Branding and Positioning for Churches

Church Marketing Episode 23

Episode Run Time: 30:17
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What makes your church different?  As a church leader, is your team self-aware enough to understand how to position your ministry within your community so that your uniqueness stands out?  In this episode, David talks with Mark MacDonald, the Creative Director for PinPoint Creative Group and they define brand positioning and discuss how a church should manage the process of positioning so that they can more effectively connect with people in their community.

Show Notes:

• Comments: Send comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Mark MacDonald (Twitter)
• PinPoint Creative Group: Website
• Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

Keys to Effective Church Event Marketing: Adam Fry

Church Marketing 22

Episode Run Time: 33:39
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Many churches and ministries plan great outreach events – concerts, conferences, seminars, community gatherings, special speakers, and special services. Often church leaders are challenged by the process of effective marketing, promotion, and communication of the event.  In this episode Adam Fry, the founder and co-director of Create Conference, a creative communications conference for Canadian church leaders shares his experiences of promoting a large Christian event.

If you want to learn how you can more effectively promote your next church event you will gain valuable insights from this conversation between David and Adam.

Show Notes:

• Comments: Send comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Adam Fry (Twitter)
• Create Conference: Website
• Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

Reverse-Networking: A Conversation with Matt Whitman

Business Cards for Pastors

Episode Run Time: 26:58

Have you ever wondered how you and your church can better connect with the community of people that live in your neighbourhood?  Matt Whitman is the most-effective guy I know in connecting with people – but he doesn’t ”network” in the way you might expect.  He has created the concept of Reverse-Networking.  In this episode Matt will help you discover how to implement reverse networking, use business cards, and leverage Facebook to connect with people more effectively and represent Jesus with excellence.

Show Notes:

Podcast Host: David Tonen
Episode #21 Guest: Matt Whitman

Defining Church Marketing: A Conversation with Ralph Poupart

Podcast Episode 20

Episode Run Time: 36:28

Most church leaders struggle to clearly define and understand what marketing is in the context of church ministry.  In fact, “marketing” is often a dirty word in church circles when in reality it is a critical concept to be understood and implemented in order for churches to communicate effectively and reach their communities.  In this episode, David and Ralph define what church marketing is and they talk about the importance of a church having a strategy to their marketing process so they can have maximum impact with their outreach.

Podcast Show Notes:

Host: David Tonen

Episode Guest: Ralph Poupart

Church Marketing Definition Blog Post

A Conversation with Jerod Clark of Church Juice

Episode 19

Episode Run Time: 20:42

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Do you want to practically take your church communications a few steps forward in a very short time? In today’s conversation, Jerod discusses three things that you as a church leader can implement to make your church communications more effective in the next 3-months.

Show Notes:

MinistryStory Host: David Tonen

Podcast Guest: Jerod Clark, Church Juice

Resource Whitepaper: Low Hanging Fruit: 6 Things You Can Easily Accomplish in the Next 3 Months

Church Juice: Website, Facebook, Twitter

A Conversation with Steve Fogg, Scott Overpeck, Dave Ingland, and DJ Chuang

Episode 18

Episode Run Time: 35:49

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I had the opportunity to attend the Cultivate 2011 Conference in Huntington Beach, California on May 4th and 5th. On the last day of the conference there was a Tweet-up at a nearby Starbucks and there I recorded a conversation with these four guys. This podcast is a little less structured than they usually are. There was no preset topic. The conversation just flowed. We touched on church marketing budgets, church signs, the challenge around self-promotion, and leveraging traditional news media for promotion.

I know you will gain some valuable insights from the collective insights. Note:  This podcast is a little noisier than normal because of the hum of a busy Starbucks.

Show Notes:

• Podcast Comments: please send your comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Ministry Story Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Steve Fogg, @SteveFogg
• Podcast Guest: Dave Ingland, @daveingland
• Podcast Guest: DJ Chuang, @gjchuang
• Podcast Guest: Scott Overpeck, @soverpeck
• MinistryStory Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

Episode 17

Since the day I started recording these Ministry Story church marketing and communications podcasts in January, 2011 – this is the personal episode I have been anxiously witing to share with you.  Let me tell you the amazing story of how God re-arranged my life so that I could serve him, serve churches, and church leaders through MinistryStory.com.

Show Notes:

• Please send your comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Host: David Tonen
• MinistryStory.com – Church marketing, communication, and technology services for churches.
• Podcast Intro and Exit Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase this MP3 in iTunes…

A Conversation with Randy Vaughn of The Marketing Twins

Episode 16

Episode Run Time: 29:13

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MinistryStory Episode 16 is a conversation on Facebook for churches and ministries with Randy Vaughn.  Randy and his brother Donny are The Marketing Twins in Dallas Texas and they help small businesses and ministries to use marketing and social media tools to communicate with greater excellence.  Today, Randy shares some of his thoughts on where a church should start with Facebook and how this social media platform can be used to build community outside of your church walls so your ministry can have a stronger online presence.

Show Notes:

• Please send your comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Randy Vaughn
• The Marketing Twins
• Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase this MP3 in iTunes…

Episode Run Time: 12:01

Discipleship is the process of teaching people to be good students of Jesus’ teachings. David shares his thoughts on how a good discipleship strategy will naturally extend to great church marketing.

Show Notes:

• Comments: please send your comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Ministry Story Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

A Conversation on Web Publishing With Chris Cree

Episode 14

Episode Run Time: 27:41

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Ministry Story Episode 14 is a conversation on web publishing for churches and ministries with Chris Cree.  Chris is the founder of Emmanuel Press, a new website service that helps churches, ministries, and missionaries.   David and Chris talk about the importance of churches leveraging technology to communicate the ministry they are doing – specifically, the power of church websites built on the WordPress platform.

Show Notes:

• Podcast Comments: please send your comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Ministry Story Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Chris Cree
• Emmanuel Press
• MinistryStory Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

A Conversation on Church Branding With Kerry Bural

Episode 13

Episode Run Time: 21:16

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Episode 13 is the second part of a conversation on church branding with Kerry Bural, The Founder and Principal at The Resonate Group. Kerry will help your church draw the line between his definition of branding in episode 12 to the elements or marketing collateral that most people associate with branding. Kerry compels churches to focus on clarity:

“Clarity rules – it is the magic stuff out of which emerges your understanding of what it will take to move your ministry forward.”

Show Notes:

• Podcast Comments: please send your comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Ministry Story Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Kerry Bural, Twitter: @KerryBural
• Resonate or Die Blog
• MinistryStory Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

A Conversation With Kerry Bural

Episode 12

Episode Run Time: 23:09

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Episode 12 is the first of a two-part conversation on church branding with Kerry Bural, The Founder and Principal at The Resonate Group. Kerry clearly defines what branding is – that it is all about connecting with people.  Kerry feels very strongly about resonance and shares how churches must realize that every decision they make is a brand decision.

Show Notes:

• Podcast Comments: please send you comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Ministry Story Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Kerry Bural, Twitter: @KerryBural
• The Resonate or Die Blog
• Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

Part 2 Conversation With Anthony Coppedge

Episode 11

Episode Run Time: 18:39

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Episode 11 is the conclusion of a two-part conversation David has with Anthony Coppedge, Director of Communications at Fellowship Technologies in Dallas, Texas.  Anthony talks about the importance of delivering on your message, the value of excellence, consistency, training volunteers, and  how to “have a heart” in your ministry .

If you did not listen to part one you can get Episode 10 here…

Show Notes:

• Comments: please send comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Ministry Story Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Episode Guest: Anthony  Coppedge, @AnthonyCoppedge
• Anthony’s blog post: The Disney Experience at Church
• Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

A Conversation With Anthony Coppedge, Part 1

Episode 10

Episode Run Time: 20:09

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Episode 10 is part one of a two-part conversation David has with Anthony Coppedge, Director of Communications at Fellowship Technologies.  Disney is well known for providing an unparalleled experience for their customers.  Can a church do the same for their visitors and attendees?  Anthony shares his Disney experiences and offers helpful insights on what churches can do to connect with people in their communities.

Show Notes:

• Comments: Send comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Anthony  Coppedge, @AnthonyCoppedge
• Anthony’s blog post: The Disney Experience at Church
• David mentioned video testimonials his church in Halifax made – you can find them here…
• Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

Who Are You and What’s Your Church Voice?

Episode #9

Episode Run Time: 19:45

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In podcast episode 9, David Tonen shares some thoughts on the value of the content on your church website.  The story you tell about who you are as a church, what makes your ministry unique, and what voice you speak with, are often overlooked elements in the development of a church website.  Learn why these critical elements are important and how they will help you communicate your church story more effectively.

Show Notes:

• Comments: Send comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• David mentions Content Rules, a new book by Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman: Book Website
• Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

A Conversation with Mark MacDonald

Episode 8

Run Time: 29:05

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Mark MacDonald is the Creative Director at PinPoint Creative Group.  Mark defines what branding is in a way that any church leader can clearly understand.  We also discuss the importance of defining target markets and demographics so churches can focus their ministry resources effectively.  Get a fresh perspective on the importance of branding your church for maximum outreach!

Show Notes:

• Comments: Send comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Mark MacDonald (Twitter)
• PinPoint Creative: Website
• Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

A Conversation with Adam Fry from the Create Conference

Episode 7

Run Time: 30:47

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Adam Fry is the Associate Pastor of Creative Communications at Central Community Church in St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada and one of the organizers of the Create Conference.  Create is a creative communications conference designed specifically for Canadian church leaders.  We discuss the differences in church culture between Canada and the US and Adam provides details on what the conference desires to accomplish to equip leaders to better communicate the best story ever – the story of Jesus.

Show Notes:

• Comments: Send comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Podcast Guest: Adam Fry (Twitter)
• Create Conference: Website
• Kent Shaffer’s Church Conference List 2011
• Podcast Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact – used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

Top 5 Reasons for Using WordPress For You Church Website

Episode 6

Run Time: 24:07

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David Tonen explains the five marketing reasons why a church website should be built on a content management system and specifically WordPress.

Show Notes:

• Comments: Send comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Ministry Story Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact - song used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

Episode #5: Guy Richards

Podcast #5 Run Time: 16:50

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Guy Richards is the Founder and CEO of Abiah, a Christian branding agency.  He shares his testimony and some insights from his new book Talkable.  I met Guy recently at a conference and we connected right away as two “marketing guys” who have a real heart beat to help churches communicate better.  In this episode you’ll discover some ways to make your church more talkable.  One of the most powerful forms of marketing is word-of-mouth.  Learn how to leverage talkability!

Show Notes:

• Comments: Send comments to David@MinistryStory.com
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Episode #5 Guest: Guy Richards
• Talkable Book: Get your copy here…
• Ministry Story Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact - song used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

Episode #4 – Mystery Worshiper, Monday, January 10th, 2011

Episode Run Time: 21 minutes, 12 seconds

Subscribe in i-Tunes (click here…)

Greg shares some of the insights he has gained from churches who hire him to assess their ministry through the eyes of a first-time guest.  He will provide you with some excellent things to think about and effective strategies you can implement in your church to make the first-time visitor’s experience a positive one.  We discuss the church environment, sensory elements, church websites, and mobile strategies for churches – all of which are elements of church marketing strategy and the way you communicate your ministry story.

Show Notes:

• Comments: Please send questions, comments, audio MP3 comments, or suggestions to David@MinistryStory.com or leave a comment in the comments section on MinistryStory.com…
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Episode Guest: Greg Atkinson
• Greg’s Secret Church Shopper Service: WorshipImpressions.com
• Church marketing and communication blog: NavigateYourMarketing.com
• Ministry Story Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact - song used with permission.  Purchase the song in iTunes…

Branding Faith, a Conversation with Phil Cooke:

Branding Faith

Episode Run Time: 25 minutes, 25 seconds

Subscribe in iTunes (click here…)

This is the “official launch” episode of the Ministry Story Podcast. Today’s podcast is a featured interview with Phil Cooke, of Cooke Pictures in Burbank, California.

Phil has helped some of the largest non-profit organizations in the world navigate the recrafting of their brands.

We discuss the difference between marketing and branding, the mistakes churches make in the media, and the importance of social media, technology, and design for churches to who want connect in relevant ways with our culture.

His book: “Branding Faith: Why Some Churches and Non-Profits Impact the Culture and Others Don’t” is changing the way non-profit and religious organizations use the media to tell their story. I recommend it as an excellent resource for pastors and church leaders who want fresh insights on how to tell their story in a more compelling and relevant way.

• Comments: Please send questions, comments, audio MP3 comments, or suggestions to David@MinistryStory.com or leave a comment in the comments section on MinistryStory.com…
• Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Podcast Host: David Tonen
• Episode Guest: Phil Cooke
• David is on the leadership team of a church in Halifax, NS. LifeBridge Community Church.
• Church marketing and communication blog: NavigateYourMarketing.com
• Ministry Story Theme Song: “Could This Be The End of the Hiding” by The Contact - song used with permission.
• Purchase the song in iTunes…

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2011.

Episode 2 hi-lights the official public launch of the podcast which will happen on Monday, January 3, 2011 and provides you with some insights on who the guests will be in Episodes #3, #4, & #5.

This is also your invitation to join the conversation – please send all questions or comments in audio files to David@MinistryStory.com

Episode #2: Happy New Year & Join The Conversation

Run Time: 8:44

So, here it is: (Originally recorded October 25, 2010)

Episode #1 – What is a Ministry Story?

Run Time: 24:09

• Please send questions, comments, or suggestions to David@MinistryStory.com
• Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Learn more about David Tonen
• Please leave comments about this podcast below in the comments section.
• David is on the leadership team of a church in Halifax, NS. LifeBridge Community Church.
• Church marketing and communication blog: NavigateYourMarketing.com
• Ministry Story Theme Song: Could This Be The End of the Hiding by The Contact – song used with permission.
• Purchase the song in iTunes.