This morning, I spotted not one but TWO churches who had the same indecipherable Bible verse on their billboard.
In a second, I’ll tell you what verse they chose and why it just. Doesn’t. Work.
But first, let’s look at why some churches have billboards outside their worship centre (why advertise), and what they’re hoping to achieve (the advertising goal).
Let me say at the outset – I’ve been to a lot of churches, and they’re not all great expressions of God’s love – but some are! I have attended a few great churches.
Churches where the people show God’s love in practical ways to the world and to each other during the week.
Where the people show genuine affection for each other when they hang out.
Where the people show love for God in how they worship on a Sunday.
And I love God. 100%. I wish more people knew how awesome his love is.
Why churches advertise
Churches typically have three interrelated goals when advertising:
- Invite the reader to seek God. This is the core aim of reaching out to the world (in church speak, evangelism).
- Invite the reader to join their community of faith (fellowship).
- Invite the reader to learn more about their set of beliefs (doctrine).
And these are the goals that all outward-facing, publicly-visible materials should be judged against, if that church is indeed trying to reach out to the communities around it.
That’s why things like your church’s website, Facebook page, Google maps entry, billboard, and social events calendars, are all vitally important, and must be working towards those three “advertising” goals.
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TJ Withers 