul' series over at the Center for Church Communication blog. Guest blogger Kem Meyer stepped up to give her thoughts on Church Marketing Sucks, and she says we're pioneers. Thanks Kem. Though we can't claim too much of the credit.

If you haven't been following the 'heart and soul' series (and we know that's something like 80% of you) we hope you'll check it out. We've got big dreams for helping the church not suck and if you support that vision we hope you'll check out our series and support us in whatever way you can. And if that's not you, well, maybe you can at least enjoy a good chuckle at some of our more ludicrious stories.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 5:37 AM
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September 5, 2006

Heart and Soul Poll

Last week we asked if people are checking out the 'heart and soul' series we're doing over on the Center for Church Communication blog. The results aren't exactly encouraging.

62% aren't sure what it is and 19% aren't even interested. Ouch. Thankfully 12% are on board and another 6% are checking it out when they can.

We'll assume those 62% are interested, they just need a little education. The 'heart and soul' series is a collection of eight blog posts covering some core convictions of our non-profit parent, the Center for Church Communication. It's why we do what we do, it's how we got started, it's how far we've come, it's where we hope to go and how we hope to get there. They are some foundational documents, laying bare our heart and soul with the hope that knowing who we are and what we hope to accomplish will encourage you to jump on board. If you appreciate Church Marketing Sucks and want it to continue into the future, we hope you'll check these entries out, share your two cents, and help the church no longer suck.

Whew. OK, so this week we're asking about church safety.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:57 AM
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