Is Church Marketing Biblical?

𝗜𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟?

When pastors hear the term "church marketing," it can evoke mixed feelings. For some, it feels practical and necessary. For others, it may seem too business-like or out of step with the church's spiritual mission. This often leads to the question: Is church marketing biblical?

The answer lies not in the terminology but in the heart and purpose behind the effort.

THE BIBLICAL BASIS FOR SPREADING THE MESSAGE
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls believers to "go and make disciples of all nations." This is a call to communicate—to reach people with the gospel. The tools may vary, but the goal remains the same: connecting people with Christ.

Paul exemplified this in his ministry. He adapted his approach to reach diverse audiences, stating in 1 Corinthians 9:22, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." This flexibility mirrors church marketing today: understanding community needs and using effective methods to meet them.

Marketing, at its core, is communication. When done with integrity and a focus on serving others, it aligns with the church’s mission.

WHERE CHURCH MARKETING GOES WRONG
Marketing becomes unbiblical when:
It prioritizes numbers over discipleship. The health of a church isn’t just attendance but transformed lives.
It focuses on self-promotion instead of Christ. The message must point to Jesus, not personalities or programs.
It relies solely on human effort. God ultimately brings the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
Avoiding these pitfalls keeps marketing a ministry tool, not a distraction.

ACTIONABLE TIP: HOW TO MARKET YOUR CHURCH BIBLICALLY
Ask this question: What is the specific need in our community that the gospel can address? Then focus on serving that need.

If your community struggles with loneliness, create small groups or connection events.

Use tools like Google Business Profile or Facebook to communicate these opportunities.

Bathe your efforts in prayer, seeking God’s guidance at every step.
When approached as ministry, marketing fulfills your church's mission, not distracts from it.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Church marketing, when done biblically, is about stewarding God’s resources to reach those who haven’t heard the gospel. It's not about competition or promotion but about inviting others to experience life in Christ.