Church Branding
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Wed, November 03, 2004
- Viewed 45
- (3) comments so far
But, it's only relevant if the experience a person has with your ministry is consistent with the identity you postulate with your logo, message and media.
People today of all ages (being influenced mostly by younger generations) are searching for the authentic. That's why it's critical that the experience you provide is consistent with the image you paint. Image is generally only important today when it is steeped in reality. The age of hype is over. Say what you are. Be what you are. And be very sure there is tight correlation between the two.
If you are looking for ways to effectively communicate the unique brand of your church or ministry, a good place to start is by asking input from your members and supporters. Compile a list of adjectives describing your ministry and if you are the singular leader, adjectives describing you. Get a list of at least 50 adjectives and then narrow it down to the five adjectives that best describe the uniqueness of your ministry. Use phrases or even make up new words if needed. It's just a start at the daily process of discovering who you are. . . as a ministry and/or as a person.
Find a good firm to help you develop the written, visual and even musical elements of your brand. Above all things, be sure to make this a team process. Who are we? What are we? What makes us unique? What do people remember most about us? What is our calling?
Remember, people are much more visually sophisticated than ever before. Not just with television, but with all forms of visual media and communications. If you want to have any hope of being relevant in this world, at least a part of your brand needs to shout forth a visual message that is relevant. Unless you intend to be branded as "old school", it may be time to sacrifice that tired logo and those dated visual styles on the altar of progress and develop a look, a message and a plan for growth that is fully consistent with your dreams, aspirations, callings and reality.
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Now I know that many people reading this will think that 'branding' is superficial; and really has nothing to do with the gospel. There are many that feel that being culturally attractive is not something we should strive for. But I'm interested in hearing from some churches who are doing what Chris suggests above. What is your plan? What can you share about your vision? Has 'branding' helped you reach more people for Christ? Share your thoughts and ideas... I'd love to hear them!
I recently found an interesting post on a blog by advertising person Chris Busch on the subject of “Church Branding”. I thought it was interesting… here’s a look at what Chris said… Churches are beginning to awaken to the importance of branding to communicate their “essence” to their communities. Actually, churches have been practicing branding for years without knowing what it was called. With all the buzz about “branding” these days, it seems to me that the fad stage is almost over. While there will always be branding of some kind, we should see a new marketing fad creeping over the horizon we call innovation (perhaps a misnomer) soon…
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Comments
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David Curtis on Wed, November 03, 2004
What do you do if you are afraid of what your “brand” is? What if you feel your “brand” or culture is what is holding the church back?
david on Wed, November 03, 2004
Yes, this is part of our strategy. One part of that is our Street Team that goes out to big events in our community to hand out free water with our 2005 Scion.
http://www.revolution242.com/blog/archives/2004_08_01_archive.html#109253782672351429
Daniel Zepeda on Fri, April 22, 2005
What ever happened to Jesus brand?
Where one can come and find Him?
Boy are we ripe for the antichrist.
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