Now You're Getting Personal
by Chris Forbes
Free tips for getting the word out about your church from the Ministry Marketing Coach
Ever read a church newsletter or brochure and have to fight back the pangs of narcolepsy? Most church publicity materials need to add a little attention-getting power—by getting personal. Here’s how you can lend credibility to your church programs, ministries, and publicity: add the power of personal testimonies from satisfied people in your church.
There is no charge to ask someone to share a word or endorsement of your ministry in writing, on recordings, or even video. Many times people will be so pleased and honored that you asked them to share a word of endorsement or praise for the church, ministry, or what God is doing in their lives, they will look at it as a watershed moment in their lives. They may even become a more active supporter of the ministry.
Though valuable, most ministry communications lack testimonials. A simple word from a "regular person" holds so much more credibility with people who are outside your church, than all the fancy-worded, clever advertisements you can produce. Regularly ask people to share their testimony in the church service, in writing for brochures, newsletters, websites and other material that you produce.
Not only will your people be more excited about the ministry. The people you want to reach will sit up and take notice, too. People outside the church like to hear about the real experiences of others. It helps them experience vicariously what it might be like to be in a right relationship with God. Listening to others just like them who are involved in your ministry helps them imagine themselves a part of your church. When people hear a member sharing a word of testimony or encouragement in the church, it really draws them in emotionally.
Think about it, why are reality shows so popular these days? It’s because people, find other people’s problems interesting. People like to hear from people who have come from the same place, with the same struggles and found a way to overcome. Testimonies work by showing people how other "regular people" found God’s love, received encouragement from others, or won victory over their problems.
Action Point!
Ask someone to write out his or her testimony endorsing the ministry of the church. In fact, make a habit of asking people to share what God is doing in their lives through the ministry of the church and get permission from them to use those testimonies in your promotions and publications.
