Is Church Marketing Biblical
When you hear the phrase “church marketing,” what comes to mind? Ads, flyers, social media posts, or maybe even a billboard on the side of the road? Many Christians have strong opinions about marketing for churches—some see it as a necessary tool for church growth. In contrast, others think it does not fit within a biblical framework. But is church marketing biblical? Can a church use digital marketing for churches to grow while staying true to the Word? Let’s dive in.
Church Marketing Is Biblical
Before we start, let’s get one thing straight: church marketing is not only biblical, it’s necessary. God has called us to spread His Word, and with the tools available today, using a church marketing strategy can help us reach people who may never step foot in a church building otherwise.
You might be wondering, “But isn’t marketing just about selling stuff? Does that fit with the mission of the church?” It’s a valid concern, so let’s explore this idea by looking at the heart of church marketing and the biblical principles that guide it.
How Marketing Can Align with the Bible
Think of the Apostle Paul. He was one of the most successful marketers of all time—except instead of selling products, he was spreading the message of Jesus. Paul knew that to reach as many people as possible, he had to meet them where they were. He traveled around the ancient world, wrote letters (now called epistles), and used every tool available to spread the gospel. In a way, Paul used marketing strategies to do God’s work.
Here’s what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV):
'To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. '
Paul wasn’t just focused on preaching to people who already knew about Jesus. He understood the importance of reaching new people, which meant using the strategies and methods that would appeal to them. Let’s be clear: Paul didn’t use flashy ads or social media posts. But he was an expert in using his time's “marketing” tools to reach the maximum number of people. Today, those tools have changed, but the mission remains the same.
If Paul were alive today, we’d probably find him running a church growth campaign, optimizing digital marketing for churches, and getting the word out through social media and email marketing. Just like Paul used the tools of his time to spread the gospel, churches today can use digital marketing to help spread God’s Word.
Church Marketing as a Lighthouse
Imagine your church is a lighthouse. A lighthouse’s primary purpose is to guide ships safely to shore, warning them of dangers and leading them through rough waters. But the lighthouse doesn’t just sit in silence—it has a bright light that shines for miles, calling out to those who are lost and seeking safety.
Now, think of church marketing as the light of that lighthouse. The message of Jesus guides people to salvation, and marketing for churches is the tool that helps spread that light to as many people as possible. Just like a lighthouse is positioned where ships can see it, church marketing helps position the church in front of people who may need it most—whether through a website, a social media post, or a flyer at a local event.
This is why digital marketing for churches isn’t just an optional extra—it’s an essential tool. By shining the light of the gospel in as many places as possible, churches can reach lost souls in a way that wasn’t possible before. The Bible commands us to share the gospel with the world:
'And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. '
If you’re using modern tools like church marketing to do just that, you’re living out this command in a way that Paul and other early Christians would probably applaud.
The Bible: What Does Scripture Say About Marketing?
Now that we’ve set the stage let’s explore some scriptures that support a biblical marketing approach. Remember, marketing for churches isn't about making money or building a brand for personal gain—it's about spreading the gospel and connecting with others meaningfully.
Here are some key scriptures:
1. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
This is the heart of why church marketing is biblical. Jesus called His followers to spread the Good News and make disciples of all nations. In today’s world, reaching those nations can mean using tools like the internet, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO). Church marketing is simply a way to fulfill this commission.
2. Being Strategic in Outreach (Proverbs 16:3)
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."
When you plan your church marketing strategy, commit it to the Lord. Trust that He will guide your efforts to make the most impact. Digital marketing for churches, when done thoughtfully and with purpose, aligns with this principle.
3. Using Resources Wisely (Matthew 25:14-30)
"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them."
In this parable, Jesus teaches the importance of stewardship of our resources, including those for church growth. Digital marketing allows churches to manage and maximize these resources and effectively spread God’s message.
4. Communication and Transparency (Colossians 4:5-6)
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
This scripture encourages us to engage with others in a way that reflects our faith. Church marketing, whether through a social media post, a website, or a flyer, allows us to communicate the gospel with grace and wisdom, making the most of every opportunity.
5. Reaching the Lost (Luke 14:23)
"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.'"
Here, Jesus tells a parable about going out into the streets and bringing people to the feast. In today’s terms, that could mean using church marketing to invite people to church events, services, or community outreach programs.
Church Marketing Is a Tool for God’s Work
When it comes down to it, church marketing is just a tool. It’s a way to fulfill the mission of spreading the gospel and helping the church grow. Just as the Apostle Paul used the tools available to him to spread the message of Christ, churches today can use modern marketing methods to reach a wider audience.
Using a church marketing strategy—digital, social media, or traditional advertising—isn’t about building a brand or getting rich. It’s about building God’s Kingdom and bringing more people to faith in Jesus Christ. As the world becomes more digital, church marketing is a powerful tool for helping churches fulfill the Great Commission and connect with people meaningfully.
Free Church Marketing Audit Report
If you’re ready to improve your church’s marketing efforts, I’d love to help! I’m offering a free marketing audit report for churches that want to improve their marketing strategy. Whether you need help with church growth, digital marketing, or overall marketing, this audit will help you see where you can improve and how to make a more significant impact.
Click here for your free marketing audit report today. See how your church can shine brighter and reach more people for the Kingdom!
