June 30, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Bulletins, Web Sites and More

When the folks in the Church Marketing Lab haven't been getting together or helping Michael get ready for his presentation at the HOW Design Conference, they've been working hard and getting feedback. Here's just a bit of what we've seen come through the Church Marketing Lab lately:

How to Kill Relationships and Irritate People is an upcoming series about biblical relationships.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Bulletins, Web Sites and More"

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June 12, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Motorcycles and More

We see anything and everything in the Church Marketing Lab. Whether your church is hosting a motorcycle ride, a summer-long series or a "bring your gun to church" event, you can get some feedback from the Church Marketing Lab. As a matter of fact, maybe the church who decided to invite everyone to tote their guns to church could have gotten some good advice.

Here's a bit of the work we've been seeing this week:

These At The Movies graphics will promote this summer's series at Lifechurch.tv.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Motorcycles and More"

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May 29, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: This One's for the Dads

It's been a couple of weeks since we've clued you in on what's been going on in the Church Marketing Lab, so we thought we'd give you a special Father's Day edition. Here's what's been brewing that might interest dads over the past couple weeks:

This I can get behind--the artwork for Father's Day plus barbecue.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: This One's for the Dads"

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May 15, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Summer Fun and More

This week in the Church Marketing Lab, we hit 8,000 pieces submitted. It's come a long way since this announcement. One thing that still hasn't gotten old is to see someone post in the Church Marketing Lab for the first time. They've started down the road of commitment to improving their churches efforts to reach the world, and that's why we exist.

That's what eli.braud did this week with his Young at Heart info card.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Summer Fun and More"

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May 8, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Three Posters and a Billboard

The Church Marketing Lab has been booming lately. We've been discussing how long people keep old files around, how to target a specific audience, how to promote without bulletin inserts and more. And of course, we've seen some great graphics come through the pool.

Check out this idea for a new billboard and ad campaign.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Three Posters and a Billboard"

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May 1, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Let's Discuss

So normally in the Church Marketing Lab, we have some wonderful pieces posted and some incredible feedback that helps folks improve their skills. We thought we would take a break from our regularly-scheduled photo roundup to show you some of the discussions that have been going on this week:

• Where does someone go when they're new to the world of church marketing and design?
• Just for fun, here's the coffee everyone is drinking.
• Amidst the swine flu, the real flu and general gross-ness, aren't door greeters and forced handshakes a bit ... disgusting?
• There's a great discussion happening on which content management system is the best for churches.

So you're not a designer? That's a-OK. Just hop in and enjoy the discussions.

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April 24, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Posters, Newspaper Ads and More

It's been another great week in the Church Marketing Lab. It's so great to see conversations start and grow there in a way they couldn't on Church Marketing Sucks alone. Here is a taste of the graphics we've been seeing pass through the Church Marketing Lab this week:

This is a possible newspaper ad for a church's vacation Bible school offerings.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Posters, Newspaper Ads and More"

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April 17, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: New Taglines, Logos and more

This week in the Church Marketing Lab, we've seen some incredible designs and discussions. Don't miss out on all the great action. If you have a mind and you've ever used it for church marketing, you could be a great asset to the community there.

Here is a sample of some designs we've seen passing through this week:

This graphic is for an upcoming series called, When God Doesn't Seem Fair.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: New Taglines, Logos and more"

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April 13, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: A Lesson Learned in Copyright

In the lead-up to Easter, we saw some really phenomenal work come through the Church Marketing Lab. You can see one example to the right of this entry. One church, however, was unclear on the purpose of the photo pool, and they ended up using this work as their Easter art. To make a long story short, an astute member of the Church Marketing Lab noticed this inappropriate use and brought it up. This led to a conversation with the church's pastor, an apology and a lesson learned.

It's just another example of how the Church Marketing Lab is helping churches and giving us all a little bit of a lesson, and it's also an example of the importance of copyright issues with churches. This could have led to a lawsuit had the victim been less gracious, and that could be devastating for a church. So take this week's roundup as a reminder to properly value art and legal art, and err on the side of caution as your church moves forward.

Of course, we've seen tons of other activity this week. Here's a little sample of what's been coming through:

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: A Lesson Learned in Copyright"

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April 3, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Hebrews, Bulletins and More

Another week wanes in the Church Marketing Lab. Discussions have ranged from how churches are using social media to ADD among designers to portable outdoor church signage. And, of course, discussion on photos and designs has been thriving. Here's a bit of what's passed through this week:

This graphic is for Never the Same: Stories of People Who Have Encountered Jesus

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Hebrews, Bulletins and More"

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March 26, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Easter, Moving and More

Coming up in two weeks, we have one of the biggest holidays for churches and church marketers. More people are willing to come to church on Easter than any other day of the year, so why not go all out, right? Head over to the Church Marketing Lab to see all of the great Easter graphics and chatter. Here's a little taste (both Easter and non) of what we've been seeing:

The Mission is moving, and they're sending out this mailer.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Easter, Moving and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 5:48 AM
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March 19, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Aliens, Hong Kong Graphics and More

We've heard from church marketers in South Africa, England, Belgium and Australia before. In the Church Marketing Lab, we see British art and discussion pass through from time-to-time. But this week, a member from Hong Kong got involved in the discussion. And, aliens came up for the first time (to my knowledge). If you aren't involved there, you're really missing out. Here's some of what we saw:

This church is putting on a Christian symposium on aliens.

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March 6, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: 1000 Followers & Easter Fun

About a month and a half ago, we let you know that the Church Marketing Lab was on Twitter. Well, momentum has come quickly, and the Twitter feed already has over a thousand followers!

Those followers would mean nothing without the strong community that is the Church Marketing Lab. Still, every week, we see people who say, "This is my first time visiting the lab, thanks for your help" or "I couldn't have done this without you guys." If you aren't involved in the Church Marketing Lab yet, check out and get involved in both the discussion board and the photo pool.

At Calvary Community Church, they'll be using this Holy Week piece.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: 1000 Followers & Easter Fun"

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February 13, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Easter and Wine

Maybe you're not following the Church Marketing Lab on Twitter yet. And if that's the case, you wouldn't have been kept up on the stuff that was passing through this week. If that's you, we have a roundup for you so you won't feel too left out:

Respond Home focuses on caring for orphans through adoption, and they're working on a logo.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Easter and Wine"

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January 29, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Worship logos to 80-Year-Old Mailers

We're always overwhelmed to find that some members in the Church Marketing Lab don't even know what Church Marketing Sucks is. And vice versa. Surely some of you stumble upon us through Google or one of the kind folks who links to our site, and you have no idea what a Church Marketing Lab is.

Well, it's the place where church marketing becomes more than a blog you read. You can give advice and get advice from tons of peers in order to help the church. As of writing this, 2,864 members have submitted 7,173 items to the Church Marketing Lab. That's a thriving community, and it's a community we're committed to supporting and encouraging.

That said, here is a bit of the art that we've seen passing through the Church Marketing Lab this week. It's not necessarily the best of the best, and it's not the worst of the worst--it's a taste of the what's happening in the Lab. And if you're not involved yet, head on over and start participating!

Preflight is this church's worship service team, and they are working on a new logo.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Worship logos to 80-Year-Old Mailers"

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January 23, 2009

Church Marketing Lab on Twitter

Yesterday we talked about Twitter, and I'm sure tons of you out there are already using the service. I know the four of us at Church Marketing Sucks are. But that's not what this is about. This is about the Church Marketing Lab being on Twitter.

It's a great way for you to stay involved in the Church Marketing Lab and see a bit of what is going on there more regularly than you get here. You can also get some good design links and tips. So instead of just showcasing some examples of the work passing through lately, we decided to showcase some of the tweets coming through:

• The Elephants are in the Room at the Lab... do you have feedback on this design?: http://snurl.com/ajde7
• Great resource, Thanks! Retweeting @arudd: speaking of fonts... how about more for free! http://www.fontsquirrel.com/
• If you're interested in following fellow cmlab Tweeters.. check this thread out: http://snurl.com/ahy7m
• A fellow designer on a time crunch needs your help.. do you have any input on this design: http://snurl.com/aj9tz

Big thanks to Pam Parish for taking the initiative on this one.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:26 AM
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January 16, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Thanks to our Moderators

These days, the Church Marketing Lab is still gaining momentum. We're at over 7,000 pieces of work, and the community is thriving like never before. One of the big reasons for this is a new round of moderators. These are the folks who make sure each piece gets feedback, discussions stay focused and peaceful, and that people don't abuse the community. It's a huge task, and their payment is just how great they feel doing it, and the occasional thanks from us. So new.perspectives, courtenay, DanielleSuzanne, @muntz, David Choate, *cameron* and @professr, huge thanks go out to you.

Here are a couple pieces made possible by our moderators that will give you an idea of the types of things that pass through the Church Marketing Lab:

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Thanks to our Moderators"

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January 9, 2009

Church Marketing Lab: Ads, Sermon Art and More

It's been awhile since we've updated you on the going-ons of the Church Marketing Lab, with the holiday break and wonderful food and all. As you settle back into the office and break your New Year's resolutions, maybe a new resolution is in order: to get involved in the Church Marketing Lab. Get designing, get over any fears you have, and get some feedback on your work. Here's a little sample of some of the work that's been passing through:

Essential Church is running an ad in their local value pack of coupons.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Ads, Sermon Art and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 10:25 AM
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December 9, 2008

How Would You Spend $5,000?

Over in the Church Marketing Lab, one church has a problem that lots of you would love to have. How would you spend $5,000 on marketing?

Here's how some folks have weighed in:

"one idea. small flyers, stickers, posters directing people to a separate website offering hope, progress, change (maybe something like AccessHope or AccessChange dot com). create a "movement" beyond religion. soon you'll have closet gays, bible college students, homeless (they'll look you up on the public library computers), young families who just lost their house, people who don't seem to fit in else where."

"Stamp your url on 5000 $1 bills. Start handing them out to people who need them. "

So what do you say? How would you spend the $5,000? Head to the Church Marketing Lab and weigh in.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:27 PM
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December 5, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Christmas Around the Corner

Christmas comes in a mere three weeks, and you know what that means--living Christmas trees, hand bell choirs and old men in Christmas sweaters! It also means that a lot of people are working on Christmas designs and creating Christmas collateral. Here's a bit of what's been coming through the Church Marketing Lab.

Here is an invitation to Carols by Candlelight if you can make it to Ireland.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Christmas Around the Corner"

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November 14, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Annual Reports and Quarterly Newsletters

It's not only flashy postcards, sermon slides and intro videos that can be submitted to the Church Marketing Lab. Even something as mundane as an annual church report needs good design.

It's a testament to dedication when even your yearly church report is submitted for design tips. If every church dedicated themselves to this sort of excellence in design, maybe there would be a few less giggles at the expense of church's design abilities. (Exhibit 1: What if the Church Marketed Like Starbucks?)

And there's more where that came from. Here's a little bigger taste of what we've seen this week in the Church Marketing Lab:

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Annual Reports and Quarterly Newsletters"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:44 AM
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November 7, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Web Sites, New Shirts and More

This week in the Church Marketing Lab, we've seen a collection of great work. For those of you who aren't involved over there, here's just a glimpse of the type of things you'll see (or could even post yourself):

These invite cards are for a church's winter social.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Web Sites, New Shirts and More"

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October 31, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Copyright Time

In the Church Marketing Lab, we've got a call for copyright questions. Lots of people don't really have a great understanding of copyright, from designers to pastors to volunteers, and we have the opportunity to ask some questions to copyright experts. So if you've ever had something on your mind regarding copyright, right and wrong and where to draw the line, get it in the thread over there or e-mail us. But as usual, we've seen some great work this week that hasn't been copied. Here is just a tiny taste of what we've seen this week:

These are graphics for an upcoming series called "Then and There."

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Copyright Time"

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October 24, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Discuss!

One of the most frequent requests we get is, "What do you think of [blank]?" And our reply usually is a gentler form of "Go to the Church Marketing Lab!" That's because the discussion board there is a wonderful way to discuss anything related to church marketing. It can range from sharing what different church communicators' desktops look like to technical discussions of file sizes and types.

Here's a taste of the discussions that have been going on this week:

• Branding, do you need one?
  
• "No one reads the bulletin."
  
• any one print shirts recently?
  
• How do you integrate sermon trailers into your service?

It's a lot more than people sharing their graphic design. It's a community of over 2,500 members ready to help one another out and move towards better communication. So however you get involved in church communications, get over and discuss in the Church Marketing Lab.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 12:29 PM
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October 20, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Rules Slides, Series Graphics and More

We just welcomed a whole slew of new moderators to the Church Marketing Lab. What should you expect differently? More feedback, better feedback and an all-around improved Church Marketing Lab. Something that's great is getting even better. Here's a little bit of the work we've seen this week:

Here are eight possible new logos for Bridge Church.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Rules Slides, Series Graphics and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:16 AM
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October 10, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Countdown, Golfing, Magnets and More

This week in the Church Marketig Lab, we've seen some truly great pieces. If you aren't involved over there, you're really missing out. Both in the photo pool and on the discussion board, you'll be stretched and challenged. Here's just four small samples of the great things we've seen this week.

Crossroads Church is working on a new service countdown.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Countdown, Golfing, Magnets and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:03 AM
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October 3, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Christmas Comes Early

It's about that time of year. You know, it comes in the beginning of October. Little red hats and elves start appearing on store shelves. That's right, it's the annual "What are Halloween and Thanksgiving? I'm Thinking About Christmas!" event. So here we have the first three Christmas entries of the year (that I've seen) from the Church Marketing Lab.

Here's an advertisement for The Heart of Christmas.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Christmas Comes Early"

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September 26, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Shirts and More

The Church Marketing Lab is now the proud home of nearly 2,500 members and over 6,000 pieces of work. Wow! What does that mean for you? That there's a great deal of work ready to be enjoyed and commented on. Here are a few pieces we have seen this week:

Fall Festival has a magnet ready to go.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Shirts and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 1:12 PM
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September 15, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: All in Who You Know

The Church Marketing Lab, for those of you that don't know, has two facets: the photo pool and the discussion board. It's great to see when both get used. That was the case when abbysmithonline needed some help. She asked on the discussion board,

My church is starting a new series entitled "All in Who You Know." It's about evangelism and will focus on four weeks about 1. Knowing God 2. Knowing the Church 3. Knowing Yourself and 4. Knowing Others.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to imagery? I'm drawing a blank. Mostly because I'm not a huge fan of the non-negotiable title. We're not a particularly edgy church, but I like to push us as far as we can go. Thoughts? Can't think of a better group to help me out.

She got plenty of responses, and her question became this final work:

It's so great to see the Church Marketing Lab used to its full potential. If you need some help with your marketing, head on over and dive in.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:14 AM
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August 29, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Non-Existent to Top 90

Church Marketing Lab stories really get me fired up. At its best, it's a truly incredible tool to help churches communicate with excellence. Take the story of Park Community Church.

It all started as they were getting ready to move into a new building. They wanted to go from suburban to urban, and this was the beginning of their journey.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Non-Existent to Top 90"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:17 AM
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August 26, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Group Branding, Newsletters & More

It's been awhile since we've had a standard Church Marketing Lab update, so we thought we would let you in on a little bit of what's been going on in the photo pool.

Palm Valley Church is working on the branding for their small groups.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Group Branding, Newsletters & More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:59 AM
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August 14, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Capturing Great Ideas

We take a break from our typical Church Marketing Lab updates to show you a different way you can use the Flickr group. Usually, folks post their designs, and other folks come alongside them to help them out. As we've chronicled many times before. But ryan.sworth had a different idea. How about using the Church Marketing Lab to put faces to church marketing wins? That's what we see here:

Here's how he described the experience:

We did Spontaneous Baptisms at our church this past Sunday, to kick off our new series "Awakening"--we baptized over 600 people, and provided all the essentials (shirt, shorts, flip flops, towels, hair care stuff, personal photograph, etc.) to leave people without an excuse.

This is why we do what we do. These are 600 of the faces of church marketing--whether that marketing came in the form of word-of-mouth, great design, strong communication or something else, we won't ever know, but the Church Marketing Lab serves as a great place to display the wins of church marketing.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:34 AM
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July 25, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Extreme Makeover Edition

One thing that makes us proud in a big way is when the Church Marketing Lab is all that it can be. One place we really see that is with designs that come through, get feedback, grow up and come through again. Here's some examples of that this week.

Unleash version one, two and three.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Extreme Makeover Edition"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:13 AM
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July 18, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Worship Albums, Christianese and Logos

Want to discuss the top 10 fonts? Know what font is used for The Deadliest Catch? Keep up with designers and church marketers who are using Twitter? You can do all of those things in the Church Marketing Lab, or you can just check out great designs like these:

This motion graphic is for Christianese, an upcoming sermon series.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Worship Albums, Christianese and Logos"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:52 AM
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July 4, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: New Sites, a Green God and More

The Church Marketing Lab never fails to disappoint if you're in the mood for great church design work. Here's a small something from the past week to whet your appetite:

Is God green? This direct mail piece asks that question to promote an upcoming series.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: New Sites, a Green God and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:07 AM
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June 27, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Compact Discs to E-mail Campaigns

This week in the Church Marketing Lab there's been no shortage of great submissions. All sorts of media from shirts to compact discs to HTML e-mails have sported everything from logos to series brands. Here's just a bit of what we've seen:

An e-mail campaign for a survey about domestic outreach.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Compact Discs to E-mail Campaigns"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:01 AM
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June 20, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Soak Posters to Prayer Cards

Some churches slow down their marketing for the summer. About half actually. But the Church Marketing Lab is there for those who just get hotter as the summer heats up. Here's some of what we've seen lately.

A prayer card going out to 200,000 folks.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Soak Posters to Prayer Cards"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:17 AM
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June 13, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Summer Fun

Summers at church mean a few things ... less crowds, sweating pastors, bulletins as fans, sweet trips and cookouts. All of these things are way better when they're promoted (except sweating pastors). And that's what the Church Marketing Lab is for. Here's a little of the summer fun we've seen there lately.

Here's a promo for a Texas Youth Camp.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Summer Fun"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 9:07 AM
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May 30, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Here's to the Next 5,000

The Church Marketing Lab has officially neared, reached and surpassed both 2,000 members and 5,000 posts. That's a heckuva lot of folks helping one another sharpen their skills. Here's just a taste of what we've seen lately:

This is the one, the only, submission number 5,000. Congratulations studiomuntz!

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Here's to the Next 5,000"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:42 AM
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May 13, 2008

Earth Day Poll Results

It's a hot topic right now, the relationship between Father God and Mother Earth. With everyone and their brother describing everything they do as "green," whether or not it's good for the earth, we wanted to know if your church was jumping on the chance to celebrate Earth Day.

The vast majority of you treated Earth Day the same way you treat Pi Day or National Weimaraner Appreciation Day--you don't. 29% of you didn't even realize Earth Day passed on April 22. At least now you can go ahead and pencil it in for next year! Another 64% of you knew about it, but you didn't care to give the planet a gift.

A small 6% of folks celebrated. Your marketing is seven shades of green, and you walk the lonely road of speaking up for our voiceless blue sphere. Did you go paper-free for a day? Turn the lights out? Walk barefoot? Let us know in the comments.

And for now, tell us, what do you think of CFCC's partnership with HOW?

Posted by Joshua Cody at 3:54 PM
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May 12, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Because You Love Your Mother

Don't you owe it to moms all over the world to give them the best designs ever? Head to the Church Marketing Lab and give some feedback for these Mother's Day designs, because it's never too late for feedback. There's always next year.

Here's a poster to promote a "Celebrate Mom" service.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Because You Love Your Mother"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:20 AM
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May 2, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Stages, Shirts and Summer Fun

Let's talk numbers here for a minute. We're only 52 members away from the 2,000 mark in the Church Marketing Lab, and the conversations just get better and better. Last June we hit member 1,000, and now we're already at 2,000! In October, we were looking at the 3,000th posting. Now, we're almost at 5,000! So if you aren't in the conversation, head over and join in. Here's some of what we've been seeing lately:

Here's a smorgasbord of ideas for a vision-casting print.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Stages, Shirts and Summer Fun"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 9:43 AM
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April 24, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Flickr Gets Video

If you're familiar with our Church Marketing Lab, you know it runs as a Flickr group. And if you're familiar with Flickr, you know they recently started allowing the upload of videos up to ninety seconds. Folks in the lab have used the occasion to upload videos containing unicorns, gnomes, peeing dogs, moving heads and the numbers one through thirty. Here's what I mean.

This is a promo for a series inspired by Napoleon Dynamite.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Flickr Gets Video"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:59 AM
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April 11, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Try, Try Again

The Church Marketing Lab is all about peer review. It's good to post your designs and ideas after you've executed them. It's better to share them before go time so the brilliant minds that hang out over there can help you out. That's what paulcarson did. Check out how the Church Marketing Lab can help a great design to be:

The design is born for the series "Pure," looking at trends in worldviews.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Try, Try Again"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 12:01 PM
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April 4, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Worship Guides to Breakfast Designs

Church Marketing Lab time. If you're not getting involved over there, you're missing out on a ton. There's discussions on church directories, Local Labs, purpose statements and more, as well as some great graphics. It's where the church marketing rubber meets the road. Here's some of the work we've seen submitted this week.

Check out this take on infusing sermon graphics in your bulletin.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Worship Guides to Breakfast Designs"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 5:58 AM
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March 28, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Welcome Displays, Bulletins and More

As the Church Marketing Lab nears 2,000 members, we want to remind you that anyone can take part. Whether you're a designer, a person with a question or someone with an opinion, it's the perfect place for you. And if you prefer the non-cyber world, check out the Local Labs. Here's a taste of what's been going on in our Church Marketing Lab this week.

Miami Harvest Church has a new welcome display banner.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Welcome Displays, Bulletins and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 5:29 AM
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March 21, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: A Bright Idea

This week, we take a break from our regularly-scheduled Church Marketing Lab roundup. I couldn't help but highlight a single entry this week -- a poignant and humorous submission that might just be a good idea for all churches.

To quote Church Marketing Lab member reslifephoto, this is ...

"A guide to caring for volunteers at church. Internal communication to help staff work with volunteers. I chose to use cartoons examples to keep people's attention. It seemed to work, for months after I handed these out, people still had them posted at their desks!"

Three cheers to you, reslifephoto, for a great idea and putting your priorities on treating volunteers well. And another two cheers for you, Church Marketing Lab, for being a place where ideas like this can come to get around.

Done something creative? Want to do something creative? Head over and get your creative glass filled up.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:38 AM
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March 7, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: From Logos to Postcards

Last week, we took a week off from letting you know what was going on in the Church Marketing Lab. But now, we're back in the full swing of things, and here's a taste of what we've seen in the past couple of weeks:

This is a series concept for "Generations."

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: From Logos to Postcards"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:04 AM
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February 23, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Easter Countdown

There's only one month and two days until Easter. Are all your graphics ready? If not, head to the Church Marketing Lab, get some inspiration and submit your designs. The folks there will help you work out the kinks in all of your Easter plans.

We won't Christmas-fy Easter and make the whole Lenten season about pastels, fake eggs and cute rabbits. So here's a little of what's been going on in the Church Marketing Lab, with just a hint of Easter work.

Next Step is rebranding their program to go from visiting to membership to serving.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Easter Countdown"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:08 AM
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February 18, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Logos and Provocative Posters

We've had a great round of our typically beautiful and provocative designs in the Church Marketing Lab this week, and we're here to show you a little bit of that, so check it out:

This is a cover, born of a collaboration between two Church Marketing Lab members, for a student guide on issues in Africa.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Logos and Provocative Posters"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:42 AM
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February 7, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Drawing Board to Final Product

In the Church Marketing Lab, it makes us proud to see a project go from concept to completion. We get to watch the entire process and even have the chance to help out a little bit. Here's what I mean. Hopefully it will inspire you to be a part of what goes on over there every day.

Here are some original, hand-drawn concepts for a ministry, "Serve Erie."

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Drawing Board to Final Product"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:18 AM
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February 1, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: New Web Sites and Beyond

The Church Marketing Lab is growing leaps and bounds--over 1,600 members and over 3,700 submissions now. And that's not even counting all of the phenomenal discussion topics. If you just check out our updates here, make sure you actually head over and see what's up. These are just a few samples of all the great things actually in the Church Marketing Lab:

Imago Dei is working on a new web site.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: New Web Sites and Beyond"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 9:08 AM
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January 25, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Banners, Logos and More

It's time for your once-weekly dose of Church Marketing Lab. Here's a little snippet of what's been going on, but make sure to get over there and check out the great work people have been submitting.

Bethel Baptist Church has a new Easter promo banner.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Banners, Logos and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:07 AM
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January 18, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Waffle Thermals to Revolutions

The Church Marketing Lab has been bustling with activity as people get ready for everything from Valentine's Day to Easter. Here's a taste of what we've seen this week:

Here's a new Elevation waffle thermal for you to check out.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Waffle Thermals to Revolutions"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:47 AM
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January 11, 2008

Church Marketing Lab: Financial Freedom to New T-Shirts

We thought you might be interested to know what's been going on in the Church Marketing Lab over the past week and a half, so here's a little taste for you:

Here's a background graphic for a series on financial freedom.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Financial Freedom to New T-Shirts"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 10:42 AM
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January 2, 2008

Church Marketing Lab in the New Year

Why not start your New Year right and help church marketing to no longer suck? Head to the Church Marketing Lab and add to the conversation. Here's what we've seen this week:

Here's a graphic for a 2008 kickoff sermon series.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab in the New Year"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 5:55 AM
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December 21, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: A Very Merry Edition

I've been restraining myself for quite some time now trying not to get all Christmasy with the Church Marketing Lab updates. But four days before Santa, here it is. This is some of the red and green goodness that's been going on in the CML:

Here's an 8.5" x 11" poster for "I'll Be Home for Christmas."

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: A Very Merry Edition"

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December 7, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: African Shirts, Absolute Truth and More

In the Church Marketing Lab we saw another week chock full of Christmas designs and all-around design goodness. Here's just a little of what we saw. Make sure to head over, and comment on these and more ...

This is a postcard for an "absolute truth" series.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: African Shirts, Absolute Truth and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:05 AM
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December 3, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Videos and Billboards, But No Christmas

If you head over to the Church Marketing Lab, you'll notice things are getting a lot more red and green. But I still resisted the urge to do a Christmas-y roundup. But beware, at any time, a Christmas mood could hit CMS, and we could have 200 Christmas Church Marketing Lab designs taking up our front page. But for now, here's what we've seen this week:

Imago Dei is working on a new logo.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Videos and Billboards, But No Christmas"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:34 AM
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November 16, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: New Sites, Sports Centers and More

It's the most wonderful time of year! The weather is getting colder, Wal-Mart has Christmas candles and Christmas music is starting in on the radio. All that to say, I'm desperately fighting the urge to make every Church Marketing Lab update from here on out a Christmas edition. Here's a little of the non-Christmas action we're seeing in the Church Marketing Lab this week:

Valley Church of Idaho is getting a new web site ready to go.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: New Sites, Sports Centers and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:00 AM
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November 9, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Languages & Share the Love

After a week off from the Church Marketing Lab roundup last week, we're back to your regularly scheduled design genius. Here's some of what's been going on in the Church Marketing Lab this week:

We saw a logo idea for Corinth Church.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Languages & Share the Love"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:51 AM
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October 26, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Compassion, Revivals and More

As we near the 3,000 submissions mark in our Church Marketing Lab (it will probably come this week), we wanted to let you know what's been going on lately. Here's a sample of things we've seen this week:

Here's a spotlight on a youth group supported Compassion child.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Compassion, Revivals and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:10 AM
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October 24, 2007

Church Conferencing Poll Results

MinistryCOM, Innovate, Buzz, Catalyst, Internet Ministry, Promise Keepers, denominational conferences, Leadership Summit, Passion, Willow Creek Arts, Origins, Saddleback Worship, Unleash, Exponential Church Planting, Church Technology, National Youth Pastors, National New Church. Oh. My. Goodness.

The number of church conferences in the world will give you a migraine and a headache. So we were just wondering how many church conferences you attend in a year. Here's what you had to say:

41% of you go to two or three. How do these split up? One of your own, a couple to get you inspired? What conferences do you highly recommend for those of us in the dark ages only going to one or none a year?

The next best option is the 37% of you who don't do the whole church conference thing. Conscientious objector? Financial objector? Lack-of-time objector? Let us know.

21% of you are in my boat. One a year. I'm a Catalyst-goer thanks to a good friend of mine who takes care of my poor student-ness. Which one do you guys go to?

Tying for the third spot are the 0% of you who attend either 4-6 or 7+. I don't believe that. We've gotta have someone out there who does conferences for a living or is a total junkie. Show yourselves, we'll accept you.

To hold you over until the next church conference, think about our new poll question. You've just been put in charge of your church’s marketing effort. You’re doing a complete overhaul and money isn’t a problem (so this is completely hypothetical). Who would you hire first?

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:03 AM
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October 22, 2007

Lend A Helping Hand

Looking through our Church Marketing Lab, a couple discussion caught my eye. I thought that our CMS readers could certainly add value to these discussion.

For starters, user tap57 is looking for creative inspiration for a pledge card. Any ideas? Have you ever done this before? She's a new Flickr user from our Church Marketing Lab LIVE session. so head over and show some love to the discussion.

The second order of business is a more theoretical question. Anyone involved in churches has probably wrestled with this one--do first time visitors want more or less information about your church? Head over and let us know what you think visitors are looking for and how to handle it.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 5:27 PM
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October 19, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Videos and an Homage to Colbert

Yesterday we celebrated 1,000 posts on Church Marketing Sucks. But our Church Marketing Lab is nearing 3,000 posts. Here's some of the action going on in our photo pool this week:

Four Corners Church is gearing up for a Porn Sunday. Here's a still from their video promo.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Videos and an Homage to Colbert"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:03 AM
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October 12, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Cubes, Tickets and More

I'm just going to be honest. Our Church Marketing Lab is awesome. I didn't do a lab roundup last week because I was at the Catalyst Conference. I come back this week, and there's all kinds of crazy submissions. There's cubes waiting to be printed, t-shirts, logos, posters, tickets, everything. There's nothing those guys can't think up to create. Here's just a taste of what's been going on:

A new plan for a church billboard.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Cubes, Tickets and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 9:33 AM
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September 28, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Wonder, Family Life, and Kids' Weekends

This week, we saw the first day of autumn. I checked the Church Marketing Lab for designs of foliage, football, and all fall colors, but I didn't come up with too much. But this week, we did see some great submissions, like these:

Run 1 and Run 2 of a series called "Wonder,"

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Wonder, Family Life, and Kids' Weekends"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:19 AM
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September 24, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Icons, Route 56 & More

We're here again to let you know a little bit of what's been going on in the Church Marketing Lab. Here's a sample of some of the submissions we've seen this week:

Route 56 5th and 6th grade class has a new logo.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Icons, Route 56 & More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:16 AM
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September 17, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Sorry Church Site, God is Green and More

This week in the Church Marketing Lab, the discussion board was crazy with a couple long threads, and the photo pool saw some great new submissions. Now that we've given you some links to keep you busy, check out a sample of this week's designs:

Here's a promo for a sermon examining what it means to be "green like God."

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Sorry Church Site, God is Green and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 5:05 AM
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August 31, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Painted Cars, the 80s and More

This week in the Church Marketing Lab, we had another great week of logos, series designs, fliers and more. Below, you'll see something that I think might have been a first. We've now moved out of the realm of paper and web design onto automobiles. Check it out below along with a sampling of other things from the photo pool this week.

There's a new premise for a "Best Marriage Ever" series.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Painted Cars, the 80s and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 11:22 AM
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August 24, 2007

Church Marketing Lab:

It's about time to let you guys know what's been going on in the Church Marketing Lab. Everyone's starting to show us their graphics for their fall kickoffs, and the discussions are buzzing, so make sure you head over and give your feedback.

A flier for the Fall Forward community weekend.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab:"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 8:19 AM
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August 17, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: T-Shirts, Fashion Shows and More

Here we are with your weekly roundup of what's been going on in the Church Marketing Lab. Check out some of the work we've seen this week, and then head over and give some feedback of your own.

Here's a poster for a women's luncheon and fashion show.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: T-Shirts, Fashion Shows and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:34 AM
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August 10, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Evolution of a Design

This week, we wanted to highlight a perfect example of what we're all about at the Church Marketing Lab. Make sure you follow the link to each specific image to see the comments provided. Here's the evolution of an image, which is our highest goal in the Church Marketing Lab:

Start with the original KidsTown banner.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Evolution of a Design"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 5:46 AM
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August 3, 2007

Elementary Marketing

This week in the Church Marketing Lab discussions, user 'rawar777' has an interesting church marketing question that doesn't get much attention. They ask:

"I am trying to get in the mindset of what is cool for 5th & 6th Graders, does anyone know a good way to do this? What kinds of things can I browse to see what's happening and how to target that age range?"

So what do you think? Have you had any experience with this?
If you might have any ideas, head over and help 'rawar' out.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:31 AM
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Church Marketing Lab: From Blog Headers to Flying Children

Here's what's new in the Church Marketing Lab this week:

The Therst blog is getting new headers ready.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: From Blog Headers to Flying Children"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 1:24 AM
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July 27, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: T-Shirts, Car Shows and Beyond

As the weather heats up, there's no better place to go than the beach. Or the pool. Or if neither of those are an option--the Church Marketing Lab! We've got our weekly sampling of what's been going on so you can click on in and head over.

Here's the logo for a Russian outreach program.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: T-Shirts, Car Shows and Beyond"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 12:52 AM
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July 24, 2007

Cheap, Fast and Good?

In the Church Marketing Lab, 'shawncampbell' asks the following question:

The concept is simple--There are three choices for any project: budget, timeline, and quality, but only two can be a priority. If it needs to be good and fast, it'll be expensive. But, if it must be cheap and good, it'll take a while. Cheap and fast will lack quality.

Can you have all three?

What have your experiences been with this? Have you seen all three work in any situation? Is this a policy worth using, or have you seen it proved otherwise?

Head over and help 'shawncampbell' out!

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:22 AM
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July 21, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Barbecues and Coffee Shops

This week in the Church Marketing Lab, we did what we do best. Help change the world. Here's some samples of how we saw that working this week:

Here's a sermon graphic for a question and answer series.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Barbecues and Coffee Shops"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 1:33 PM
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July 13, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Buttons, and More

Last week, we took a week off from our Church Marketing Lab to celebrate our big milestones of a thousand members and two thousand submissions. This week, we're back to business and letting you know just what's been going up in the Church Marketing Lab.

Ladysmith Lutheran Ministries is working on a new logo.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Logos, Buttons, and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:10 AM
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July 3, 2007

Marketing, (Re?)Defined

Over in the Church Marketing Lab, there's some good discussion going on about the definition of marketing.

It all started when user 'blogpaul' put forth this marketing definition:

mar·ket·ing /ˈmɑrkɪtɪŋ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[mahr-ki-ting] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. the act of buying or selling in a market.
2. the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer, including advertising, shipping, storing, and selling.

Is the current definition obsolete? In the context of contemporary life, what are goods and services? If you're into the church, marketing, photo shopping, arguments, John Maynard Keynes, or dictionaries, you'd better get in on this discussion.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:23 AM
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June 29, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Still Celebrating!

Well, next week we'll return to our regularly scheduled programming, but this week, we reached 2,000 submissions in the Church Marketing Lab! Another milestone; thanks so much to you guys for helping us get here. There's no way the Church Marketing Lab could thrive so vitally without the efforts of our CMS readers, so make sure to keep it up, and head on over to check out some of the stuff that's been going up this week:

A promo for a series on marriage.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Still Celebrating!"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:21 AM
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June 25, 2007

Great Expectations: What's It to You?

Imagine this with me: A message series with two-fold aim. The first aim is to travel through a book of the Bible in linear fashion. The second aim is to develop the themes of the book, as they emerge, into a message series. It might look like so, based on the book of Luke and a theme of "Great Expectations:"

• Luke 7:1-10 and called "Building Expectations."
• Luke 7:11-17 and called "Raising Expectations."
• Luke 7:18-35 and called "Grounding Expectations."
• Luke 7:36-50 and called "Exceeding Expectations."
• Luke 8:1-3 and called "Expectations Restored."

Continue reading "Great Expectations: What's It to You?"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:01 AM
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June 22, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Celebration!

We made it! A thousand members! Thanks so much to everyone who is a part of the Church Marketing Lab. It's been an incredible run so far, and I think the church has seen fruit from your cooperation and synergy. We're pretty down-to-earth guys here at CMS, so I guess it's time to hunker down, push to 2,000, and celebrate how we know best--by showing you what's been up in the Church Marketing Lab this week, so we've got a few logos and an ad for you!

Babyspot is working on a new nursery logo.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Celebration!"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:58 AM
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June 18, 2007

Calling All Financial Minds

Each week, we try to highlight a discussion from the Church Marketing Lab that needs a little kick start to get going. You guys have been making my job tough. It seems that everyone who brings a question to the group gets flooded with responses. That has two implications,

1. If you have a question, take it there! You'll probably find an answer.
2. If you have some answers, be contributing. The more answers, the more effective!

Over in the Church Marketing Lab this week, user 'hosh' asks about annual financial reports. Last year, his church didn't do a report, but put his information on the web instead. They're getting ready to try a report again, but he's got a philosophical crisis on his hands. Here's his question:

What is the idea or purpose behind your financial report?

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:21 AM
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June 15, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Getting So Close

To be short and sweet, we're still pushing right at a thousand members for our Church Marketing Lab. Even closer is two thousand pieces of art. Here's four points of entry for you to click on over and help us to those milestones. At the very least, here's four ways you can help the church matter this week by reviewing your peers...

Four Corners Church is preparing a bulletin cover for their "Get Out There" series.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Getting So Close"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:35 AM
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June 8, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Vines, Logos, Soccer and Silence

This week at the Church Marketing Lab, we saw another successful go of things. I love to see images submitted, reviewed and resubmitted, and we saw some of that. We might even highlight some of those before and afters in a forthcoming Church Marketing Lab update. For now, we have your weekly wonderful samplings of the going-ons in the Church Marketing Lab:

The Vine church is headed to the billboards.

There's a new logo in the works for Northcity Church.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Vines, Logos, Soccer and Silence"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 11:54 AM
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June 4, 2007

Help Your Country, Help A Church

OK, so I don't have a rant concerning patriotism or anything of the sort, but I do really have a call for your help! As you all know, Independence Day is just around the corner, as are barbecues, star-spangled shorts, and fireworks (assuming rain ever returns). Over in the Church Marketing Lab, 'charitydeyon' is getting ready for her church's annual Fouth of July celebration.

Have any of you ever done this sort of celebration? Do you have logo ideas? Suggestions? Or are any of you working on it this year?

Head on over and give your advice!

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:13 AM
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June 1, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Movies and More

I always love when we have new and interesting media up for discussion in the Church Marketing Lab. We've seen movies, bulletins, church directories, coffee cups, logos, color palettes, web sites, newsletters and more. In case you never visited, it's not just 2,000 clip-art crosses with folks debating about which is better. Keep mixing it up and bringing new things to the table; those of you that aren't over there regularly, check out some of what goes on:

Faith Baptist Church is tired of their old logo, so they're working on a new one.

Here's a flyer for Friday services at Front Line Ministries.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Movies and More"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:57 AM
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May 24, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: At the Beach

Over at the Church Marketing Lab, we're seeing more and more graphics pertaining to Summer trips and events. So grab your floaties, snorkels, and flippers, because here's a little sampling of graphics going to the beach!

The Blitz Extreme camp is preparing a t-shirt for their beach trip.

Fire Escape created a postcard for their beach week.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: At the Beach"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 10:37 AM
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May 19, 2007

Historical Accuracy or Relatability?

In the Church Marketing Lab Discussion, user 'wheres my sanity' poses an interesting question. It's one I'm sure many of you have wrestled with. Many of you have heard the term anachronism. It's placing something outside of its proper time frame. Often times, this is done to make an idea more understandable and easy to relate to.

The dilemma in this post rests in a series on the ten commandments. The design team wants to go with Hebrew numbers on the tablets for authenticity, but the pastor wants to do Roman numerals so all will understand. Have you come across this dilemma before? How did you handle it?

Head to the Church Marketing Lab and help 'wheres my sanity' out!

Posted by Joshua Cody at 9:35 AM
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Church Marketing Lab: Summer Camp, Messy Faith and More...

This week in the Church Marketing Lab, everyone started getting ready for summer. The great dialogue continued, and more and more summer series and beach camp graphics are going up. Even more exciting than summer, we're getting close to a thousand members! That's something to celebrate. And in Church Marketing Lab tradition, we always celebrate by giving you a taste of what's been going on:

A promo for a yearly junior high event.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Summer Camp, Messy Faith and More..."

Posted by Joshua Cody at 9:04 AM
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May 15, 2007

Help Name Marriage Classes

This week in the Church Marketing Lab Discussion, timschraeder asked for some help. He's looking to name pre-marriage and post-marriage classes, and he wants to avoid the usual cliche names. We wanted to bring the call for help to all of our loyal CMS readers to see if anyone had any ideas. Ever been daydreaming and come across the perfect name? Check out his post for details and help timschrader out!

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:20 AM
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May 11, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Body Piercing, Language School and More..

This week in the Church Marketing Lab, we had some incredible creations and dialogue. Simply head over and click on a piece of work; you'll see what I mean. Here's a small glimpse of what's been going on this week:

A church ad in an underground newspaper.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Body Piercing, Language School and More.."

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:36 AM
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May 4, 2007

Church Marketing Lab: Special Edition

It's that time again. We want to give you a glimpse of all the great material being posted over in the Church Marketing Lab. This week, however, there's a special twist. Be sure to check out the final sample to hear what's so special about this week. Here's a little of what we've seen:

A bulletin concept for an Urban Legend series.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab: Special Edition"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:01 AM
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April 30, 2007

Help Review A Web Site

We always love to give a little power to the people in the Church Marketing Lab. WheatonGuy18 wants you to step into action. He's looking for feedback regarding his church's new web site. What do you guys thinks? What can they be doing better? What are they already doing great?

Update: Due to a certain intern (read: me) making some minor (read: glaring) mistakes, this post isn't actually active anymore. I love the feedback you guys have been giving, however, and I hope you'll continue working to make the church more effective together in the Church Marketing Lab. Thanks again for the conversation you guys are sparking.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:11 AM
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April 27, 2007

It Came From The Lab!

Another week at the Church Marketing Lab and I know everyone is asking the same question: "Well Josh, what kind of stuff went up this week?" So here you have it, a roundup from the past week's contributions.

A developing logo for a children's ministry.

Continue reading "It Came From The Lab!"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:14 AM
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April 23, 2007

Help Wanted: Good Videos

Last time we posted a help wanted ad, we were pretty much just making fun of someone. This time we're serious. Seriously. Over in the Church Marketing Lab this week, terrell_sanders has an announcement. He's looking for church videos to showcase at MinistryCOM 2007. Don't know what MinistryCOM is? It's a conference that we here at CMS love. Check it out.

Head over to the discussion and consider submitting your videos.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:01 AM
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April 20, 2007

It Came From The Lab!

It's about that time. Another week is winding up at the Church Marketing Lab, and we're here to show you what's been going on.

A logo for a group that meets to work on their guitar and worship leading skills.

Continue reading "It Came From The Lab!"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 6:02 AM
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April 13, 2007

Write a Church Tagline

We have a success story of sorts over in the discussion area of the Church Marketing Lab. User dorothea_holcomb posted a tagline her church was considering and she didn't think would work. With the help of some folks in the lab she was able to convince her church not to use the tagline. Helping the church not suck--that's what we're all about.

But now they want her to come up with a tagline that does work. Head over and help dorothea_holcomb process what a church tagline should be and help her get her church on the road to growth and changing their community!

Posted by Joshua Cody at 10:27 AM
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It Came From The Lab!

We've had a great week over at the Lab. Our members have been incredibly busy with tons of new material. Here's a little bit of what's been going on.

Four Corners Church posted an Easter bulletin cover.

Continue reading "It Came From The Lab!"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 10:11 AM
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April 6, 2007

T-Shirts Ain't Cheap

Last week in the Church Marketing Lab, you suggested ideas for how to plan a creative meeting. Some of your feedback included nuggets like:

• Use rotating members to keep your meetings fresh
• Stay a couple months ahead in your planning
• Think from an un-churched perspective

This week, Cami618 is having some trouble with t-shirt expenses. She's tried local and it's too expensive. She's looked online, but it's too overwhelming. Maybe you could help point Cami in the right T-shirt direction?

Posted by Joshua Cody at 7:07 AM
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April 5, 2007

It Came From The Lab!

I know you've been wondering, "What's going on over in the Church Marketing Lab this week?" Luckily, I have the answer to that question for you. Check out some of what has been created this week.

A color palette for a church whose property borders a nature trail.

A logo/slide for a series at Keypoint Church

A Myspace advertisement for a youth group volleyball night.

A logo for a weekly men's group meeting .

See something you like? Something you don't? Have a question? Head on over and join the discussion.

Posted by Joshua Cody at 11:18 AM
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March 30, 2007

How Do You Do Plan a Sermon Series?

A lot of helpful and interesting discussion happens in the Church Marketing Lab--it's not all fancy designs and comments. We'd like to start highlighting some of those discussions and allow people to help people (since we don't know everything).

Rob Alexander is looking to revamp the creative meetings for his church's sermon series. He's "starting from scratch" and looking for some answers to the questions he has. I know you guys are a creative bunch, and you love to make changes, so head on over and help him and his church create better storms with their brains.

Help plan a creative series meeting >>

Posted by Joshua Cody at 2:03 PM
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It Came From the Lab!

While we wrap up another successful week over at the Church Marketing Lab, we wanted to plug everyone here at Church Marketing Sucks into what's been going on. Recently, we reached 750 members, and we all celebrated by doing what we do best--submitting and reviewing design. So here it is (drumroll, of course), this week's Church Marketing Lab Roundup...

An Easter invitation from Sequoia church.

Continue reading "It Came From the Lab!"

Posted by Joshua Cody at 1:15 PM
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March 27, 2007

Church Marketing Lab LIVE!

Just received some exciting news from the folks at MinistryCOM, I will be hosting the first ever Church Marketing Lab LIVE! at the conference in Nashville, Tenn. Sept. 13-14. It's a chance to put some flesh on the Church Marketing Lab.

Church Marketing Lab LIVE! is an interactive forum/workshop that allows attendees to bring in current and past marketing communications for critique and comment by both a panel of some of the Church Marketing Lab's brightest and encourage a group discussion with the purpose of bettering the communication piece. Church Marketing Lab LIVE! will give attendees something to implement immediately upon returning from MinistryCOM.

I'm hoping this will be a great time of extending the lab into face to face conversation and dig a bit deeper into some of your marketing communications. As we've not done this with the lab before, I'd love to get your input and thoughts on the event.

Posted by Michael Buckingham at 6:45 PM
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December 22, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Lightning Round

By Brandon Meek, Guest Blogger

A lot has happened in the lab since the last update. We have nearly 600 members and more than 1100 images that people have been critiquing and learning from. If you haven't been there, take a minute and checkout the Church Marketing Lab.

The following are some images that could use some feedback so while you are waiting for Santa to stop by, take a few minutes and help church marketing not suck.

– Christmas Eve Ad

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Lightning Round"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 7:46 AM
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October 30, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Lighting Round

by Brandon Meek, Guest Blogger

Great things are happening in the lab. We are approaching 900 user submitted images and have more than 500 members working to help church marketing not suck. Take a few minutes and be one of them.

- Brochure Front

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Lighting Round"

Posted by Guest Blogger at 8:38 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 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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July 7, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #14

It's that time again. Get in there and help the church matter.

Creative Arts - poster design.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #14"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 1:52 PM
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June 30, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #13

The Church Marketing Lab on Flickr has grown to over 300 members with more than 400 pieces posted. Wow. Get in there and offer your feedback. Help church marketing to longer suck.

iWorship - series opening video. Also check out their Just Call Me Mark video.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #13"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 11:02 PM
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June 23, 2006

Super Church Marketing Lab Round Up

We skipped the round up of Church Marketing Lab entries last week, so this week we'll offer the super round up! It's faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap creative lulls in a single bound and it's not the most expensive movie ever made (in fact, it's free). Check out the recent Church Marketing Lab entries and offer your thoughts.

Habakkuk - graphics for a series on Habakkuk.

Continue reading "Super Church Marketing Lab Round Up"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 1:59 PM
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June 9, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #11

It's been a busy week in the Church Marketing Lab, our community to share your work and offer feedback to others. So dive in and give your suggestions.

Amped - t-shirt concept. Also see concepts #2 & #3.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #11"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:31 PM
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June 2, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #10

We do this every Friday. You know what to do, right? Good.

Friends - graphics for a sermon series on friendship that will appear in the church foyer and also be worked into slides, bulletins, video and more.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #10"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 3:09 PM
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May 26, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #9

It's your turn. Step up and offer feedback and suggestions in the Church Marketing Lab. If you're not sure how to start, check out our guidelines for helpful instructions.

Where Jesus Is - a poster for a traveling youth choir's musical.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #9"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 2:47 PM
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May 19, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #8

The Church Marketing Lab. Have you heard about it? 211 other people have, and they're taking part in the Great Commission by helping churches communicate better so they can reach more people. We hope you'll join us (check out the guidelines if you need some help).

Saturate - flyer for a worship service. Offer some feedback on their youth camp poster as well.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #8"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 3:23 PM
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May 13, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #7

It's a lazy Saturday and no one else is blogging, so head on over to the Church Marketing Lab and offer feedback to some church communicators trying not to suck (see our guidelines if you need instructions).

Chili cook off - postcard for an upcoming chili cook off. See the revised version.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #7"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:29 AM
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May 5, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #6

It's Friday and time for a look at the Church Marketing Lab. Mosey on over there and help church marketing not suck (see our guidelines for instructions).

Church Camp - poster for Christ Church Camp. Also see their logo, Alpha banner, invite and A-frame, bulletin, e-mail and (whew) registration form.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #6"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 2:58 PM
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April 28, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #5

It's been a busy month at the Church Marketing Lab. We've got over 200 images added from over 150 members. Rather than just talking about it, we're actually helping improve church marketing. And when I say 'we,' that includes all of you. I'm no expert, but many of you are, and it's your feedback that makes a difference. So step up to the Church Marketing Lab and share your feedback (see our guidelines for instructions).

Doubters Anonymous - graphic for a video intro to a sermon series. See the related sermon slides. And give a look to the superheroes postcard front and back.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #5"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 11:30 AM
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April 21, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #4

It's another Friday and another chance to help church marketing not suck. Head over to our Church Marketing Lab and share your wisdom (see our guidelines for instructions).

I Am Not - fall retreat poster (also see their Canada 2003 logo/book cover, Can You Hear Me Now fall retreat poster, and Graddy awards).

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #4"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:19 PM
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April 14, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #3

It's Friday and we know you're looking for an afternoon distraction (at least for those who didn't get the day off for Good Friday), so why not help churches communicate better? Not that we endorse goofing off. Check out the recent additions to the Church Marketing Lab and offer your suggestions (see our guidelines for instructions).

The Office - a series slide.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #3"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 10:04 AM
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April 7, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #2

We always talk about helping churches communicate better, so it's time to make it happen. Below are the recent additions to the Church Marketing Lab. Check 'em out and offer your suggestions (see our guidelines for instructions).

visitcalvary.com - web site for Calvary Church.

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #2"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:33 PM
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March 31, 2006

Church Marketing Lab Round Up #1

Yesterday we announced the new Church Marketing Lab, a place where you can help churches improve their communications. So let's do it. Here's a round up of church marketing samples posted to the Lab in the last month (we've got some catching up to do). Check 'em out and offer your feedback (check our our guidelines for instructions).

Continue reading "Church Marketing Lab Round Up #1"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:42 PM
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March 30, 2006

The Church Marketing Lab

It's time for better church marketing. Want to help?

Step into the lab and help churches improve their marketing and communications by taking part in our new Flickr group, the Church Marketing Lab. It's a photo-sharing group independent of this blog where anyone can share their work and give feedback to others.

If it sounds a lot like the peer reviews we used to post on a weekly basis, it should. The peer reviews were time intensive to organize and post and we were hoping for a better solution. We managed 24 peer reviews in six months, but in the single month we've been testing the Church Marketing Lab, we had 60 photos posted by 40 people.

And that's the idea. It's the power of the people. Put it to work for your church.

Continue reading "The Church Marketing Lab"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 3:28 PM
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January 30, 2006

Two Rivers E-Marketing

This week we look at the online marketing of a Nashville church.

Samples:

Traditional Service Web Site:

(tworivers.org)

Contemporary Service Web Site:

(eleven01online.com)

E-mail Newsletter:

Continue reading "Two Rivers E-Marketing"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 9:23 AM
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January 25, 2006

EKG Easter Poster

It's been a while since we've had a peer review, but never fear--they're still here. This week we're taking a look at an Easter poster, which is a good reminder that if you haven't started thinking about Easter, you'd better.

Samples:

Poster:

Continue reading "EKG Easter Poster"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:50 AM
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December 13, 2005

Easter Art Installation Promo

We know it's almost Christmas, but this peer review tackles postcards promoting an Easter art installation. Nothing like working ahead of time. Post your feedback in the comments.

Samples:

Postcard 1:

Postcard 2:

Continue reading "Easter Art Installation Promo"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:33 AM
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December 9, 2005

Church Commercial on Rock Radio

This makes me happy: Today's peer review takes us beyond web sites and print and into the world of radio. Share your suggestions and feedback in the comments.

Samples:

Radio commercial:

"I'm going to a church that doesn't suck..." (260 KB .mp3, 1:06)

Newspaper ad:

Continue reading "Church Commercial on Rock Radio"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:17 AM
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December 5, 2005

Church Plant Mailer

This week's peer review looks at a general mailer to promote an 8-month-old church plant in Northwest Arkansas.

Sample:

Front:

Back:

Continue reading "Church Plant Mailer"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 10:46 AM
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December 2, 2005

NewSpring Web Site Review

In this week's peer review we tackle the web site of NewSpring Church. Share your suggestions and thoughts in the comments.

Sample:

Screenshot:

(newspring.cc)

Continue reading "NewSpring Web Site Review"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:08 AM
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November 22, 2005

Church in a Pool Advertising

For this week's peer review we go across the pond to Life Church in the UK.

Samples:

Poster:

Flier (front):

Flier (back):

Continue reading "Church in a Pool Advertising"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:59 AM
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November 15, 2005

Riverbluff Church Web Site Review

This week's peer review tackles another web site. Share your feedback and suggestions in the comments.

Samples:

Screenshot:

(riverbluff.org)

Continue reading "Riverbluff Church Web Site Review"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:22 AM
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November 8, 2005

My Lame Marriage Campaign

For this peer review we take a look at the "My Lame Marriage" marketing campaign put on earlier this fall in Austin, Texas.

Samples:

Billboard:

Invite card (front):

Invite card (back):

Mobile billboard:

Continue reading "My Lame Marriage Campaign"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 9:06 AM
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November 3, 2005

Upstream Logo Review

In this peer review we're examining some potential logos for a community church plant in Australia.

Samples:

Logo 1:

Logo 2:

Logo 3:

Logo 4:

Continue reading "Upstream Logo Review"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:19 AM
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November 1, 2005

First Christian Church Web Site

This week we check out the web site of First Christian Church. Share your suggestions and feedback in the comments.

Samples:

Screenshot:

(fccterrell.org)

Continue reading "First Christian Church Web Site"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 9:09 AM
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October 26, 2005

Youth Group Hip Hop Flier

This week we take a look at another youth group flier. Offer your feedback and help other church creative folks improve their work.

Samples:

Flier:

Continue reading "Youth Group Hip Hop Flier"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:55 AM
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October 21, 2005

Seacoast Church Web Site

This time around we take a look at the web site of the South Carolina multi-site church, Seacoast. Give your suggestions and don't forget to consider submitting your church's marketing materials in a peer review.

Samples:

Screenshot:

(seacoast.org)

Continue reading "Seacoast Church Web Site"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 9:51 AM
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October 18, 2005

Messy Lives Promotion for My Praize Youth Group

Take a look at this flier design for a youth group program called My Praize promoting their theme, "messy lives." Please share your feedback and consider submitting your church's work for a peer review.

Samples:

11x17 Flier:

Continue reading "Messy Lives Promotion for My Praize Youth Group"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 9:11 AM
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October 6, 2005

The Refuse Web Site

Check out the web site of The Refuse, a Colorado Springs church for "the left out and right brained." Share your feedback in this week's peer review, and consider submitting your church's marketing materials for a future peer review.

Samples:

Screenshot:

(therefuse.net)

Continue reading "The Refuse Web Site"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:12 AM
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September 29, 2005

Port Adelaide Uniting Church Web Site

This week we continue our international peer review theme with a look at a church web site from Port Adelaide, Australia. Share your constructive feedback in the comments.

Samples:

Screenshot:

(portadelaide.unitingchurch.org.au)

Continue reading "Port Adelaide Uniting Church Web Site"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:55 AM
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September 26, 2005

Philpott Church's College Outreach Ad

A Canadian church (hey, we've gone international!) offers an ad for a campus directory—give your feedback in this week's peer review.

Samples:

Continue reading "Philpott Church's College Outreach Ad"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 6:09 PM
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September 14, 2005

New Song Fellowship Gift Tags

Check out the design for a gift tag that comes with a 'welcome to the neighborhood' gift from New Song Fellowship church and share your thoughts in this week's peer review.

Samples:
Front and back:

Continue reading "New Song Fellowship Gift Tags"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:38 AM
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September 2, 2005

Seacoast Vineyard's Logo

Check out this logo for a New Hampshire church plant in this week's peer review.

Samples:

Main logo:

Smaller logo:

Continue reading "Seacoast Vineyard's Logo"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:45 AM
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August 23, 2005

Women's Conference Marketing

A graphic designer is given the job of marketing and promoting a church's women's conference. Offer your input and ideas for this week's peer review.

Samples: Posters and a brochure for an upcoming women's conference.

Brochure:

Continue reading "Women's Conference Marketing"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 3:15 PM
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August 19, 2005

Saturday Service Mailer

This week's peer review is more of a case study, since it already went out and we know the results, but it's still valuable to review the strategy and design and see what works and what doesn't.

Samples: Direct mail postcard to launch a Saturday evening service.

Front:

Back:

Continue reading "Saturday Service Mailer"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:26 AM
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August 11, 2005

Missions Sunday Bulletin

It's Missions Sunday at Westgate Chapel, or at least it was a few weeks ago. For this week's peer review we take a look at their bulletin. You can always submit your church's finished or in-progress marketing materials for a peer review.

Samples: Sunday bulletin for a monthly Missions Sunday emphasis.

Front and back:

Inside pages:

Continue reading "Missions Sunday Bulletin"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:58 AM
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August 5, 2005

Image Ministries Marketing Samples

These are a few random samples from Image Ministries and their various marketing efforts, mainly because I couldn't pick just one. If you'd like your stuff to get the peer review treatment, check the details and submit your stuff.

Samples: Various marketing samples including direct mail, banners and sermon series promotion.

Banner:

Postcard:

Sermon series poster:

Continue reading "Image Ministries Marketing Samples"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:33 AM
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July 22, 2005

Extreme Faith Bulletin

You may have noticed that we launched a new section, Peer Review. In the past we've done some marketing reviews, but they were often scattered, not officially submitted, and not geared for an open critique. This time around we're trying to be organized and get peer input so the reviews can actually help churches. Check out the details and submit your own church's marketing efforts, finished or not.

And of course we don't know everything. So it's a peer review. That means you. Let's keep it constructive and try to help churches improve.

So let's get on with our first peer review.

Sample: Bulletin shell created for a message series called "Extreme Faith."

Front and back:

Inside pages:

Continue reading "Extreme Faith Bulletin"

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:46 AM
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