What Are the Critical Goals of Church Marketing?

Marketing is for more than just businesses and brands. Churches, too, can benefit from marketing strategies that help them grow, spread their message, and reach people who need to hear it. If you're a church leader or involved in church growth efforts, you might wonder: "What exactly should our church marketing goals be?" Well, you're in the right place!

In this article, we'll explore the critical goals of church marketing, using stories, metaphors, and Bible verses to keep things easy. We'll also show you how digital marketing for churches can significantly enhance your community’s outreach. So, let’s get started!

Understanding the Importance of Church Marketing

Imagine you're hosting a big family reunion, but nobody shows up. It sounds like a nightmare, right? Many churches face a similar challenge: They have an incredible message but aren't reaching the people who need to hear it. Without a solid marketing strategy, churches can miss out on the opportunity to grow their congregation and make a difference in their community.

Church marketing isn’t about selling products or services like a business. It’s about spreading the gospel, creating a welcoming environment, and inviting people into the family of faith. A well-executed church marketing strategy helps churches communicate their mission effectively and engage people inside and outside the church walls.

The critical goals of church marketing include:

• Increasing awareness of the church and its mission.

• Attracting new visitors who may not know about the church.

• Engaging the existing congregation and encouraging them to take action (like attending more events or sharing the message).

• Building relationships within the local community.

• Leveraging digital marketing to reach a broader audience.

But just like the parable of the sower, where the seed falls on different types of soil (Matthew 13:3-9), church marketing has different goals depending on the stage your church is in. Some churches are in a growth phase, while others might focus on building stronger connections with their members. Understanding these goals and the right strategy for your church will help you cultivate good “soil” for the seeds of faith to grow.

The Parable of the Marketing Seeds

Let’s paint a picture. You’ve been the head of a church in the community for years. You’ve got great programs, meaningful worship services, and plenty of volunteers ready to make an impact. But despite all the excellent work happening inside, your congregation is shrinking. People just aren’t showing up.

This is where church marketing comes in. You need a strategy to bring new visitors in and spread the good news. So, you gather your team and start brainstorming. You look at your website, social media, and events calendar. Something’s missing.

After a meeting with your team, you focus on digital marketing to increase your outreach. You start with a fresh church marketing strategy, including:

• Updating your church website to make it more welcoming and easier to navigate.

• Creating social media pages that share uplifting content and promote upcoming events.

• Emailing your congregation to keep them engaged with regular updates and prayer requests.

• Running targeted online ads to reach people in your community who might be interested in your church’s message.

It’s like planting seeds in rich, fertile soil. At first, you don’t see the results immediately, but after some time, you start seeing new faces at your church. People who found you through Facebook ads or Google searches now attend your services, and some even join your small groups. Your church is growing, and the seeds you planted through marketing are finally taking root.

Metaphor: Church marketing is like planting seeds in a garden. Sometimes, it takes time and nurturing for the seeds to grow. But with the right strategy and care, those seeds will flourish.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:7, “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

While church marketing is essential, God causes growth. Our job is to plant the seeds, water them, and trust that He will do the rest.

The Key Goals of Church Marketing

Now that we've shared a story about how church marketing can lead to growth, let’s recap the critical goals of church marketing:

1. Increasing Awareness

You want your church to be known in the community. People need to know who you are, what you stand for, and how they can connect with you. This involves digital marketing (social media, websites, and online ads) and traditional methods (flyers, word of mouth, etc.).

2. Attracting New Visitors

Your church might be the best-kept secret in town, but the goal is to get people in the door. New visitors may be looking for a church to call home. You can encourage them to attend your services by making your message clear and inviting.

3. Engaging Your Congregation

Your current members are your most important advocates. A church that builds strong relationships with its congregation will have more people actively involved in spreading the word. Engaged members are more likely to invite friends, share their posts on social media, and volunteer at church events.

4. Community Building

Marketing isn't just about gaining new members—it’s also about deepening relationships within the church. Encourage people to serve, volunteer, and get involved in the community. The more people feel connected to your church, the more they will want to stay and invite others.

5. Leveraging Digital Marketing

Church marketing must include a robust online presence in today's digital age. From websites and social media to email newsletters and YouTube channels, digital marketing helps churches reach a wider audience. According to a study by the Barna Group, 56% of churches in the U.S. said social media helped them connect with newcomers.

6. Raising Donations and Support

Marketing can also be vital in raising financial support for your church’s programs. Digital tools can help you set up easy online giving options, promote fundraising campaigns, and engage donors in your mission.

Let’s Get Your Church’s Marketing Strategy on Track!

If you want your church to grow, consider your church's marketing strategy. Whether you have a small or large congregation, marketing for churches can help you spread your message, attract visitors, and grow your community.

When you are ready to get started? Download our free marketing audit report today! This report will help you identify where your church stands in digital marketing and offer recommendations for improvement. We’ll review your website, social media, and overall marketing efforts to ensure you reach the right people and grow your congregation.

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Let’s commit to growing your church with a solid marketing strategy that works. Get your free audit report and start taking action today!

By focusing on these critical goals of church marketing, you can reach more people, build relationships, and create a thriving church community. And don’t forget to lean on God throughout the process—after all, He’s the one who makes the seeds grow!

Bible verse for encouragement: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” – Matthew 9:37