Blog Layout

7 Marketing Strategies to Attract New Church Members

Jono Long • January 25, 2022

Marketing strategies aren’t just for businesses. They’re also for organizations and charitable institutions like the church. In fact, the church can benefit a lot from a well-crafted marketing strategy that’s been executed well. We’ve compiled a list of church marketing strategies that are perfect for retaining and attracting members.


1. Establish a Marketing Team for the Church


The first step to take in order to have a successful marketing strategy is to have a team in place that’s geared towards executing this strategy. If you’re going to have an effective marketing strategy, you’re going to need a team of people dedicated to executing that strategy. When you establish a team for your marketing strategy, you’re able to divide the work according to each individual’s strengths. Each member will be able to contribute the skills they feel are strongest and helpful in the execution of the strategy.


2. Build Up Your Church's Online Presence


If you’re going to have a marketing strategy for your church, you should definitely make it a point to build up your church’s online presence. Building up your church’s online presence will allow you to engage members and potential new members through a variety of social media platforms. There are a lot of different ways to increase your presence online. They include:


Building a website for your church that includes a blog, videos, and other media.

Utilizing your church’s social media accounts.

Creating an online calendar.

Creating a directory page.


3. Be a Resource for Your Members


You have to be a resource for your members if you really want to retain them and keep them coming back on a regular basis. This is one of the best ways to do this. When you provide valuable resources to your members, they’re going to come back to you to use those resources. For example, you can provide them with a place for them to come together with other community members, like a gym. When you become a resource for your members, you’re going to find that they’re going to want to come back.


4. Use Social Media to Connect with Members


Social media is an excellent tool for connecting with people. The key is to actually connect with people. You’ll want to share inspirational stories, as well as other content that’s relevant to your church and ward. Adding value to people’s lives, whether in the form of content or kind words, is a great way to connect with people.


5. Invite Members to Participate in Social Outreach


The church can actually greatly impact the community by involving members with social outreach. If your church has a social outreach program, you should definitely encourage members to participate. Contributing to the community is a great way to get involved and make friends. You should encourage members to attend social outreach events and organize different events that they can participate in.


6. Keep the Message Relevant to Today's World


There are a lot of things in the world today that your members are going to want to hear. One of these things is a message that’s relevant to what’s happening in today’s world. You’ll want to make sure that the message you’re trying to preach is relevant to what’s happening in the world. The world has changed a lot. The church has to change along with it.


7. Plan Events that are Relevant to Your Church’s Mission


If you want to hold onto members, you should definitely plan events relevant to your church’s mission. This means that the events you’re planning are appropriate to the church’s beliefs, as well as things that will inspire people to action. Events that are relevant to your church’s mission will bring in new members and strengthen the resolve of your current members.


Conclusion


The church is an excellent resource for many people in the world. When you have a good marketing strategy in place, you’ll be able to keep members coming back to the church, as well as bring in more members. In the end, we’re not just talking about numbers. We’re talking about the lives of your church members. A good marketing strategy will allow you to reach more people with the things that you want to teach them.


For churches and other faith-based non-profits, you need a reliable partner to help you spread the word about your organization. This is where Faithworks Marketing comes into play. As an expert in local SEO, we help other people find your church and connect with you. We can help you build a website that can act as a digital bulletin for new and long-time members. Contact us today to get started! 

Jono Long

Digital Marketer for 10 years. Formerly a Youth Pastor for 21 years.

A man with a beard is sitting in a chair wearing a hat.

Latest Posts

Church Marketing and Evangelism in the Digital Age: Why Your Church Needs to Embrace Social Media

By Jono Long • February 19, 2025
The mission of the church has always been to reach people with the gospel, but the methods of doing so have evolved. In the past, word-of-mouth, community events, and print media were the primary ways churches engaged with their communities. Today, however, people spend a significant portion of their lives online, making digital platforms the new mission field. Despite this shift, some pastors and church leaders resist the idea of marketing, believing it to be unspiritual or unnecessary. However, as Pastor George Ashford of Journey Church in Columbia, SC, explains in a recent episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast , evangelism has always been about meeting people where they are—and in 2025, that place is social media. This blog will explore why churches need to embrace digital marketing, how Journey Church successfully uses social media for outreach, and practical steps your church can take to expand its online presence. The Misconception About Church Marketing One of the biggest pushbacks against digital marketing in churches is the belief that "we don’t need marketing, we just need to preach the word." Many pastors see social media outreach as unnecessary, or worse, a distraction from traditional evangelism. However, as Pastor Ashford pointed out in the podcast, evangelism has always been about going where the people are . John Wesley, one of the founding figures of the Methodist movement, didn’t wait for people to come to a church building—he went into fields, coal mines, and public squares to preach. The same principle applies today: if people are spending hours on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, then churches must be there too. Critics of church marketing often don’t realize that many of the methods they already use—flyers, event invitations, and even a church website—are forms of marketing. Digital platforms simply allow churches to do the same thing more effectively and on a larger scale . How Journey Church Uses Digital Marketing Effectively Journey Church, under the leadership of Pastor George Ashford, has embraced digital marketing as an essential tool for reaching people. Their approach includes: ✅ Social Media Outreach – Journey Church actively shares sermon clips, event promotions, and ministry highlights on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok . This ensures their message reaches beyond just those who attend on Sundays. ✅ YouTube Testimonies – The church created a "Journey Responsible Church" YouTube page featuring real-life testimonies on topics like mental health, addiction, and domestic violence . These videos are not just about promoting the church but providing valuable content that helps people . ✅ Online Giving Strategy – By establishing a strong online giving system before the COVID-19 pandemic, Journey Church was able to sustain financial support even when in-person attendance was not possible. ✅ Quality Over Quantity – They prioritize good sound and video quality to make sure their messages are heard clearly and professionally. As Pastor Ashford said, “If people can’t hear you, then your message is lost.” These strategies have allowed Journey Church to grow in both reach and impact —all by leveraging the power of digital marketing. Key Strategies for Churches to Improve Their Online Presence If your church is new to digital marketing, here are five key steps to help you get started: 1. Embrace Social Media Your church doesn’t have to be on every platform, but it should at least have an active presence on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Each platform serves a different purpose: Facebook – Best for engaging with church members, sharing announcements, and live streaming. YouTube – Perfect for sermon uploads, Bible studies, and testimonials. Instagram/TikTok – Ideal for short, engaging clips that attract younger audiences. 2. Be Consistent A social media page that only posts once every few months isn’t effective. Create a schedule for regular posts, whether it’s daily, weekly, or bi-weekly . 3. Prioritize Quality Good lighting, clear audio, and engaging visuals make a difference. Invest in a good microphone and camera or partner with a company like Faithworks to ensure high-quality content. 4. Encourage Online Giving Digital giving is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Services like Tithe.ly, Pushpay, and PayPal allow members to give from anywhere . As Pastor Ashford pointed out, 50% of Journey Church’s weekly giving now comes from online sources. 5. Track Your Progress Use analytics tools to track engagement. Facebook and YouTube provide insights on views, shares, and comments , helping you understand what type of content resonates most with your audience. Overcoming Fear and Resistance Many churches hesitate to embrace digital marketing because they fear change or feel overwhelmed by technology. However, as Pastor Ashford pointed out, resistance to social media often comes from fear of being left behind . He shared a humorous but profound analogy: "If someone tells me social media marketing isn’t necessary, I ask them—do you still have a big, old-school TV in your house? Probably not. Technology has changed, and so should the church." Churches that fail to adapt are missing out on reaching an entire generation that consumes content primarily through digital platforms. Instead of rejecting social media, churches should use it as a tool to expand their impact . Conclusion The message of the gospel is timeless, but the methods of sharing it must evolve. Social media is not a replacement for evangelism—it is a tool for evangelism. As Pastor Ashford passionately emphasized in the podcast: "Just do it!" Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Start small, stay consistent, and use every tool at your disposal to reach more people for Christ. By embracing digital marketing, your church can extend its reach, engage its community, and fulfill its mission in the modern world. If your church needs help with social media marketing, consider partnering with experts like Faithworks to ensure your content is professional, engaging, and effective. Also, check out Journey Church’s YouTube channel (search for Journey Responsible Church ) to see a great example of how a church can use digital platforms to make an impact. 🔹 What’s one step your church can take today to improve its online presence? Let us know in the comments!
Church's Online Presence

Why Your Church Needs a Clear Online Presence to Grow

By Jono Long • February 16, 2025
Learn why a clear online presence is vital for your church's growth. Discover key elements and strategies to enhance your reach and engagement.
website

The Role of Visual Content in Engaging Church Websites

By Jono Long • February 11, 2025
Discover how visual content can capture attention and boost engagement on church websites. Learn tips for choosing effective visuals and measuring success.
SEO

Overcoming Common SEO Challenges Faced by Churches

By Jono Long • February 4, 2025
Learn how churches can tackle SEO challenges with local SEO, improved website performance, and engaging content strategies for better online presence.
Social Media

Our Guide to Boosting Church Attendance with Social Media

By Jono Long • January 28, 2025
Discover simple ways to boost church attendance using engaging social media content and strategies to connect with your community. Read more!
Advertising

From Awareness to Action: How Advertising Drives Church Growth

By Jono Long • January 21, 2025
Learn how advertising for churches can move your audience from awareness to active participation. Explore strategies and tips for success. Read on!

The Power of Storytelling in Church Marketing: Connecting People to Purpose

By Jono Long • January 17, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
church community online

Fun Ways to Engage Your Church Community Online

By Jono Long • January 14, 2025
Discover fun online activities to connect your church community through virtual events, social media, and digital storytelling. Read on to know more!
Google Ad Grant

How You Can Start Using the Google Ad Grant to Reach More People

By Jono Long • January 7, 2025
Learn how to use Google Ad Grant for reaching more people. Set up campaigns, create ads, and measure success with simple tips. Read on to know more!

Be Known Before You're Needed: Innovative Outreach Strategies for Churches

By Jono Long • January 3, 2025
As churches navigate an ever-evolving cultural and technological landscape, reaching communities effectively requires innovation, intentionality, and an unwavering commitment to serving people where they are. In this episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Jono Long sat down with Doug Garasic, pastor of Rust City Church in Ohio, to discuss what it means to truly impact communities in meaningful ways. Their conversation offered a wealth of insights for pastors and church leaders ready to embrace bold outreach strategies and sustainable growth. The Foundation: “Known Before Needed” One of the standout principles Doug shared is that churches must be “known before needed.” In times of personal crisis or pivotal life moments, people look to the church. Doug emphasized that making an impact requires consistent presence and visibility in the community. This visibility isn’t about flashy marketing or gimmicks—it’s about meeting tangible needs and building trust over time. For example, Rust City Church moved beyond traditional outreach methods like backpack giveaways, which were already saturated in their area. Instead, they asked local schools what they truly needed. The answer? Support for teachers. The church transformed a school library into a spa day for faculty and staff, complete with massages, gift cards, and supplies. This disruption of expectations created a memorable and meaningful experience, leaving a lasting impression of care and support. Building Outreach on Intentionality A key takeaway from Doug’s story is the importance of intentionality. Churches must resist the urge to replicate what others are doing and instead focus on real community needs. Before launching an outreach effort, Rust City Church asks, “What’s not being done that needs to be done?” This intentional approach not only avoids redundancy but ensures their actions resonate with the people they serve. One innovative example is their "Black Friday Survival Kit" initiative. Instead of focusing on shoppers, they provided lattes, snacks, and stress-relief items to mall employees working on the busiest day of the year. Simple yet impactful, this initiative highlighted the church’s creativity in identifying overlooked segments of the community. Sustaining Momentum: Less is More Doug highlighted the danger of burnout for both church leaders and members. To combat this, Rust City Church focuses on doing fewer events but executing them with greater impact. By choosing two to four key outreach initiatives annually and dedicating their full resources to them, they ensure each event is impactful, memorable, and sustainable. Doug also shared an essential leadership principle: every successful initiative needs a “champion” within the congregation and an external “coach” for guidance. This dual structure helps churches maintain energy, focus, and excellence without overwhelming their teams. Learning from Failures Not every effort yields the desired results, as Doug candidly admitted. In one instance, Rust City Church gave away a fully remodeled home to a family in need, only to have the family sell the house within weeks. While disheartening, the experience reinforced the importance of learning from mistakes and seeking guidance from organizations with more experience in similar efforts. “Cracking the code” of impactful outreach requires patience, trial, and humility. It’s about aligning passion with processes to create enduring change. Marketing Beyond the Walls For Doug, effective church marketing isn’t about flashy ads or exaggerated promises. He describes the dangers of “monster truck marketing”—overblown promotions that fail to deliver genuine impact. Instead, he advocates for sharing authentic stories of community engagement. By amplifying the meaningful work churches are already doing, they not only attract people but also build a reputation as a vital and trustworthy presence in the community. Playing the Long Game Doug’s advice for 2025 is clear: churches must embrace the long game. The goal isn’t to fill seats overnight but to create a culture of care and service that naturally attracts people when they’re ready for spiritual growth. As Doug puts it, “Even people who don’t attend our church should be glad we’re here.” For pastors and leaders looking to make a deeper impact in their communities, the principles shared in this conversation offer a roadmap: be intentional, prioritize sustainability, embrace innovation, and always lead with love. 
More Posts
Share by: