| RICHMOND, June 30 - Presbyterians don't often think about media advertising as a way of attracting new congregants, but a targeted media message can create a broad awareness of a local congregation that "word of mouth" can't match.
It's also the most economical way to reach myriads of people who may be looking for a church home.
To help local congregations get the word out, a joint effort by the PC(USA)'s Evangelism and Church Development and Communication offices has developed a package of advertising materials that includes five print ads, three radio commercials and three television commercials.
Congregations can select the messages they deem most appropriate for their markets. Any of the ads may be customized with their local church name and contact information.
The new campaign, whose theme line is "Here and Now," is meant to increase the awareness of and affinity for the denomination among a younger and more ethnically diverse population. The messages are bold enough to challenge many non-members' preconceived notions about the Presbyterian church. They seek to communicate to "unchurched" people in an "un-churchy" style and voice while dealing with subjects of importance in their lives.
The messages refer to transition points in life, times when the likes of marriage, childbirth and career changes bring problems that lead people to reassess their priorities and seek spiritual support.
To learn how your congregation can participate in the campaign, contact Mindy Marchal of the General Assembly Council Office of Communication by telephone at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5212, or by
email. |
