Church Marketing Sucks

Gary Molander is the author of the book Pursuing Christ. Creating Art. and co-founder of Floodgate Productions. He shares some great insights for church leaders on Christmas planning (watch to the end for a coupon code for a free Christmas mini-movie download):

“Christmas is filled with opportunity. You can pull off some amazing things because people’s hearts are already there.” -Gary Molander

Gary shares two things your church should do this Christmas:

1. Be Warm

In the fall people are busy. Everything ramps up in September and October and life is hectic. People have an inherent need to be calm. When January comes around people feel the need to be transformed. They’re ready for something new.

But at Christmas people are yearning to simply be warm. They want to feel the warmth of people and community and goodwill.

So your church needs to figure out what it means to offer a warm place in your preaching, your music, your stage, your people.

Offer warmth this season.

2. Be Inspiring

Church should always be inspiring, but at Christmas it’s even more important.

Many people are inspired with story and narrative. Few people are inspired with analysis.

You’ve got the greatest story on the face of the earth. This is God coming to earth in the flesh so that he can be with us. It’s an inspiring story in itself. Please tell stories well, because that inspires people.

Many people are inspired by dreaming of what could be. Fewer people are inspired with the nightmare of what is.

So give people hope. Give them a dream of what their lives could be. Show them what it would look like if they didn’t put everything on credit this year.

Many people are inspired with brokenness. Fewer people are inspired with perfection.

Plan to tell stories about your own brokenness. And not just your conversion story from decades ago—talk about current brokenness that people can relate to. Be willing to communicate that you don’t have it all together.

Many people are inspired with the big ‘c’Church. Fewer people are inspired with people trying to build their own kingdoms.

Be about more than just your church this year. What global initiative can you tap into it? Find ways to show that it’s not just about your little church.

Many people are inspired with a unique vision. Fewer people are inspired with a copied vision.

What is your unique vision? What sets your church apart? Find ways to make things uniquely yours.

Learn from other churches, yes. We have lots of Christmas ideas to share. But when you do, copy principles, don’t copy elements. If you’re going to show a generic video, present it uniquely for your church.

More Christmas Ideas:

• Check out God Rest Ye Stressed Communicators: Planning Christmas for Your Church for more Christmas help.
• Need some inspiration to be inspiring? The church marketing Christmas elves are ready to help you find your Christmas inspiration. Check out even more church Christmas ideas for help with planning, promotion and inspiration.