[RnMomof7]

I am no professional But as a believer I am sick of the chuch marketing itself..

I believe if it is of God it will prosper. I fear this goes to the idea that the salvation of a man depends on the correct circumstances or the right music or the right message

This is Gods church..we need only be faithful and HE will build HIS church

[drstevej]

Agreed there can be excesses and dependance upon advertising & marketing rather than the Lord. Where to draw the line is the challenge.

The following are advertising to a degree:
- a sign on the church facility
- a name written on a church vehicle
- an ad in the yellow pages
- a listing in the church section of a newspaper
- a church website
- an event (say Easter or an evangelistic event) in the newspaper
- a radio broadcast of the church services

On the other end of the spectrum...

A local church here ran radio spots prior to Fathers' Day Sunday services announcing that they would have Dale Earnhart's racing car on the church lot prior to the services so people could come and get their picture taken prior to the service.

[Wrigley]

This is one area I have a particular interest in. Before the school I went to for my MBA changed the program, I had planned on doing a paper on the marketing of churches, and the effects on the members.

Self bump for re-read later.

[sonrise57]

To me, the emphasis on marketing and method that is charachterized by Barna's approach is a legacy of modernity.