Church Brand Architects

Posts Tagged ‘urban church’

This October, YouVersion Live will give you a brand new way to interact with live events like church services, conferences, and more. Want to know how you’ll be able to use it? Join us today for an up-close look at YouVersion Live and how it can work in your environment.

For those that do not know – YouVersion is a interactive Bible Application – Actually more like the Bible Meets Social Networking.  I use the service often to take notes and keep a running journal of my thoughts and the insights God gives me on certain scriptures. They even have an i-phone and Blackberry app, making the this app available on a broad base and platforms. The best part is this app was developed by a church. That’s right. So you know ministry was a big part of its development. Now my friends over at Lifechurch.tv have developed a way of using the YouVersion Bible in a live application. And I have secured an invitation for my clients and friends. The link is below.

Live webinar: Wednesday, September 23 at 2:00-3:00 PM CDT at http://www.youversion.com/live

No need to sign up or register in advance—just go to http://www.youversion.com/live

Hope to see you there!

ChurchBrand Architect

Your Urban Church Marketing Specialist

In the age of consumerism, it is imperative that the church be relevant but not dismissive of presence of God. While I agree with most of what Bill Kinnon states in his article. I am struck with how minimal this church service would be without the presence of God. By all means make sure your building is clean, make sure your parking lots are clean – even make sure your worship set list moves people towards the message. But I plead with you- do not marginalize God in the process. Give Him room to speak –

Some of you are probably reading this blog totally confused with what I am saying. You will have to read the accompanying blog to fully understand. Please take a few minutes to read it and then please come back and comment.

Suggestion for a Consumer Driven Church:Redux

ChurchBrand Architect
Your Urban Church Marketing Specialist

Just wanted to post a quick note – The Urban Church Marketing Challenge is live. Pre-season has just started so there is still time to join in. What is the Urban Church Marketing Challenge:

In a nutshell… The Urban Church Marketing Challenge is about jump-starting and increasing the effectiveness of your marketing strategies. For the next 15 weeks we are going to be showing you exactly how to mold your marketing – increase your growth – streamline your efforts – and automate your system.

That’s right, this is going to cost you absolutely nothing. The entire training program is free, and you won’t have to spend a thing to get your ministry started and begin revitalizing your congregation. Just take a quick look at the video below and join us. http://www.urbanchurchmarketingchallenge.com

ChurchBrand Architect
Your Urban Church Marketing Specialist

Over the last few months, I have been struggling with how to best assist the urban church and facilitate kingdom growth. As many of you know I am a big proponent of careful and integral marketing. This is not merely to create slick and glossy ads that manipulate the populace into thinking church is cool, it is more to make sure we are communicating with people in the most effective way. 

I don’t mind telling you. It hurts me to see shoddy marketing materials or shoddy design work. This includes business cards, church programs, websites, banners, etc. I believe the representation of the church should be as strong as or stronger than what secular companies offer. Our kids are bombarded with visual cues, from the internet, to commercials, to the IPod. The Urban Church is particularly behind in getting the message across. Not just to world beyond but many times articulating the Vision God has placed in our hearts for His people.

Let’s be clear, I am not advocating creating slick ads that are not reflective of your church demographics. Neither am I saying we should try catchy slogans just to pull in people in order to have the trendiest and biggest church. Marketing is not a means to an end. It is a tool for outreach – inreach – evangelism and vision casting. We must be good stewards of the people God has entrusted to us. That includes those we see and those we refuse to see that are coming. 

We also must be good stewards of our finances. The current downward shift of the economy has affected all of us. This means we have to do more with less. Reach more with fewer resources. It is absolutely imperative that we learn how to communicate effectively.

So I have developed this course- that at times will challenge our preconceived notions – but more importantly begin the process of improving our church communications and building the kingdom. I am excited to share what I have learned over the years from secular as well as christian ministries across the country. What I have to offer is not for everyone.

Every Strategy will not work in your community. But I promise to teach good sound principles and value integrity. Every ministry will not use the information the same way. God has not given the same vision to every pastor. Like a great piece of steak- eat the meat and throw away the fat.

We are in a new era that requires radical and innovative thinking. We will need to embrace technology to overcome obstacles. Welcome aboard – invite a friend and let’s build the kingdom.

J. Richard Byrd
Church Brand Architect