All About Advertising for Church

Jonathan Long • June 13, 2023

When you think of advertising, what comes to mind? Billboards, TV commercials, social media influencers? Well, how about church advertising? That’s right, even the house of the Lord needs a little promotional boost every now and then.

After all, the best way to spread the good word and bring more people into the fold is to let them know about your church, its charismatic preacher, and the warm, welcoming community that awaits them within those hallowed walls.

But before you get all fired up with visions of your church's name in lights, let's take a moment to reflect on why advertising for churches is important, how it can be done effectively, and the potential pitfalls to avoid.

The Importance of Advertising for Churches

Churches have a unique role in the community, providing guidance, support, and bringing people together to share their faith. However, attracting new members and maintaining the interest of existing ones can be challenging. Advertising plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges, allowing churches to:

1. Increase visibility: Advertising helps churches reach out to people who may not be aware of their existence or the services they provide. This is particularly important in today's digital age, where people are increasingly relying on the internet to find information about local organizations and events.

2. Promote events and activities: Churches often organize events and activities for their congregation and the community at large. Advertising these events can help attract more people, fostering a sense of unity and strengthening the church's presence in the community.

3. Share their message: Advertising enables churches to communicate their beliefs and values to a wider audience. This can help dispel misconceptions about the church and its teachings, fostering greater understanding and acceptance.

4. Engage with the community: Engaging with the local community is an essential aspect of church life. Advertising can help churches connect with people who may be interested in their services, helping to build a more diverse and inclusive congregation.

Strategies for Effective Church Advertising

1. Utilize social media platforms: Social media is a powerful tool that can help churches connect with people in their community and beyond. Churches can use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share updates, promote events, and engage with their audience. Social media advertising also allows for targeted campaigns, ensuring that your message reaches the right people.

2. Create a user-friendly website: A well-designed, user-friendly website is essential for any organization, including churches. A website allows people to learn more about the church, its mission, and its activities, making it an important advertising tool. Be sure to include information about service times, activities, and events, as well as contact information and directions to the church.

3. Leverage email marketing: Email marketing can be a cost-effective way for churches to communicate with their congregation and keep them informed about upcoming events and activities. Regular newsletters can help maintain a sense of connection and community, even when people are unable to attend services in person.

4. Use traditional print media: Although digital advertising is becoming increasingly important, traditional print media should not be overlooked. Community newspapers, bulletin boards, and flyers can be effective ways to promote events and activities, particularly for those who may not be active on social media or have limited access to digital resources.

5. Collaborate with local businesses and organizations: Partnering with local businesses and organizations can be an effective way to promote your church and its activities. This can include sponsoring community events, collaborating on charity initiatives, or offering space for local groups to meet.

6. Utilize outdoor signage: A well-designed outdoor sign can help increase the visibility of your church and attract the attention of passersby. Consider investing in a high-quality, durable sign that reflects the values and aesthetic of your church.

7. Encourage word of mouth: Word of mouth is one of the most powerful advertising tools available, particularly for churches. Encourage your congregation to share their experiences and invite friends and family to attend services and events. Personal recommendations can go a long way in attracting new members and strengthening your community presence.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, a well-executed advertising campaign can help churches build a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant congregation, strengthening the foundations of their faith and community.

Partnering with a specialized church marketing agency like Faithworks Marketing can help your church grow, engage with the community, and effectively communicate its message. With our comprehensive marketing services and results-driven approach, we are dedicated to helping your church succeed in today's digital world.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Latest Posts

How to Resolve Landing Page Issues Affecting Church Google Ad Performance

September 5, 2025

Fix landing page problems to boost Google Ad Grant results. Discover strategies for faster load times and better mobile designs to engage more visitors.

Fixing Keyword Match Type Errors in Church Google Ad Grant Accounts

By Jono Long • August 31, 2025

Learn to correct keyword match type errors in your church's Google Ad Grant campaigns for better outreach and more effective ad targeting. Keep reading!

How to Spend Your Full $10,000 Google Ad Grant

By Jono Long • August 24, 2025

Discover how to make the most of the Google Ad Grant for churches with expert guidance from Faithworks Marketing. Let's amplify your church's reach today.

AI, Side Hustles, Creative Ministry, and $10K Google Grants: What Every Pastor Needs to Know

By Jono Long • August 21, 2025

For many pastors today, ministry is both a calling and a financial challenge. As the cost of living rises and church salaries remain modest, more pastors are turning to side hustles and creative income streams to provide for their families. This trend is shaping what many believe will define the next generation of church leaders: bivocational ministry. In a recent episode of The Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Luke Clayton sat down with Jono Long , founder of Faithworks Marketing, to discuss their parallel journeys from ministry to entrepreneurship. Together, they shared practical strategies for church marketing, candid lessons from business, and encouragement for pastors who feel caught between calling and provision. Ministry Meets Entrepreneurship Both Luke and Jono began in full-time ministry, but financial realities forced them to adapt. Jono, a youth pastor in Georgia, found himself with five kids, a wife at home, and a salary that wasn’t enough to make ends meet. Out of necessity, he turned to social media management for local businesses. What started as a $300-a-month side hustle eventually grew into Faithworks Marketing , an agency serving churches across the country. Luke’s path was similar but marked by burnout. As a communications director at a large church and school, he was responsible for everything creative—websites, graphics, video, and media. With no budget to outsource and a workload that never stopped, he eventually hit a breaking point. Stepping away cold turkey, he launched his own creative business, Increase Creative , which now helps churches with websites, branding, and podcast production. Their stories reflect a growing trend: ministry leaders are often entrepreneurs at heart, using their creativity and problem-solving skills to build businesses that support both their families and the church. Why Bivocational Ministry is the New Normal While many pastors once saw bivocational work as a backup plan, it is quickly becoming the new reality. Church salaries often fall short of providing financial stability, especially for families. Meanwhile, the American cost of living continues to rise. This creates tension for pastors who want to devote themselves fully to ministry but also need to provide for their loved ones. Luke and Jono both noted the guilt factor many pastors feel when pursuing side income, as if it means they are less committed to the church. In reality, bivocational work can be freeing. As Jono shared, when pastors are less dependent on their church paycheck, they can lead with boldness, making decisions based on conviction rather than fear of losing their job. Unlocking the Power of Google Ad Grants One of the most practical tools for churches that Jono highlighted is the Google Ad Grant , which gives qualifying nonprofits up to $10,000 per month in free advertising . Many churches don’t take advantage of it, or they try but see little success. The most common reason: their websites lack content. “Church websites often have only a few words, a mission statement, and service times,” Jono explained. “That will never work for the grant.” Practical tips for churches to maximize the grant include: Create content-rich pages : Google rewards sites with valuable answers to common questions. Leverage sermons : Transcribe and summarize sermons into blog posts to boost SEO. Target felt needs : Ads about prayer, anxiety, or salvation resonate deeply with people searching online. By building a content-driven website and strategically using the grant, churches can expand their reach far beyond Sunday morning. SEO, AI, and the Future of Church Marketing The digital landscape is changing fast. With Google’s AI Overviews now answering many search queries directly, fewer people are clicking through to websites. For churches, this makes content strategy more important than ever . “Good content still wins,” Jono said. “Whether AI-generated or human-written, Google rewards sites that provide thoughtful, helpful answers.” For churches, this means focusing on practical, biblical content that speaks to real needs in their community. Lessons from the Trenches of Business Both Luke and Jono were quick to admit their mistakes. For Luke, the biggest was hiring too fast, taking on employees before his business could sustain them. For Jono, it was diving into websites and SEO without fully understanding them, learning through trial and error. Their honesty underscores an important truth: entrepreneurship is messy. But both emphasized that failure is part of the journey, and perseverance often matters more than a perfect business plan. Creative Side Hustles for Pastors Pastors and ministry leaders often have more marketable skills than they realize. Jono shared how he started a DJ and photo booth company, hiring youth pastors and worship leaders to serve at weddings and proms. Their stage presence, comfort with sound systems, and ability to engage people made them natural fits. Luke, meanwhile, has leaned into podcast production, helping churches launch and manage their shows. Both are examples of how ministry skills—communication, leadership, problem-solving—translate into entrepreneurial ventures. From web design to coaching, from content creation to event services, pastors have opportunities to create side income streams that complement their ministry instead of distracting from it. The conversation between Luke and Jono highlights a new reality: bivocational ministry is here to stay. Pastors no longer have to choose between serving the church and providing for their families. By embracing entrepreneurship, leveraging tools like Google Ad Grants, and using their transferable skills, pastors can thrive both spiritually and financially. The message is clear: you can do ministry, build a business, and serve God faithfully—all at the same time. 🔗 Learn more about Faithworks Marketing: https://faithworksmarketing.com 🔗 Connect with Luke Clayton and explore coaching for bivocational pastors: https://jlukeclayton.com/