A Guide to Filling Pews and Hearts with Joy

Church growth in attendance isn’t magic—it’s a combination of faith, connection, and, yes, a bit of church marketing. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; invite people for the ride.

Meet Pastor John. He’s 45, loves his congregation, and absolutely doesn’t love when the pews look like a ghost town on Sundays. Last week, he delivered a powerful sermon that could make rocks cry (Matthew 19:26: "With God, all things are possible!"). But when he looked out, he saw just 50 souls nodding along. John sighed and wondered, “Where is everyone? Why is it so hard to get new folks in here?”

Pastor John loves his flock but feels like he’s running on fumes. Between sermon prep, counseling, and fixing the church printer for the hundredth time, there’s barely any time left to think about church marketing. What even is a “digital marketing strategy for churches”? And why does it sound like something from a Silicon Valley boardroom?

He’s not alone. Many pastors struggle with this balancing act.

But don’t worry—we’re about to break down how churches can effectively grow attendance, stay true to their mission, and even have a little fun along the way. Spoiler alert: It’s easier than parting the Red Sea!

The Power of Invitations (and a Good Marketing Strategy)

First things first—**people won’t show up unless they know they’re invited.** Remember the Parable of the Great Banquet? (Luke 14:23: “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.”) Pastor John needs to go beyond the pulpit and start inviting people in creative ways.

What’s Your Invitation Strategy?

Modern invitations aren’t just fliers pinned to a coffee shop bulletin board. They’re posts on Facebook, quick Instagram videos, and even catchy emails. This is where digital marketing for churches shines.

- Social Media Outreach: Want to reach younger generations? Go where they are! Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can help share your message.

  - Example Post Idea: A fun Reel showing "A Day in the Life of Our Church" with upbeat music and smiling faces.

  - Why It Works: 85% of Gen Z finds new communities online. Why not let your church be one of them?

- Email Invitations: Send warm, welcoming emails to your congregation and encourage them to forward them to friends.

  - Pro Tip: Include a heartfelt story or scripture (like John 3:16) to resonate deeply.

Remember: Church marketing isn’t about selling—it’s about sharing. You’re inviting people to experience something life-changing.

The Mustard Seed and Church Growth

Jesus once said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed..." (Matthew 13:31-32). That tiny seed grows into a massive tree. The same is true for your church’s attendance!

Every outreach effort is a seed. Some seeds will sprout immediately, while others might take time. But if you keep planting, you’ll eventually see a beautiful, growing community.

Think of your church marketing strategy as the watering can.

- A consistent social media presence? Sprinkle.

- Friendly email campaigns? Sprinkle.

- Community events like BBQs, youth nights, or outreach programs? Big-time sprinkle.

Over time, those little efforts lead to significant growth.

The Secret Ingredient: Community Engagement

People don’t just want to attend church; they want to belong. According to a Barna study, 79% of people attend church to feel closer to God, but a big reason they stay is feeling connected to others.

How to Boost Engagement:

1. Create Small Groups: Remember Acts 2:46? “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Small groups create deeper connections.

2. Host Community Events: Think beyond Sunday! Movie nights, service projects, or potlucks make church fun and inclusive.

3. Engage Online: Start a Facebook group for your church community. Share prayer requests, praise reports, and memes (because Jesus probably laughed, too!).

Use Technology to Lighten the Load

Pastor John doesn’t have time to post on social media and fix the printer. That’s where technology comes in. Modern marketing for churches can be automated to save time and reduce stress.

- Automated Social Media Tools: Schedule posts weeks in advance.

- Email Marketing Platforms: Automatically send weekly updates and invitations.

- Church Websites with Event Calendars: Let people know what’s happening without 17 phone calls.

This way, Pastor John can focus on his ministry while the marketing hums in the background.

Faith + Strategy = Growth

Let’s recap:

1. Invite Consistently: Use digital marketing to spread the word (Luke 14:23).

2. Engage Authentically: Build a community that people want to be part of (Acts 2:46).

3. Automate Wisely: Let tech handle the marketing so you can focus on your calling.

Growing church attendance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about planting seeds, sharing your message, and trusting God to bring the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Get a Free Marketing Audit!

Pastor John (and other church leaders), if your pews look a little too empty and you feel overwhelmed by outreach, we’ve got you covered. Get a free marketing audit report to see how your church can:

- Improve your online presence

- Reach new members

- Engage your community

It’s free and straightforward and might be the watering can for your mustard seed needs!

Click Here for Your Free Marketing Audit Report

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Let’s grow together!