First Impressions Matter

Is Your Church Brand Inviting to Newcomers?

In today's digital-first world, most people encounter your church brand long before they ever step foot in your building. This reality makes the question "Is our brand inviting?" critically important for churches seeking to reach people outside their current congregation.

Your church brand encompasses everything from your logo and website to social media presence, promotional materials, and even the language you use to describe your community. All these elements communicate powerful messages about who your church believes it exists to serve.

The essential question every church should ask is, "who does our brand say our church is for?" When potential visitors encounter your church online or through various marketing materials, do they immediately sense whether they would be welcome in your community?

Many churches inadvertently create brands that appeal primarily to those already familiar with church culture. The imagery, terminology, and overall aesthetic often resonate with insiders while potentially confusing or alienating those without a church background.

Churches committed to reaching unchurched people must evaluate their brand through the eyes of newcomers. Does your visual identity, messaging, and online presence communicate openness to those taking first steps toward faith? Or does it primarily affirm and comfort those already well-established in their spiritual journey?

This evaluation should extend beyond websites and logos to every touchpoint where people might encounter your church brand—social media, community events, signage, and even the language used in announcements and invitations.

Creating an inviting brand doesn't mean diluting your message or compromising your values. Rather, it means presenting those values in ways that are accessible and welcoming to those unfamiliar with church traditions and terminology.

Visit irresistible.church/irresist-list to learn more about creating a church environment that effectively reaches those who don't typically attend church.