Andy Budd, a user experience consultant in England, doesn’t think so. And neither do I.

I read the most fascinating article this morning by Darren Hoyt evaluating the role of design in modern church marketing. Darren certainly did his research on the subject, surveying more than a dozen relevant members of both the Church and design industries. Not to mention, he even cited my favorite church-related website: Church Marketing Sucks!

He noticed (as I have noticed) a massive increase in beautiful websites for faith-based organizations; something that certainly makes my heart happy! It goes without saying, however, that this produces countless thought-provoking questions and implications for these ministries. What are they communicating? Who are they trying to reach? Are these people authentic, or just putting up some sort of front? Do we really need a website?

Dustin Stearman concedes that some churches simply go too far to make their point, despite good intentions. When it comes to design and new media, Stearman says, “churches should be pushing the envelope the most” to reach their followers. Instead, too many push it in the wrong direction, claims Matt Adams. “Generally, I see churches trying to one-up each other … who can be sexier or bolder. Sure, it starts small, but often leads to a church being on the news defending their biblical position.

So, I suppose the most logical questions to ask are: what are we trying to communicate, and, is it in line with what God is communicating? Similarly, to whom are we reaching, and, are they these the people we’re called to reach? Only once these answers have been established can we then look to see how the communications should be presented and how marketing and branding can establish that.

Where do you stand in all of this? Is your church/ministry struggling with their marketing? Are all churches/ministries struggling with their marketing? Sound off in the comments!

I hope this message finds you well; I just wanted to take a couple of minutes to wish everyone a blessed and merry Christmas! For those of you who are visiting family (or have family visiting) try and make Christmas extra special this year and give them something other than presents: gift yourself by means of a great conversation, a little extra help around the kitchen, etc. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up enjoying it more than they do.

So anyway, from me and mine, to you and yours: Merry Christmas!

P.S.
Is it just me, or is it snowing around this here blog?

I’ve been sitting on this one for a while, thought it was finally time I shared it with the rest of you.

(click to enlarge)