Church Marketing Definition

By David Tonen • June 24th, 2009

Depending on where you look, you will find many definitions for marketing. The complex textbook definitions are very theoretical. Practically speaking however, marketing is a very broad discipline and as such I believe needs a very applied definition. I like these two in particular:

John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing defines marketing:

“Getting someone, who has a need, to know, like and trust you.”

Seth Godin in his book Tribes defines marketing:

“Marketing is the act of telling stories about things we make – stories that sell and stories that spread.”

With these in mind, how can we define church marketing? I would like to think it could be something like this:

“Building a trust relationship with someone who needs the hope, love, and life-purpose that Jesus offers so you can share with them the power of his life-changing story.”

What do you think about this church marketing definition? Do you have any other suggestions?

Comments(8) Church Marketing, Marketing

http://www.ProfessionalMojo.com/outreach Lee Brogden Culberson

I love this definition, David. So many folks we talk to focus solely on the business aspects of marketing. You just provided some clarity into the *real* reason we all do what we choose to do. Thanks.
http://www.ProfessionalMojo.com/outreach Lee Brogden Culberson

I love this definition, David. So many folks we talk to focus solely on the business aspects of marketing. You just provided some clarity into the *real* reason we all do what we choose to do. Thanks.
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

Thanks Lee. I think we have to start looking practically at what marketing is for the church and how it can help communicate the best story on the planet. There is a lot of education needed for church leaders and hopefully we can help these leaders to appreciate the value that marketing can contribute to effectively reaching the world!
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

Thanks Lee. I think we have to start looking practically at what marketing is for the church and how it can help communicate the best story on the planet. There is a lot of education needed for church leaders and hopefully we can help these leaders to appreciate the value that marketing can contribute to effectively reaching the world!
http://1429creative.com MarketingTwins-Randy-TX

Thanks David – great thoughts. Obviously the creation of a definition is more about reminding us all of what we are about. I suppose we could occupy the chairs of a conference room for a 3-day weekend to craft the perfect definition, carefully scripted and worded with perfection. However, that’d be a complete waste of Kingdom time. I love the dynamic online discussion that translates to activity in reaching out and communicating the message of Christ to those who need to hear it.
http://1429creative.com MarketingTwins-Randy-TX

Thanks David – great thoughts. Obviously the creation of a definition is more about reminding us all of what we are about. I suppose we could occupy the chairs of a conference room for a 3-day weekend to craft the perfect definition, carefully scripted and worded with perfection. However, that’d be a complete waste of Kingdom time. I love the dynamic online discussion that translates to activity in reaching out and communicating the message of Christ to those who need to hear it.
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

Thanks Randy. I could never be coerced into wasting time actually trying to craft a perfect definition…I don’t think there is one. However I think there is value in thinking about it in this forum since it will help us who do it and those trying to grasp church marketing reflect on the foundation of what we are trying to accomplish. I appreciate your comment!
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

Thanks Randy. I could never be coerced into wasting time actually trying to craft a perfect definition…I don’t think there is one. However I think there is value in thinking about it in this forum since it will help us who do it and those trying to grasp church marketing reflect on the foundation of what we are trying to accomplish. I appreciate your comment!

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