Ben Stroup

Like it or not, your church is a brand. Whether you use the word “brand” or not, your church is a “brand”. If it helps, call your “brand” a “reputation”.

Why? Because, your brand is the gut feeling a person feels when hearing the name of your church. Either way people hold feelings and emotions in their heart and mind about your church. The feelings will fall in one or two categories – negative or positive.

That feeling which they hold; is your brand. Marty Neumier states, “Your brand is not what you say it is. It’s what they say it is.” So, how will people know what to say about your brand? Easy. Through interactions and experiences. People experience your brand in one of three ways – in person, online or through shared conversations with others who have experiences with your brand.

The idea alone that your church is brand should be enough to give attention to the experiences that shape your brand.

The word “branding” began simply as a way to tell one person’s cattle from another by means of a hot iron stamp. Your church is uniquely “branded” by God to fulfill the Great Commission in a culturally relevant way within your community.

As no hot iron stamp is the exact same, nor is any church.

Why Does It Matter?

• A Brand Clearly Communicates Who You Are, What You Do and Why It Matters
• A Brand Builds Trusting Relationships
• A Brand Creates Intentional and Meaningful Audience Experiences
• A Brand Fosters Enthusiasm Around A Vision
• A Brand Guides Effective Decision Making

Tim Peters helps churches grow by resolving challenges with branding, marketing and technology solutions. He loves seeing churches of all sizes come alive when they identify the best solutions to advance their cause. With 10+ years of branding, marketing, and strategy experience, he has consulted small businesses, mega churches and multi-million dollar for-profit corporations. With a spontaneously creative brand and a systematic personality, Tim is seen by many as one of the best idea generators and executors in the field. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of Resolute Creative.