I know there are a ton of opinions about church marketing. Some guys say they never do any, and others build an entire system of marketing for their church. At C3 we have found that strategic and intentional marketing is a huge asset. Recently, I walked into an office building and a man in the room said, “I know who you are!“ I get this often, but when I asked how this man’s answer intrigued me. He said, “You’re church has great marketing, because it doesn’t look like a church did it!“ This guy is a professional in our community, very successful… and it wasn’t just that we market, it was that we are strategic and intentional in the creation and execution of the marketing. We also evaluate quarterly to see what’s working. If what we’re investing in isn’t producing results, we stop. We also kill some things that are working to try new things to see if they have better traction.
However, with all we’ve done - there is one thing that stands above all the others in producing results, and we didn’t even do it for marketing! The best “marketing” hasn’t been our billboards, mailers, ads, etc. The best marketing has been a unique partnership C3 has formed with “Feed The Children.” On three occasions now we have adopted families in need and fed them (once for a week and twice for an entire month - different families each time). Something special happens when you invest not just in what’s pretty or cool, but a deeper investment in those who are hurting and in need gets people’s attention. Let me be clear, we didn’t do it for the purpose of marketing… we did it to be like Jesus. Jesus had a heart for and helped people who could do nothing for him, but had real needs. As we’ve purposed to flow like Jesus, and reach out to those who are hurting and in need, God takes care of the rest. There’s been nothing we’ve done that has resulted in more life-change (people coming to Christ, being baptized, getting plugged into serving and Community Groups) like the partnership with FTC. People really just want to know we care, and at C3 we’re changing people’s opinions about Church because we care!
Pastors - I’m pumped to be able to share with you that “Feed The Children” will be @ The Xcel Experience! You will be able to learn how they can partner with you to make a huge difference in your community, make the name of Jesus famous, and change the perception of church for people far from God. Don’t miss Xcel! Also, check Xcel’s website regularly because we have a number of things in the works that are huge and we’ll be updating periodically. Registration begins June 15!
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