Should marketing be used to promote and grow a church?

 

Yes—but it must be the right kind of marketing, grounded in biblical principles and led by the Spirit. Marketing in and of itself is neutral. It’s simply the art and science of communicating a message to the right audience at the right time. When the message is the Gospel and the intent is to glorify God and make disciples, marketing becomes a tool in service of the Great Commission.

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“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19-20)
“...I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)

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Paul understood the value of contextualizing the message—what today we might call marketing. He adapted how he communicated without compromising the truth.

Biblical Reasons to Use Marketing in Church Growth

1. To Fulfill the Great Commission

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Marketing helps get the Word out—literally.

• Example: Churches can use Facebook or YouTube ads to promote Easter or Christmas services, which are culturally open doors for outreach.

• Biblical parallel: Jesus taught in parables—simple, culturally relevant stories that connected with people where they were. Marketing does the same.​

 

2. To Be a Light in the Darkness

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If a church has life-changing ministry happening, but no one knows about it, it’s like hiding a lamp under a bowl (Matthew 5:14-16).

• Example: Promote testimonies and community outreach stories on Instagram Reels, TikTok, or local radio to show what God is doing.

• Kingdom impact: Others are inspired, drawn in, and it breaks the stereotype of churches being irrelevant or lifeless.

 

3. To Serve the Community More Effectively

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Marketing is not just about gathering people—it’s about sending out value.

• Example: Promote free parenting workshops, marriage classes, or addiction recovery programs to help people in tangible ways.

• Result: This builds trust and shows the church is here to serve—not just to be served.

 Examples of God-Honoring Church Marketing

1. Branded Sermon Series

• Create visual themes, teaser trailers, and shareable content.

• Example: A series on “Modern Idols” with engaging Instagram clips asking, “What’s really on the throne of your heart?”

2. Testimony Campaigns

• Short videos of real people sharing their faith stories.

• “I used to be addicted to drugs... now I help others recover, because of Jesus.”

• These build credibility and inspire engagement.

3. Invite Cards and Digital Invites

• Empower members with tools.

• Create a landing page for a special event with a personal video from the pastor.

4. Local SEO & Google My Business

• Make it easy for someone to find your church when they search “church near me” or “kids’ ministry in [city].”

• Marketing tip: Have updated hours, pictures, and 5-star reviews from real members.

5. Community-Based Advertising

• Use local radio, bus stop ads, or even AdMessenger to promote events.

• Partner with Christian concerts or events to be present and visible.

Cautions and Boundaries

1. Marketing Must Never Replace the Message

The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16), not slick branding.
Marketing is the vehicle, not the engine.

2. Avoid Manipulation or False Promises

Don’t oversell or promise something the church can’t deliver. Authenticity is key.

3. Measure Fruit, Not Just Attendance

Growth is great—but the goal is transformation and discipleship, not just full pews.

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Final Thoughts from a Marketing + Biblical Lens

Marketing is about stewarding influence. When churches do this well:

• More people hear the Gospel.

• Communities are served with love.

• Discipleship is multiplied.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Used wisely, marketing becomes a missional strategy—not a business tactic.

This is a demo offering content about a relationship with Jesus. (Again, all of this can be customized to your church and community.) Relationship with Jesus demo. Click here.

 

Here is another example offering content of the Hope that Jesus offers. Hope is a Person demo. Click here.