Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of real world examples of church marketing and I want to share some of them. Feel free to comment on what works and what doesn’t—though let’s try to be civil. I’m hoping to have some constructive criticism that we can all learn from—not just slam the examples. I would hope if the people involved with these examples came across these comments they would find them helpful.
This flier came in the mail a few weeks ago and I couldn’t bring myself to immediately recycle it. It’s just too good. And I mean “good” in the very worst sense of the word. It’s a flier for a Bible prophecy seminar being broadcast to locations nationwide, including one at a church in my city. You can see the complete PDF flier online, including the inside pages (though it doesn’t have “Energy Ball Jesus” like my copy does).
While the creepy artwork really deserves all the attention, I will say that I’m impressed with the effort. This is a full color flyer that appears to have been part of a mass mailing. That doesn’t come cheap. They went to great lengths to reach a lot of people.
But the artwork! Is God/Jesus wearing a Rubik’s cube on his chest?
I think you can safely assume that the mass public has little interest in this kind of prophecy and is even less likely to be intrigued by this sort of artwork. While something other than a mass mailing would probably be more effective, for this approach I think a more straight-ahead design with real world headlines would be more effective (instead of the sensational “Breaking News: Hostage Situation at Richardson Elementary” graphic complete with death toll and an image of an exploding house you find on the inside pages).
Advertising on prophecy-related web sites and trying to reach people with an established interest in prophecy would probably be a better way to go (though for all I know they did that in addition to the mass mailing).
brand1m
March 14, 2005
I think they just went and found a crazy comic book cover and put their own title on the first one. I don’t think its a rubik’s cube- maybe a speak and spell? ;)
I always knew that Jesus held the keys, but apparently he also holds photoshop lighting effects too.
They get an A for their effort, but they should have spent a few of those full color dollars on a designer with a good concept.
brand1m
March 14, 2005
Must we always feature Jesus in Fabio-esque poses?
b2blog
March 15, 2005
I’d say they should position the program (and Pastor Belcher (sic)) as an authority on the subject. To aid in doing that, I’d instead offer a list of questions and teaser/answers to show what they are talking about…like other seminar flyers I get for training on Office or Customer Service.
And anyone with a 4-color flyer like this should be explicit about costs or commitments by attending.
Corinna Lovin
March 23, 2005
Hey Kevin,
It is interesting to see feedback to this flier you mention. I have provided some references for you and others. The colors of the breastplate of the high priest is a fairly accurate visual representation of the account in Exodus 28:15-21 if you care to open your Bible and take a look.
http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Exodus%2028:15-21%20;&version=9;
Jesus is our High Priest and doing battle against the dragon (the Devil/Satan) in this last day great controvery between good and evil. Hebrews is the authority on Jesus’ role as High Priest, the role given to Him by God the Father. Look at these texts: Hebrews 3:1 and Hebrews 4:14-16
http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Hebrews%203:1;&version=9;
http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?book_id=65&chapter=4&verse=14&end_verse=16&version=9&context=context
You can take a look at the whole book of Hebrews here: http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Hebrews%20;&version=9;
As for “real world headlines”, here is one for you: “Ten Dead in Minnesota School Shooting”.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=578&e=1&u=/nm/20050322/ts_nm/crime_shooting_school_dc
Considering your Native American involvement and residence in Minnesota, this one should seem pretty REAL WORLD to you; also to the good folks of Columbine. Not to mention our many friends overseas in various places who have had and are having their homes leveled by war and terrorists. This is REAL WORLD.
As for the “energy ball Jesus”, I think it is the artist’s representation of the Light of the World, The Light of Jesus, The Light of the Word of God and His Law which His Remnant last day people are to shine out upon the darkness of ignorance and folly and wickedness of the peoples of the earth. Isaiah 60:19-20 and John 8:12 and Matthew 5:14-16 and Psalm 119:104-105.
http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Isaiah%2060:19-20;&version=9;
http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=8&verse=12&version=9&context=verse
http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Matthew%205:14-16;&version=9;
http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:104-105;&version=9;
As for “exploding houses”, check with the people who were there for the LA riots, the explosion of the Murrah bldg in OKC, the dropping of the Twin Towers in NYC, and see if that isn’t REAL WORLD to them. Oh yeah, and the people who’s houses have burned up from the fires in California and other places.
We are living in a War Zone on this planet. It is the War between Christ and Satan. Thankfully we know ultimately Christ won the battle at the Cross. But the war over souls is still taking place and Satan would like to take as many precious souls down with him as possible to destruction.
Remember that in these days we live in it is important to be very aware of everything the Bible says so that we can recognize truth or error when we see it or hear it. We must read the words of the Bible with our own eyes, not be spoon fed by our preachers and rely on what they tell us or their interpretation. The words of the Bible are very clear when studied as whole in totality. One part of the Bible will shed light on other parts that may not seem as plain. God did not send us a completely uninterpretable riddle; He made the Gospel simple enough for little children. But we have to have an unquenchable desire for the WHOLE TRUTH and a WILLINGNESS TO SURRENDER OURSELVES (our lives and lifestyles) TO GOD AND HIS WHOLE TRUTH. Most people on the planet today don’t have that. That’s why Revelation talks about a Remnant, a small remaining body of believers who still strive to teach and are striving towards keeping the testimony of Jesus and ALL the Commandments of God: Revelation 12:17.
http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?book_id=73&chapter=12&verse=17&version=9&context=verse
I would urge you take another look at Prophecy Code and the PURE, unadulterated, uncompromised, straight-shooting Bible Truths therein, and have your Bible open and in hand so you can see for yourself. http://www.prophecycode.com/
Please see also: http://www.amazingfacts.org
May God bless you in these last days we live in, protect you and your loved ones from the Enemy, and bring you into ALL TRUTH AVAILABLE IN THE BIBLE.
Sincerely,
Corinna Lovin
kevin
March 23, 2005
OK Corinna, I don’t want to argue about biblical interpretation. My point was simply questioning the effectiveness of the comicbook-style artwork. If you’re trying to get people to take prophecy seriously, is that really the kind of illustration that’s going to do the trick? From my perspective: I don’t think so.
And when I suggested using “real world” stories, I meant actually use them. Yes, you’re right, that kind of stuff does happen all the time. We live in a crazy time. So use those true stories–don’t just make something up. Prophecy and apocalyptic related things are always associated with overblown sensationalism. You’re arguing that sensationalism isn’t necessary because these things are happening–great. Then why use sensationalism in the flier?
I’m not here to question the Prophecy Code or your Biblical interpretations–my post was simply talking about the design of the flier.
Alan
March 25, 2005
Hi Kevin,
I was part of the design team for the flyer, so I was very interested in your comments!
Firstly, in terms of cost, color these days is not much more expensive than black and white, especially for a large mailing. Local downlink sites were able to purchase bulk mailings for their area as a reduced price due to the large quantities that were printed.
The cover design is not so much meant to be sensational as it is symbolic. However, when you’re competing for people’s attention, you do need a graphic that stands out from the every day mail that people receive. Hence, the symbolism was portrayed in a dramatic way.
The cover design was not exactly what we were hoping it would be. We used models and did computer “painting” to configure the rest of the picture. We ran out of time and finally had to go with the design as it stood. However, it terms of similar brochures that we have produced the mailing was highly successful.
We think the reason for its success was because most people do not want to leave their homes to go to a “prophecy seminar” particularly if it’s at a church that they are not used to attending. So, we chose something that was bold and unusual to prompt people to at least attend out of curiosity and to judge for themselves whether or not they wished to return.
I think you have a point about the use of “real” headlines and events. Doug Batchelor is a much more “visual” person and hence wanted something that was more picture-based than word-based. Hence, most of the inside is also symbolic rather than descriptive. Each symbol portrayed real fears and concerns that people have about the future. The goal was not to sensationalize these events but to point to Jesus Christ as the answer and to invite people to find Jesus as the key to prophecy. Perhaps, the sensational element was all that came through. That is something for us to consider for the future.
One final comment. The actual series was not “sensational” at all. The point of these programs was to deal with prophecy from the perspective of helping people find their confidence and hope in Jesus. We’re glad to say that many people have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior through these meetings. Praise God!
Thanks for your comments!
Alan
Nancy Barcenas
March 31, 2005
I teach in a middle school, and I can tell you that the mailings were very effective. Most of my students knew about the mailings. Kids don’t usually notice the “junk mail” that comes through their house.
People who don’t have a strong understandeing of Bible scriptures probably would not have recognized and understood the “Rubik’s cube on Christ’s chest” or the “energy ball” in his hands, but to Bible readers it is more recognizable.
I found out about the meetings through the fliers and was interested in knowing more. What I didn’t want to do was drive to a church every night- especially one I don’t go to. What was cool was I found out I could download the meetings on my lap top and watch them from the comfort of my bed every night. It’s been great. I’m learning a lot of stuff and remembering some stuff I’d forgotten.
The meetings are very good. You seem like a curious, thinking kind of guy, you might want to check those meetings out on your lap top.
Dr. Raymond D. Thompson
April 7, 2005
Kevin D. Hendricks, you are truly ill-informed on what Jesus is wearing on the front of the cover of this flyer not to mention your misunderstanding in evangelical church outreach. With all due respect sir, have you read the Bible cover to cover? Old and New Testaments? Because if you had you would recognize that the ‘Rubik’s cube’ that Jesus is wearing is that of the High Priest’s breastplate and contains jewels representing the twelve tribes of Israel, but that of course is information that any astute student of the Bible could gather. However I suppose you lack either the time or interest, rather you relish in your pathetic criticisms of things you are clearly ignorant about, but I digress.
As for the idea that people are not interested in Bible prophecy seminars, I would have you know that this seminar had a record of some ten plus million people in attendance via satellite and home audiences. Yea that does seem like no one was interested doesn’t it sir?
Also for those who were lamenting about Pastor Doug Batchelor I would ask have you no decency left people, so-called children of God? Pastor Batchelor is president of one of the largest Christian media operations in North America, Amazing Facts, something once again research could have resolved.
So children please pick up your Bibles, read them, and stop this hogwash of pointing fingers, lamenting here, complaining there, ect. because there’s an old adage that goes if your not part of the solution your part of the problem, and gentleman you are, so shape up or do please ship out and shut up.
Yours in Christ, Professor R. D. Thompson PhD
Heather
April 7, 2005
Dear Kevin and readers,
I would like to say thankyou to Corrina for a most accurate answer and her prayer for Kevin and his loved ones. I would like to point out that in todays selfish world, even in the church…that Pastor Doug Bachelor and Amazing Facts does a very good job and they do not charge anything. There is no fee for their lessons or books you can print off anything and copy sermons and give it to people. Also they (Pastor Doug and others) hold these seminars and work tremendous long hours for the love of Christ Jesus and for the souls that have yet to come. Praise God for Pastor Doug and all the people who have done all this. I pray that many will hear the message and be transformed. God can use anyone to get His message out there. If we were to be quiet even the stones would cry out.
Sincerely Heather from Canada
Jonathan
May 4, 2005
I have watched all of the prophecy code. I like it, It is nothing to look down on! I believe it would be good for everyone to watch the meetings!
brand1m
July 23, 2005
Wow. I haven’t visited this page in a long time, and my the comments have gotten nasty.
I would like to start by saying, several of you are severely over-spiritualizing this. We were presented with a graphical piece and asked to critique it–not deconstruct it for Biblical symbolism. Just because someone is critical of the work (the print piece) doesn’t mean they are criticizing their message, the message deliverer, or anything of the sort. The problem with this piece wasn’t the message but the delivery. They could re-title this print piece “CheeseFest 2005” and it would fit great too. It screams of cheesy Biblebased art. Maybe it was effective, I’m not in a position to argue that. I will submit to you though, with a great promotional piece, it could have surely been MORE effective in generating interest.
For the professor, I’m fairly certain that Mr. Hendricks was playing the role of non-churchgoing guy. To someone that doesn’t study this stuff, they wouldn’t know what this is. I really see no need for the verbal assault. Again I say, we were asked to comment on this and an advertising piece, not Biblical revelation. From reading these posts, it would seem that the ones pointing fingers are those jumping on Mr. Hendricks and his band of merry men.
Kevin, I think you may have stumbled on to a greater issue here. That is, are these people following Christ, or are they following a man and a seminar, because if you read these posts, some of you sound awfully devoted to this guy and his teaching. He may be teaching the Bible, but I doesn’t seem like you are defending the Bible, but a man and HIS teachings.
If that IS good advertising in Minnesota, then God, please I ask you, never ever send me to Minnesota.
Remember what site you are on people. We aren’t here to provide exegesis of the Bible, but to learn how to communicate the greatest message of all more effectively.
Jehan
December 24, 2005
It’s great to watch the Phophecy Code on the website. I for once like the honest comment from the publisher of the DVD for this seminar. Why don’t you make them cheap enough to spread the gospel or even give it free or make it available on the website for download. Aren’t we coming to the end of the world and what fliers with 4 colors but not with the faith to deliver the message free around the world fast and quick with the message. Further to that, to make Jesus coming faster then ever.
Juan Peron
December 27, 2005
Just my two cents…
I don’t like the use of quotes on the back without knowing who said them and in what context. There has to be a better way of conveying the ideas of the quotes.
“Greatest comment ever…”
“Juan should be king…”
“Simply, no one better…”
Isaac
January 10, 2006
Test the Spirits
If a teacher or preacher of the Word of God does not point you to Christ is a prophet the Lord has not sent.
Therefore, I challenge anyone out there to check them out and test them by the Word of God. “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20. Therefore, I urge you my friends and brothers to test them whether it’s Mr. Doug Batchelor or any other preacher. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy” – says Peter – “whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19
Why the seminar?
Our great commission is to “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-19.
Once the everlasting gospel has been preach “to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” Revelation 14:6 then the end will come. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14.
ROBERT
June 16, 2007
FIRST OF ALL THE ENERGY BALL JESUS LOOK AT AGAIN JESUS SAYS HE IS THE LIGHT HE IS HOLDING THE LIGHT AND SECOND THE OUTFIT JESUS IS WEARING IS THE SAME THING HIGH PREIST HAD ON IN THOSE DAYS I LOVE THE CONCEPT
Matthew Thomas
September 4, 2007
I’m just curious how one deterimnes what is cheezy and bad advertising?
Probably the only question that matters relating to the effectivness of the flyer for this series is “did it work?” If you are a Christian, as I am, if only one person showed up to the meeting or even watched from their home and came to the understanding that what Pastor Doug preached was not HIS message, but God’s then the flyer was a success…in a Christians viewpoint. However, being that spiritual things are spiritually discerned I would not, nor expect the originator of the criticism of this flyer to understand that even if only one person came to the Lord through this advertisement, it was worth it.
One other point Ishould add…is it really neccessary to waste time criticizing an advertising flyer for a BIBLE BASED prophecy seminar series, or is there a hidden agenda possibly? Just a thought.
paige
December 5, 2008
I just herd of the prophecy code 2days ago, and I must say its awesome. it makes learning the word of God and the BIBLE very easy and fun. I love it.. I don’t think the graphics are what should be focused on so much as the message that it brings! I’ve only watched a few sermons but i plan on watching them all. everything that is said you can back up in the bible. I’m not going to say the graphics are the best they could be and I’m not going to say they are not I just hope others give it a chance it enlightened me and I’ve already learned things i never knew. GOD BLESS! -PAiGE