In this episode Thomas and Shiloh unpack the Barna data, dig into why people are choosing a chatbot over their pastor, identify what AI gets dangerously wrong in spiritual conversations, and give church leaders specific and practical steps they can take this week to close the trust and access gap before it gets any wider. 

This is not an episode about demonizing technology. It is about the church waking up to an opportunity it cannot afford to keep ignoring. 

If your website was built for the people already in your seats instead of the people you are trying to reach, this episode will give you a clear and actionable path to change that fast. 

For episode 301 we brought two of the sharpest minds at the intersection of church, research, and technology into one conversation. Ed Stetzer, Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and one of the most cited church researchers in America, sits down with Corey Alderin, CEO and Co-Founder of Sermon Shots, INC 5000 honoree, and the builder behind a platform now serving over 9,000 churches worldwide. Together they tackle the AI conversation the church cannot afford to get wrong, the state of church decline and what the data actually says, why most churches are wasting their best content every single Sunday, and what it is going to take for the local church to reach the next generation with clarity and confidence.

In this episode we are getting honest about the most common mistakes church leaders are making with artificial intelligence and what it is actually costing their ministry in trust, authenticity, and effectiveness. We are strong believers in the power of AI as a ministry tool, but only when it is used with the right strategy, the right boundaries, and the right understanding of what it can and cannot do. 

This conversation is not anti-AI. It is pro-wisdom, and it is for every pastor and church leader who wants to use this technology in a way that genuinely serves their calling and reaches their community. Walk away from this episode with a clearer picture of how to make AI work for your ministry instead of against it. 

In this episode we are cutting through the noise and giving church leaders a clear, honest breakdown of what is actually moving the ministry needle right now and what is just hype dressed up in a good sales pitch. Technology is not the enemy of the local church, but the wrong technology at the wrong time absolutely can slow you down, drain your budget, and wear out your team.

This conversation is for every pastor and church leader who wants to be a good steward of their resources while staying sharp enough to use the tools that genuinely help their church reach more people. Walk away from this episode with a clearer filter for every tech decision your church will face going forward. 

Many churches pour time, money, and energy into marketing tactics that look impressive but deliver very little real impact. Flashy graphics, trendy platforms, and expensive campaigns can feel productive, yet they often fail to reach the people who are actually searching for faith and community. In 2026, church marketing success is not about copying what other ministries are doing. It is about focusing on strategies that genuinely help people discover your church, connect with your message, and take their next step in faith.

The reality is that some of the most popular church marketing strategies are wildly overrated. Meanwhile, a few simple and often overlooked approaches are consistently helping churches grow, connect, and build stronger communities. Digital outreach, clear messaging, and intentional follow-up are proving far more effective than hype-driven tactics. Church leaders who rethink their approach to marketing often see stronger engagement, better visibility online, and more meaningful connections with new visitors.

Real church growth begins when leaders stop chasing trends and start focusing on what actually works.

0:00 - Intro
2:02 - Big Outreach Events
6:55 - Boosted Social Media Posts
9:13 - Short-Form Videos
11:34 - Email Follow-Up Funnels
14:33 - AI Search Engine Optimization
17:40 - Google Business Profile
20:14 - High-Quality Promo Videos
22:39 - Google Grant Advertising
26:03 - Church Podcasting
29:36 - Church Merch

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https://youtu.be/82CLWbxyi_k?si=ZgSPZTmsVRZq5Zbf

We're talking about who you're actually creating content for (hint: it's probably not who you think), why you should stop trying to be everywhere at once, and whether short-form video is still worth the effort in 2025. Plus, we share a behind-the-scenes look at a recent content decision we made here at ReachRight that might surprise you.

Here's what we cover:

00:00 – Why your church social media feels stuck 01:29 – You're not creating content for the right people 06:00 – You're using the wrong platforms the wrong way 09:16 – You don't have a consistent visual identity 11:17 – You're not leveraging short-form video 14:38 – You're posting but not engaging 17:31 – You don't have a plan 20:05 – You're expecting instant results

Whether you're a solo pastor running your church's Instagram or you have a small team trying to figure out what's working, this episode will give you a practical reset for your social media approach.

Want help with sermon repurposing and short-form video? Learn more about our Sermon Sling service: https://reachrightstudios.com/sermon-sling

Have a question or something that's working for YOUR church on social media? Drop it in the comments — Thomas personally responds.

— ReachRight helps churches reach more people through digital marketing, Google Ad Grants, SEO, web design, and sermon repurposing. We've served 800+ churches and counting.

Website: https://reachrightstudios.com Phone: 608.561.2777 Email: support@reachrightstudios.com

#ChurchSocialMedia #ChurchMarketing #ChurchGrowth #SocialMediaStrategy #PastorLife #ChurchLeadership #ReachRight

The lights are on, the coffee is hot, the volunteers are smiling. And when new guests walk through the door, everyone hopes they feel like they’ve found a home.

But far too often, those same visitors never show up again. They attend once, maybe twice, then vanish. No explanation. No warning. Just gone.

So what’s happening? Why do first-time guests leave without coming back?

Let’s start with the biggest reason.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Table of contents

• The #1 Reason: No Real Follow-Up
• Other Reasons People Don’t Come Back
  • 2. They Didn’t Feel Personally Welcome
  • 3. They Were Confused About What to Do Next
  • 4. No Clear Path Into Community
  • 5. Kids Ministry Uncertainty
• The Pattern Churches Miss
  • What the Fastest-Growing Churches Understand
• You Only Get One First Impression
• More Resources on Church Guests

The #1 Reason: No Real Follow-Up

Churches lose more visitors to silence than to anything else.

If someone visits your church, fills out a connection card, and never hears from you again, that sends a message. It says, “We noticed you came, but not enough to care.”

And this happens way too often.

Many churches have a visitor follow-up sequence that looks great on paper. But when it comes to actually sending that text, writing that email, or dropping that note in the mail, it doesn’t happen. Or worse, it only happens once and never again.

This is one of the fastest ways to lose a potential church member.

People need to feel like more than a number. They need to know that someone saw them, remembered them, and wants to help them find their place in the church community.

A few key mistakes to watch out for:

• You’re not collecting contact details clearly (use a digital connect card and simplify the process)
• Your emails land in the new visitor’s email inbox with a generic subject line or templated message
• You don’t have a clear person on staff who owns visitor follow-up
• You wait too long to initiate follow up

This is not about being polished or perfect. It is about being intentional. First time guests need to feel personally valued, not like they were just another head in the room.

Every healthy church needs a follow-up system that is timely, thoughtful, and relational.

Other Reasons People Don’t Come Back

Once you fix your follow-up process, that alone can move the needle. But let’s not stop there.

Even churches with strong communication systems lose people for other preventable reasons.

Here are some of the most common.

2. They Didn’t Feel Personally Welcome

A friendly church is not the same thing as a personal one.

Guests expect a handshake and a smile. But what they remember is who actually talked to them. Who asked their name. Who introduced them to someone else.

Church welcome cards, coffee stations, and signs help create a friendly environment. But it’s your people that turn a friendly church into a family.

If guests feel ignored or invisible, they won’t return. And even worse, they’ll assume that’s how your church treats everyone.

This is where church members matter most. They must be trained and encouraged to view hospitality as ministry, not just something for the welcome team.

Personal greetings. Eye contact. An invitation to lunch or a small group. These moments are where the church brand is built.

3. They Were Confused About What to Do Next

Many churches unintentionally leave new guests wondering what their next step should be.

You may have dozens of great opportunities: small groups, ministries, volunteer roles, classes. But if a new visitor doesn’t know where to start, they won’t start at all.

Clarity is kindness.

That’s why your church website needs more than just a list of programs. It needs to guide guests from visit to involvement with next steps that are clear and actionable.

Use your Sunday services to point guests toward these steps. Mention these next steps from the stage. Feature them on your homepage. Send a personal invitation in your follow-up email.

Think of your visitor experience like a trail. If the path disappears after the first mile, most people turn around and go home.

4. No Clear Path Into Community

If someone visits your church and enjoys the worship but never finds real connection, they will eventually drift.

Belonging happens in smaller circles. If all someone ever experiences is sitting in a row on Sunday, they are missing what makes church life truly transformative.

That is why promoting small group involvement is not just a side ministry. It is central to the health of your church.

Don’t assume guests will naturally find their way into community. Build clear, obvious pathways. Talk about groups from the stage. Have real people ready to meet new guests and help them find a fit.

A connected visitor becomes a growing church member. And a connected member becomes a multiplying disciple.

5. Kids Ministry Uncertainty

For families with kids, the children’s ministry is often a make-or-break moment.

No matter how powerful the worship is or how engaging the message might be, if a parent feels uneasy about where their kids are, they won’t come back.

They want to know:

• Are their children safe?

The pandemic forced churches to adapt. New technologies have emerged. Generational shifts have changed the way people think about community and faith. But some principles have not changed at all. The local church still exists to bring glory to God, to equip believers for ministry, and to make disciples in the name of Jesus Christ.

Yet even with all of that in mind, many churches are still looking in the wrong places for growth. They chase trends, copy other churches, or simply wait for new visitors to show up on their own. But real, sustainable church growth in 2026 is happening in places most church leaders are still overlooking.

Let’s talk about where to look next.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Table of contents

• You’re Looking in the Wrong Direction
• 6 Church Growth Opportunities You’re Probably Overlooking
  • 1. The Follow-Up Funnel
  • 2. Family Ministry with a Purpose
  • 3. Midweek Micro-Communities
  • 4. Optimizing for AI Search
  • 5. Measuring What Actually Matters
  • 6. Updated Church Website
• What the Fastest-Growing Churches Understand
• Where Growth Begins
• More Resources on Church Growth

You’re Looking in the Wrong Direction

If the only thing your team is doing to drive growth is planning better Sunday services, you’re likely missing the bigger picture.

Yes, your weekend gathering matters. It’s a chance to preach Christ, invite people to salvation, and encourage the saints. But most people are not evaluating your church just by what happens on Sunday. They are also watching what your church values throughout the week. They are looking for connection, for purpose, and for something real. And they are making decisions quickly.

A growing church in 2026 must focus not just on attracting people, but on forming them. You cannot just get people in the door. You need to help them become fully alive in Jesus.

Here are six church growth opportunities that healthy churches are using right now. These may not show up in a flashy ad or get you viral clicks, but they will help your church grow the right way.

6 Church Growth Opportunities You’re Probably Overlooking

This list is not about gimmicks or trends. It is about areas of church life that are often underdeveloped or misunderstood, but have massive potential when nurtured intentionally.

1. The Follow-Up Funnel

Your sermon might have been amazing. The worship team might have nailed it. But if a first-time guest never hears from you again, the experience is already fading.

Church growth strategy begins the moment someone fills out a connection card. The follow-up funnel should include a timely email, a text from a real church member, a warm invite to a newcomers’ gathering, and a path toward meaningful next steps.

Too many churches lose people not because the service was bad, but because the system was nonexistent. In healthy churches, every visitor is treated like a welcome part of God’s people. You don’t need to impress them. You need to pursue them.

What this builds: A culture of care that reflects Christ and makes guests feel seen.

2. Family Ministry with a Purpose

If you want your church to grow in 2026, look no further than your children’s and youth ministries. But don’t just think in terms of programs. Think strategy.

Church leaders should invest in equipping parents, encouraging family discipleship, and creating intergenerational connections. Many churches silo kids and teens into a corner. But growing churches are bringing them front and center.

You should let them serve. Let them lead. Let them experience the work of the Holy Spirit. Kids are not the future church. They are the church now.

What this builds: A multigenerational, purpose-driven church body that nurtures spiritual growth early.

3. Midweek Micro-Communities

Most people don’t need more content. They need more connection. That’s why midweek micro-communities are so effective.

These are not always traditional small groups. Sometimes they are two friends meeting after work for prayer. Sometimes they’re neighbors who read the Bible together. And sometimes it’s a few moms texting encouragement and scriptures during the week.

They are not flashy, but they are powerful. As Andy Stanley once said, “Life change happens in circles, not in rows.” And it is in those circles where people begin to use their spiritual gifts and grow in community.

What this builds: Real-life discipleship, personal accountability, and deeper bonds within the local church.

4. Optimizing for AI Search

Church growth in 2026 will be shaped by how easily people can find you online. And it is not just about being on Google anymore. Artificial intelligence is changing search forever.

People are now asking spiritual questions to ChatGPT, using smart assistants, and reading AI summaries instead of browsing dozens of websites. Your church website needs to be optimized for how people search today.

Use plain language. Answer common questions. Share service times, ministry opportunities, and stories of life change. Include phrases that help seekers find biblical teaching, local churches, and spiritual resources. Write as if someone is asking, “Where can I find a Christian church that will actually care about me?”

What this builds: A digital front door that works 24/7 to invite people into your church’s life.

5. Measuring What Actually M...

But in 2026, the landscape looks different. Artificial intelligence is playing a major role in how people search for spiritual communities.

Whether someone is relocating to a new city or simply feeling the tug to reconnect with their faith, they are likely starting their search online. And more often than not, that search is being filtered through some form of AI.

The question church leaders need to be asking is not just “Are we on Google?” but “Are we findable through AI?” The churches that answer that well are the ones that will grow.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• Search Is More Than Google
• 5 Ways AI Is Shaping Church Discovery
  • 1. AI Answers Questions, Not Just Searches
  • 2. Your Website Needs to Be AI-Friendly
  • 3. Local Search Is Influenced by Digital Signals
  • 4. Sermons and Videos Are Now Searchable
  • 5. The Churches That Will Be Found Are the Ones That Serve
• What Church Leaders Should Do Next
• A New Era of Search
• More Resources on Church AI

Search Is More Than Google

Google is still a major player, but the way people interact with it has evolved. Instead of typing in short phrases, users now ask full questions and expect a conversational answer. This is the influence of AI systems like Google’s Search Generative Experience and tools like ChatGPT.

Someone searching for a church might not just type “church in Dallas” anymore. They might ask, “What’s a welcoming church in Dallas with strong kids’ programs and contemporary worship?” AI can now deliver personalized, context-aware answers.

That means your church needs to be discoverable not just through traditional keywords but through AI-generated responses that highlight what people really want to know.

5 Ways AI Is Shaping Church Discovery

AI is not just changing the tools people use. It is changing what they expect from those tools. Below are five major shifts every church should understand.

1. AI Answers Questions, Not Just Searches

People used to search for churches by typing in a few keywords. Now, they are asking questions. And AI is learning how to answer them as a human would.

If someone types, “Where can I find a church that values community involvement and has great sermons for young families?” the results will not just show a list of churches. AI will attempt to answer the question directly, often by pulling from content it finds across the web.

If your church website does not answer questions like this clearly, you are missing out.

What to do: Review your website and online profiles. Do they answer common questions in plain language? Do you clearly communicate your values, service times, children’s ministry info, and community outreach programs? Write with questions in mind, not just keywords.

2. Your Website Needs to Be AI-Friendly

AI systems do not just scrape your homepage. They pull content from your entire online presence to craft their answers. That includes your sermon libraries, blog posts, staff bios, about pages, and even your event descriptions.

If your website is hard to navigate, outdated, or thin on content, AI will have a harder time understanding who you are and what you offer.

This is where AI-friendly church website design becomes critical. A good website builder can help you optimize for structured data, internal links, and accessibility. These things are not just about looks. They help AI index your site and extract useful answers.

What to do: Audit your church website for structure and clarity. Use clear headlines, well-labeled sections, and updated information. Include keywords, but do not overdo it. Focus on real, helpful content that reflects your church’s mission and ministry.

3. Local Search Is Influenced by Digital Signals

AI is heavily influencing local search. This means things like reviews, listings, and engagement are playing a bigger role in determining which churches get recommended.

Google Business Profiles, local directories, and community review sites now factor into how AI tools rank and recommend results. Churches with strong digital signals across multiple platforms are more likely to appear in relevant searches.

What to do: Make sure your Google Business Profile is complete and regularly updated. Encourage members to leave honest reviews. Submit your church to local directories and update your listings frequently. List your events and ministries in places that local residents are likely to search.

4. Sermons and Videos Are Now Searchable

AI can now search inside audio and video content. If your sermons are online, AI tools may be analyzing them to find relevant answers for user questions.

This is a big...

From how to get started on YouTube, to whether AI poses a spiritual risk, to what prayer software churches are using in 2026, we’re diving into it all.

Plus, we tackle a simple but surprisingly common question: If you cut down your church announcements on Sunday mornings, how do you get the word out about the rest?

Let’s get into it.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Table of contents

• How Should Churches Get Started on YouTube?
• Could AI Harm Spiritual Connection?
• What’s the Best Tool for Handling Prayer Requests?
• How Do You Share Announcements Without Overwhelming People?
• Is the Google Ad Grant Still Worth It?
• Tools Don’t Replace Calling
• More Resources

How Should Churches Get Started on YouTube?

One listener asked:
“What are some best practices for churches starting out, wanting to succeed on YouTube?”

There’s never been a better time to start. YouTube is where people go when they’re asking real questions. But if your church only posts full Sunday services with a title like “December 17, 2025,” you’re not going to reach them.

Here’s how to start strong:

1. Lead with short-form content.

Full services are great for your members, but short sermon clips, Q&A videos, or testimony highlights are what attract new people. Post those in addition to your livestreams.

2. Your first 10 seconds matter.

If the video opens with a countdown or a bumper, most people scroll away. Start with a strong quote or a tension-filled question.

3. Thumbnails and titles are everything.

Use high-contrast graphics, big text, and human faces with emotion. Don’t label your sermon “Week 3 – Rooted.” Call it something that gets a click, like “What To Do When God Feels Distant.”

4. Think like a missionary.

This is the real one. Your YouTube isn’t just for your congregation. It’s for the parent searching “how to pray for my kid,” or the teen asking “does God hate me?”

If your church wants to grow online, YouTube is a mission field. Treat it that way.

Could AI Harm Spiritual Connection?

A listener asked:
“Could AI pose a threat to people connecting with God and each other?”

That’s a real concern. And it depends on how we use it.

AI can help churches with sermon prep, admin tasks, outreach, and organization. But the danger comes when churches start letting AI replace things only people can do.

Prayer. Presence. Discipleship. Discernment.

AI can help you write an outline. It can’t pray with someone in a hospital room. It can help organize a sermon, but it can’t weep with a member after a funeral.

The line is simple: Use AI for tasks. Rely on the Holy Spirit for truth and transformation.

So no, AI is not automatically harmful. But it can cause damage if churches stop asking the hard questions and start chasing convenience over calling.

What’s the Best Tool for Handling Prayer Requests?

A listener asked:
“What’s the best prayer request software out there right now?”

Here are three solid picks:

1. Churchteams
Ideal for groups and teams. Members can post requests and leaders can track updates and answered prayers.

2. Tithe.ly Prayer Wall
Lets members submit public or private requests. Great for building a visible culture of prayer on your website or app.

3. Subsplash
If your church already uses Subsplash for giving or livestreaming, you may already have access to their built-in prayer request tool.

Whatever you choose, make it simple. The best prayer systems let people submit requests anytime, and help your team follow up like a real person actually read it.

Bonus tip: Add a prayer link to your connect card or website homepage. People are more likely to ask for prayer than register for an event.

How Do You Share Announcements Without Overwhelming People?

A listener wrote in:
“If announcements should be short, how do we tell people about the rest of what’s going on?”

This is one of the most common church communication questions.

You don’t want to overwhelm your service with announcements. But you also don’t want people to miss everything that didn’t get said on stage.

Here’s what works:

1. Centralize everything.
Create one digital space where all events, groups, and opportunities live. Your website. Your app. Even your lobby kiosk. Pick one hub and use it well.

2. Use layers.
Not everything needs to be said from the stage. Use screens, email, texts, social media, and ministry-specific reminders. Let the Sunday announcement hit the highlights, then point people where to find the rest.

3. Announce next steps, not news.
The platform is for action, not information. Announce what people need to do. Sign up. Show up. Join in. Leave the calendar and details for your hub.

People are not ignoring church events. They just need clearer paths to engagement. Don’t give them noise. Give them next steps.

Is the Google Ad Grant Still Worth It?

One listener asked:

An outdated site can make your church look disconnected or disorganized. It can confuse first-time visitors, frustrate members looking for basic info, and fail to reflect your church’s heart and mission. A fresh coat of digital paint is not enough.

Let’s talk about what really makes a modern church website work.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• It’s Not Just About a New Theme Anymore
• 6 Reasons Your Website Still Feels Outdated
  • 1. Your Homepage Tries to Say Too Much
  • 2. Your Site Is Not Optimized for Mobile
  • 3. You’re Not Answering the Right Questions
  • 4. You Still Use Stock Photos or Staged Poses
  • 5. There’s No Clear Path for a First-Time Guest
  • 6. Your Content Rarely Gets Updated
• What a Modern Church Website Should Actually Do
• What’s Next?
• More Resources on Church Websites

It’s Not Just About a New Theme Anymore

Swapping out your church website theme or logo is easy. But surface-level changes do not fix a deeper disconnect. Your website is often the first place people go before they ever set foot on your campus. It has to do more than look good. It has to communicate clearly and serve people well.

The best church websites today are purpose-built. They help people find service times, submit prayer requests, stream past sermons, and take next steps. They answer questions before anyone has to ask them. And they tell a consistent story that reflects your values, your vision, and your community involvement.

If your church website still feels outdated, it is time to dig a little deeper.

6 Reasons Your Website Still Feels Outdated

Even churches that put effort into their website often miss the deeper issues. These are some of the most common reasons your site still feels stuck.

1. Your Homepage Tries to Say Too Much

Too many church websites overload their homepage with every ministry, every announcement, and every event. Instead of welcoming guests, it overwhelms them.

Your homepage is not the place to tell your entire story. It is the front door, not the full tour.

What to do instead: Feature only the most essential information for first-time visitors. Start with a strong welcoming message, your service times, church locations, and one clear next step. Keep your visuals clean and focused. Less clutter means more clarity.

2. Your Site Is Not Optimized for Mobile

More than 60 percent of website visits now come from mobile devices. If your site is not mobile responsive, people will click away quickly.

Clunky menus, small fonts, and slow loading times make a bad first impression. A beautiful desktop site that falls apart on a phone will not get the job done.

What to do instead: Use a website builder with mobile optimization built in. Test your pages on phones and tablets. Make sure every key feature works well, from your digital connection card to your sermon libraries.

3. You’re Not Answering the Right Questions

Too many church websites are built around what the church wants to say instead of what visitors need to know. You may list your staff bios and ministry names, but forget the practical questions like where to park or how to check in kids.

When people cannot find what they are looking for, they will assume your church is not ready for them.

What to do instead: Ask a few people outside your church to navigate your site. Take note of where they get stuck. Highlight answers to questions like what to expect on a Sunday, how to join a group, or how to request prayer. Put your search bar in a prominent place.

4. You Still Use Stock Photos or Staged Poses

Nothing says “out of touch” like stiff stock images of people in suits smiling at the camera. These types of visuals do not reflect the real life and energy of your church community.

People want to see authenticity. They want to know who you really are.

What to do instead: Use high-quality images of your actual church members and ministries. Capture moments of real worship, community outreach, baptisms, and kids’ events. Visual storytelling builds trust and invites people into the experience.

5. There’s No Clear Path for a First-Time Guest

A first-time visitor should not have to click ten times just to know what to do next. If your church website does not lead them toward a clear action, it will feel more like a maze than a ministry tool.

A modern website should guide people naturally from interest to involvement.

What to do instead: Build a simple, dedicated page for new visitors. Include a warm welcome, service times, directions, and event details. Add a form where they can plan a visit or ask a question. Make sure your key features and important links are always easy to find.

6. Your Content Rarely Gets Updated

A church website with outdated event calendars, broken links, or last year’s sermon series gives the wrong impression. It makes people wonder if your church is still active.

Keeping your content fresh is not just about appearances. It shows that you care.

What to do instead: Set a reminder to update your site weekly or monthly. Add upcoming events, new sermon content, and prayer request forms. Highlight volunteer opportunities and new ways to connect. A site that reflects your current church life is far more welcoming than one stuck in the past.

What a Modern Church Website Should Actually Do

We go through dozens of recent church statistics, pick the ones that made our jaws drop, and share our top six on the podcast. These stats help church leaders understand the cultural shifts happening right now and how to respond with purpose and strategy.

Some are encouraging. Some are convicting. All of them will make you think twice about how we do ministry in 2026.

Let’s get into it.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Table of contents

• Gen Z Churchgoers Are Showing Up More Than Any Other Generation
• Only 20% of Americans Attend Church Weekly
• The Gender Gap in Faith Is Shrinking (But Not the Way You Think)
• Young Adults Still Want Faith That Matters
• The Tithing Gap Between What We Say and What We Actually Give
• Millennials Are the Most Faithful Weekly Attenders
• What Surprised You?
• More Resources on Church Stats

Gen Z Churchgoers Are Showing Up More Than Any Other Generation

Thomas kicked us off with a stat from Barna that caused some serious conversation this year. According to the data, Gen Z churchgoers are attending services more frequently than any other generation.

On average, Gen Z churchgoers attend 1.9 times per month, compared to:

• Millennials: 1.8
• Gen X: 1.6
• Boomers: 1.4

Now, this stat often gets misunderstood. Some people have claimed Gen Z is now the most Christian generation, but that’s not what the numbers say. The study specifically refers to churchgoers, not the entire generation.

What it does show is that those in Gen Z who follow Jesus are deeply committed. And that’s worth celebrating. Churches should be encouraged by this hunger and think seriously about how to disciple Gen Z with purpose and intentionality.

Only 20% of Americans Attend Church Weekly

Ian followed up with a stat that feels all too real: just 20% of Americans attend church every week.

That’s a major drop from what many pastors used to expect from a “committed” church member. In today’s world, twice-a-month attendance is the new normal for many families.

And it’s not just laziness. Youth sports are scheduled on Sundays. Work schedules are all over the place. Even Easter Sunday can get hijacked by a 10 a.m. high school soccer game.

We get it. That doesn’t make it less frustrating, but it does mean pastors and church leaders need to rethink what engagement looks like. Weekly attendance is no longer the only measure of discipleship. People might miss a Sunday but show up in a small group or serve behind the scenes.

Still, the stat is a wake-up call. If your strategy is built on the assumption that people are attending 50 Sundays a year, it might be time for a reset.

The Gender Gap in Faith Is Shrinking (But Not the Way You Think)

Thomas shared another one that sparked conversation. A Pew study revealed that the gender gap in religious engagement is narrowing, but not because men are growing in faith. It’s because women are dropping off.

From 2007 to 2023, the number of women identifying with a religion dropped from 86% to 72%. Men also declined, but only from 79% to 67%.

Daily prayer, belief in God, and other markers of faith have also declined more sharply among women than men.

This is a trend worth watching. Historically, women have often been the spiritual anchors in their homes and churches. If that’s shifting, the impact will ripple across generations.

There’s a bit of good news: as men hold steady or slightly increase, there may be new opportunities to reach them more effectively. We’ve seen over and over that when a man comes to Christ, the rest of the family often follows.

But overall, this stat highlights a net loss. Churches need to understand why women are disengaging and respond with wisdom and care.

Young Adults Still Want Faith That Matters

Ian brought in a stat that focused on non-churched adults aged 18 to 30. According to their research, this group is actively seeking a faith that:

• Feels relevant to everyday life
• Makes a global impact

This might not sound shocking on the surface, but consider the context. These are young adults who aren’t currently attending church. In a culture often marked by cynicism and skepticism, the desire for authentic and world-changing faith stands out.

This is good news for pastors and ministry leaders. It means people are still searching. They’re not interested in surface-level religion or flashy Sunday productions. They want something real. Something that speaks to their pain, purpose, and place in the world.

The church has something to say here. This is not a time to shrink back. It’s a time to speak clearly, serve boldly, and invite people into a story bigger than themselves.

The Tithing Gap Between What We Say and What We Actually Give

Thomas came back with a stat combo that made us both cringe a little. Barna reports that:

• 42% of practicing Christians say they tithe 10% of their income
• But only 10 to 15% actually do

That’s a big gap between what people...

The truth is, churches that consistently measure the right things are the ones that grow in health, not just size. And in 2026, with better tools and more access to data than ever before, it is time to get serious about what matters.

So let’s break down the most valuable metrics your church should be measuring right now. Not everything that can be counted counts, but what counts can absolutely be counted.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Table of contents

• Not All Metrics Are Created Equal
• The Metrics That Matter Most
  • 1. First-Time Guest Follow-Up Rate
  • 2. Group Participation Rate
  • 3. Giving Consistency, Not Just Amount
  • 4. Prayer and Spiritual Practice Engagement
  • 5. Online Engagement That Leads to In-Person Connection
  • 6. Retention After Major Events
  • 7. Staff Health and Burnout Indicators
  • 8. Next Step Conversion Rate
  • 9. Volunteer Participation and Follow-Through
• Your Next Step
• More Resources on Church Metrics

Not All Metrics Are Created Equal

Here’s the thing: not all data leads to transformation. Some metrics can distract from the real goals of ministry. Tracking how many views your sermon received is nice, but if it does not lead to deeper discipleship or community engagement, it is not moving the mission forward.

Church leaders need to avoid the trap of tracking numbers just for the sake of tracking. A great church management software can give you beautiful dashboards, but it is up to you to connect that data to real-world impact. The question is not just “Can we measure this?” but “Does measuring this help us implement targeted initiatives that actually serve our people?”

So let’s focus on the ones that do.

The Metrics That Matter Most

The best church metrics are not just numbers. They are indicators of health, growth, and spiritual movement. The ones that matter help you understand how committed church members really are, and how well your church is serving them.

Each metric below is tied to something vital: connection, growth, transformation, sustainability, or outreach. Use these to measure progress and adjust course when needed.

1. First-Time Guest Follow-Up Rate

First impressions are not just about what happens on a Sunday. What happens next matters just as much.

Many churches drop the ball when it comes to following up with guests. Whether it is a delay in sending a text message or a generic email that gets ignored, the lack of follow-up communicates a lack of care.

Your church follow-up system should include immediate outreach, a clear next step, and a way to gather contact details through tools like a digital connect card or church welcome cards. When visitors immediately feel seen and valued, they are far more likely to return.

What to track: How many first-time guests received follow-up within 48 hours, and what percentage returned within a month.

2. Group Participation Rate

It is one thing to attract a crowd on Sunday. It is another to build a community that is committed throughout the week.

Group participation is one of the best indicators of discipleship and outreach efforts. It shows that people are not passive spectators but are stepping into real relationships. Promoting small group involvement is not optional if your goal is spiritual growth.

What to track: What percentage of your average overall church attendance is involved in a small group, Bible study, or discipleship cohort.

3. Giving Consistency, Not Just Amount

Total giving tells one story. Consistent giving tells a better one.

When people give regularly, it is often a sign of both spiritual maturity and practical trust. This is not just about money; it is about mission. Healthy giving patterns allow your church to plan ministry confidently and invest in long-term vision.

Using free online giving tools can help automate generosity and reduce seasonal giving slumps. But the goal is not automation for its own sake. It is engagement from people who believe in your church’s mission.

What to track: Number of recurring givers, percentage of budget met through consistent giving, and changes in giving behavior year over year.

4. Prayer and Spiritual Practice Engagement

Spiritual growth does not show up in bank statements or attendance sheets alone.

Track how many people are actively engaged in practices like submitting prayer requests, participating in fasting challenges, or attending prayer nights. This gives insight into the spiritual temperature of your congregation.

It also helps you identify patterns. If prayer engagement drops, it might be time to teach on the power of prayer or offer new prayer formats. Metrics should serve your people, not the other way around.

What to track: Number of prayer requests submitted, attendance at prayer gatherings, participation in seasonal practices.

5. Online Engagement That Leads to In-Person Connection

Online reach matters. But it should lead to real connection.

Many churches have improved their livestream game and social media strategy, but they stop short of using that engagement to build community. It is not enough for people to watch passively. Are they signing up for events? Are they attending in person? And are they asking questions or getting involved?

Church online is a tool, not a destination. The goal is to move people from content consumption to community parti...

Gen Alpha is no longer the “next” generation. They are the now generation. And churches that want to stay connected to the future must learn how to reach, disciple, and empower them today.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• Gen Alpha is Already Here
  • What Most Churches Get Wrong
• How to Actually Reach Gen Alpha
  • 1. Give Them Leadership Roles
  • 2. Focus on Family Discipleship
  • 3. Respect Their Culture and Slang
  • 4. Combine Digital and Tactile
  • 5. Empower Their Questions and Faith
  • 6. Share Stories and Testimonies
  • 7. Stop Treating Them Like They’re Too Young
• Your Next Step
• More Resources on the Next Generations

Gen Alpha is Already Here

Gen Alpha is the generation born roughly between 2010 and 2025. That means the oldest members are in high school, while the youngest are still toddlers. But here’s the key point most church leaders are missing: Gen Alpha now makes up most of the school-aged population.

They are growing up in a world where screens are everywhere, school is increasingly hybrid, and questions about life, identity, and truth come faster and earlier than ever before. And even though they are digital natives, they are still human beings who long for connection, meaning, and faith.

What Most Churches Get Wrong

Many churches still see Gen Alpha as too young to reach or too distracted to disciple. But that view underestimates their capacity for faith, focus, and leadership. Gen Alpha is growing up fast, and they are more spiritually aware than we often realize.

If churches keep waiting until these kids “grow up” before investing in them, they will already be gone. Now is the time to disciple them intentionally, listen to them sincerely, and invite them into something bigger than themselves.

How to Actually Reach Gen Alpha

You do not need to throw away everything that worked for Gen Z. But reaching Gen Alpha is not just about being on TikTok or adding a kids pastor. It is about engaging them as whole people, supporting their families, and showing them a real, lived-out faith.

Here are seven proven ways to do that.

1. Give Them Leadership Roles

Gen Alpha does not want to be babysat. They want to be believed in. That starts by giving them responsibility and letting them lead in age-appropriate ways.

Let a 5th grader assist in caring for the toddlers during Sunday service. Let a middle schooler help lead a Sunday School service with an adult. Invite high schoolers to lead worship at youth group. Let them share their own ideas for how to reach others their age. You do not have to wait until they are 18 to start treating them like leaders.

What to do instead: Create low-risk, high-value leadership roles for Gen Alpha kids and students. Even small tasks build trust and ownership.

2. Focus on Family Discipleship

If churches really want to reach Gen Alpha, they cannot do it alone. Their most important spiritual influences are still at home. That means supporting, equipping, and encouraging their parents is essential.

A strong Gen Alpha ministry is built on strong family discipleship. The church’s role is not to replace the home, but to come alongside it with tools, encouragement, and vision.

What to do instead: Offer parenting classes, weekend resources, and prayer nights that focus on family faith formation. Make it easy for parents to lead well at home.

3. Respect Their Culture and Slang

Every generation has a unique culture. Gen Alpha’s just happens to be built on fast-moving trends, memes, and online personalities. While you do not need to copy their slang or dance trends, you do need to show them respect.

Mocking their interests or belittling their world sends the message that you are not listening. And if Gen Alpha feels judged, they will not engage. They want to be seen, not stereotyped.

What to do instead: Ask them about what they care about. Listen without laughing. Use their language as a bridge, not a barrier.

4. Combine Digital and Tactile

Gen Alpha may be growing up in a digital world, but they still crave real experiences. They still want to build something with their hands, gather in circles, and play games that are not on a screen. In fact, physical experiences are more powerful precisely because they are less common.

The best Gen Alpha ministries are not digital-only. They are hybrid. They embrace digital discipleship tools, but they balance that with in-person connection and tangible activities.

What to do instead: Use digital tools for communication, devotionals, and storytelling. But also prioritize campfires, craft tables, and face-to-face conversation.

5. Empower Their Questions and Faith

Gen Alpha is not afraid to ask big questions. About God, pain, justice, identity, and eternity. That is a good thing. What they need are safe places to ask, wrestle, and be heard.

The mistake churches make is thinking they need to have all the answers. But what Gen Alpha really needs is authenticity and honesty. They are not looking for a sermon. They are looking for someone to listen and walk with the...

From sermon prep tools to automated follow-up, artificial intelligence is changing how churches communicate, create, and care for their people.

Still, not every trend is worth following blindly. Church leaders need to understand what is useful, what is overhyped, and what still needs more clarity. In a world full of new features, tools, and promises, we need discernment more than ever.

In this episode, we rank 8 different church AI trends to determine if each is a must-use tool or a critical compromise.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• Ranking System
• AI Trends Ranked
  • 1. Personalized Communication
  • 2. Sermon Research Tools
  • 3. Visual Media and Graphics
  • 4. Autonomous Assistants
  • 5. Analytics for Ministry Strategy
  • 6. Voice Cloning for Sermon Dubs
  • 7. Predictive AI for Church Growth
  • 8. Church Policies on AI Use
• The Future of AI and the Church
• More Resources on Church AI

Ranking System

To help cut through the noise, we’ve ranked the top church AI trends for 2026 using three categories, based on the idea of thoughtful evaluation and planning to ensure responsible and effective adoption:

Must-Use Tools: These are the game changers. Every church should be paying attention to these and implementing them where possible.

Worth a Look: These trends have strong potential, especially for certain contexts. They may not be for everyone yet, but they’re worth exploring.

Wait and See: These might be helpful someday, but for now, they raise too many ethical questions or lack clear use cases in the church world.

AI Trends Ranked

Before we get into the list, it is worth acknowledging that not all church tech and technologies are created equal. Some tools and technologies streamline operations, while others sound exciting but do little to advance ministry work. Our goal is to help you see where the real ministry impact lies by selecting and implementing the right technologies.

1. Personalized Communication

If you want to connect with people in 2026, you need to speak directly to them. AI-powered personalization tools allow churches to tailor emails, text messages, and website experiences based on individual interests and behaviors.

These tools can auto-fill names, recall past interactions, and suggest content that aligns with a member’s engagement level. They help church leaders build stronger relationships, automate follow-up, and avoid one-size-fits-all communication.

AI-powered personalization can also be used to generate customized Bible studies or biblical content, tailoring spiritual growth resources to each individual’s interests and faith journey.

By implementing AI-driven personalization, you improve the human connection while saving your team hours of manual data entry each week.

2. Sermon Research Tools

AI tools that assist in sermon preparation are becoming essential for busy pastors. These platforms can help generate sermon outlines, locate biblical passages, offer cross-references, and even summarize commentaries. With these AI tools, pastors and church staff can conduct research more efficiently, supporting sermon preparation and theological study.

They do not replace the role of the Holy Spirit or the responsibility of theological accuracy, but they do enhance the research process and free up pastors to focus more on prayer and personal reflection.

Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and others are already being used to brainstorm topics, gather historical context, and simplify commentary overload.

3. Visual Media and Graphics

AI-generated graphics are quickly becoming one of the most practical ways churches save time and elevate visual content. Canva’s AI features, for example, let you create sermon slides, event details, and social media posts with just a few prompts.

You can now create engaging video clips, background images, or entire visual series with just a few clicks. This is especially helpful for smaller churches without in-house designers.

Not only does it help with branding, but it also ensures your content keeps pace with today’s visual standards.

4. Autonomous Assistants

AI chatbots and virtual assistants are already being used to handle routine tasks like answering FAQs, providing service times, scheduling appointments, or helping users navigate a church website.

Some even handle prayer requests or provide automated next steps for first-time visitors.

These assistants free up church staff for more relational ministry, but they still need human oversight. They work best when paired with clear values and pastoral awareness.

For now, these are a strong supplement, but not a replacement for human roles.

5. Analytics for Ministry Strategy

In an increasingly digital world, churches have more data than ever. But without the right tools, that data just sits there.

AI systems can help analyze data from your church management software, email engagement, service attendance, and giving patterns. The result? Data-driven decisions that align with your church’s mission.

Church leaders can use these tools to set ministry goals, improve follow-up, and plan outreach based on real trends rather than assumptions.

Analytics can also help you evaluate the effectiveness of digital ministry and adapt faster to what works. Additionally, analytics can show how much time staff spend on different tasks, enabling church leaders to prioritize AI implementa...

But something has changed.

Now, church leaders are starting to realize that their monthly newsletter is getting ignored. People do not open it. They do not read it. They do not click on anything. And they definitely do not share it with other members.

So what happened?

Let’s dig into the real reasons your church newsletter is not working and what church leadership can do to fix it fast.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• The Real Problem
• 7 Reasons No One is Reading Your Church Newsletter
  • 1. You’re Sending the Wrong Content
  • 2. It’s Too Long
  • 3. Your Subject Line is Boring
  • 4. You’re Not Mobile Friendly
  • 5. You Never Change It Up
  • 6. You’re Not Using Clear CTAs
  • 7. You’re Sending It to the Wrong People
• What the Best Churches Are Doing
  • Example Church Newsletter
• Your Next Step
• More Resources on Church Newsletters

The Real Problem

It is not that newsletters are a bad idea. In fact, when done right, a church newsletter can be one of the most powerful ways to keep your church community connected, informed, and encouraged.

But today’s audience is different. They are overwhelmed with content, flooded with emails, and quick to delete anything that does not grab their attention in the first few seconds.

That means church newsletters cannot just be a recycled list of announcements. They need to provide real value, connect with real life, and support the church’s mission in a fresh and engaging way.

Church leaders need to rethink the purpose of their newsletter and treat it less like a bulletin board and more like a tool for ministry.

7 Reasons No One is Reading Your Church Newsletter

Before we jump to solutions, let’s break down why your church email newsletters may not be getting through to people. These are the seven most common problems we see, and they are easier to fix than you might think.

1. You’re Sending the Wrong Content

Too many church newsletters read like a to-do list.

Volunteer meeting on Tuesday. Potluck on Friday. Youth trip sign-ups. Budget report update.

These things are important, but they do not inspire people to open the newsletter in the first place. If the content only appeals to a small fraction of your church family, it will not drive the kind of engagement you want.

Instead, focus on content that speaks to everyone in the congregation. That includes a short devotional, a real story from a church member, highlights from a recent outreach program, or even a quote from last Sunday’s message that helps people dive deeper.

Good content helps people grow. Do not just inform. Inspire.

2. It’s Too Long

Nobody wants to read a five-paragraph essay in their inbox.

Long blocks of text feel overwhelming. People skim. They get bored. They click away.

Your church newsletter should feel easy to digest. Think of it like a social media post or a text message: short, clear, and visually scannable. Break things up with headers, bullet points, bold text, and simple layouts.

A short newsletter that gets read is better than a long one that gets ignored.

3. Your Subject Line is Boring

Your email subject line is the first and sometimes only chance to get someone to open your newsletter.

If your subject line says “October Newsletter,” it is going to the trash.

Use subject lines that create curiosity, urgency, or emotion. Here are a few examples:

• “You will not believe what happened at Sunday’s service”
• “Three ways to make your week more meaningful”
• “A message from Pastor Sarah you need to hear”

If it sounds like every other church email, it will get treated like every other church email. Aim for subject lines that feel personal, relevant, and intriguing.

4. You’re Not Mobile Friendly

Most people read emails on their phones now.

If your newsletter looks great on a desktop but is a disaster on mobile, people will not scroll past the first sentence. This is one of the most common reasons church newsletters get skipped over.

Make sure your layout is responsive. Use single-column formatting. Avoid giant images that take too long to load. Test your newsletter on multiple devices before hitting send.

A newsletter that does not work on mobile is a newsletter that will not work at all.

5. You Never Change It Up

If your church newsletter looks exactly the same every time, people start to tune it out.

Same format. Same categories. Same tone. Same sender. Same day.

Even good content loses its punch when it feels too routine. That does not mean you need to reinvent it every month, but you should look for ways to introduce variety.

Try rotating who writes the intro. Share a surprise story from a church member. Highlight different ministry areas. Add a short video clip or audio message from the pastor.

When people know something new is coming, they are more likely to keep opening it.

6. You’re Not Using Clear CTAs

You might be including great content, but if you are not telling people what to do with it, they will not do anything.

Every newsletter should include clear and simple calls to action. These should invite people to engage, not just observe.

Here are some examples:

• Submit prayer requests through th...

Some pastors are using tools like ChatGPT to help with their sermon writing process. Others are warning that this is the beginning of the end for biblical preaching.

So what should church leaders do? Is using AI sermon prep tools a smart way to save time or a dangerous shortcut that replaces the Holy Spirit?

Let’s break it down.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• The Real Debate
• 6 Ways ChatGPT Can Help (Without Replacing the Holy Spirit)
  • 1. Brainstorming Ideas and Outlines
  • 2. Finding Related Bible Verses
  • 3. Illustrating Big Ideas
  • 4. Simplifying Complex Concepts
  • 5. Organizing Research and Notes
  • 6. Creating Supplemental Content
• Your Next Step
• More Resources on Church AI

The Real Debate

The real issue is not whether ChatGPT can write a sermon. It can.

The real issue is whether it should.

Critics argue that using a tool like this will lead to shallow sermons, theological inaccuracies, or even full-blown plagiarism. Some worry that pastors will outsource their calling to a chatbot instead of seeking wisdom through prayer, study, and the Holy Spirit.

On the other hand, many church leaders are finding helpful ways to use AI without compromising biblical integrity. They are not using it to replace the sermon prep process, but to support it. And they are using clear boundaries and discernment to make sure the main voice behind every sermon remains their own.

Let’s look at how ChatGPT and other AI sermon generators can actually enhance your preaching, not hijack it.

6 Ways ChatGPT Can Help (Without Replacing the Holy Spirit)

AI tools are not replacements for your prayer life or personal study, but they can supplement your sermon resources and streamline the way you prepare each message.

Here are six ways pastors are using AI in their sermon prep process, while still relying on the Spirit for the final word.

1. Brainstorming Ideas and Outlines

Every preacher has faced that blank page moment.

You know you need to start your sermon prep, but you are not sure what the main point should be or how to organize your thoughts. This is where a tool like ChatGPT can help.

By inputting a general sermon topic or biblical passage, pastors can quickly get a list of outline options or sermon ideas. The AI will not give you a finished message, but it can give you structure to work with.

You can also use ChatGPT to plan out a multi-week sermon series, complete with topic breakdowns and suggested scriptures for each week.

What this looks like:

• Input: “Give me 3 outlines for a sermon on James 1”
• Output: Three possible frameworks, each with a different focus and flow

This does not mean the AI is doing the deep theological thinking for you. It just means you are getting a jumpstart on your writing process.

2. Finding Related Bible Verses

If you are preparing a message on joy, grace, or justice, you probably know a few key scriptures already. But what about cross references that are less obvious?

ChatGPT can surface lesser-known passages that still align with your theme. It can also suggest supporting texts to help reinforce your main point.

Helpful prompt:

• “What are 10 Bible verses that support the idea of God’s justice?”
• “Which scriptures connect to the parable of the Prodigal Son?”

This is not a replacement for personal study, and it should not be your only source of truth. But when used wisely, it can expand your view of the biblical text.

And don’t forget that AI can make mistakes. Always double-check any verses or references you plan to use, as sometimes AI can hallucinate and come up with things that don’t actually exist.

3. Illustrating Big Ideas

Sermon illustrations are often what make or break a compelling sermon.

They take abstract biblical principles and bring them into real life. But coming up with fresh, relatable stories every single week is a challenge.

That is where AI can help. Ask for examples, modern-day parallels, or metaphor ideas based on your sermon topic.

The goal is not to preach an AI-generated story, but to use the tool to uncover relevant illustrations that will resonate with your specific audience.

Example prompt:

• “Give me a modern illustration of the Good Samaritan story using a Gen Z context”
• “Give me a parable-style story that illustrates Matthew 6:33”

Again, these are not copy-paste solutions. But they can spark ideas and help you craft stories that hit home.

4. Simplifying Complex Concepts

Explaining deep theological insights in a clear way is part of what makes a sermon powerful. But not every theological concept is easy to explain in plain language.

ChatGPT can help break down complex ideas into more accessible language, which is especially helpful when speaking to new believers or young people.

You can even ask AI to explain the historical context of a scripture passage in simple terms, giving your congregation a better understanding without requiring hours of commentary reading.

Try this:

• “Explain sanctification like I’m a middle schooler”
• “Put Romans 8 in plain English, but keep the meaning accurate”

This does not mean you remove depth or nuance. It means you make it easier for your whole congregation to grasp the truth you are preaching.

5. Organizing Research and Notes

Some pastors use digital notebooks, others still rely on legal pads and sticky notes. No matter how you gather ...

No views. No comments. And no momentum.

And you’re not alone. Most churches on YouTube are stuck in neutral, wondering what they’re doing wrong, while other channels seem to take off overnight.

But the truth is, your church’s presence on YouTube doesn’t have to stay stagnant. Whether you’re a church plant or a long-established community, you can start reaching more people with the message of Jesus Christ by making a few smart and intentional changes.

Let’s break down the biggest mistakes churches make on YouTube and the top strategies you can use to grow your audience and create videos that actually make an impact.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• Why YouTube Matters
• 7 Top Church YouTube Mistakes
  • 1. Your Titles Aren’t Searchable
  • 2. Your Thumbnails Don’t Grab Attention
  • 3. You’re Only Uploading Full Sermons
  • 4. You’re Ignoring the YouTube Algorithm
  • 5. You’re Not Promoting It Anywhere Else
  • 6. You’re Not Connecting With Real People
  • 7. You’re Not Consistent
• Level Up Your YouTube Channel
• More Resources on Church Social Media

Why YouTube Matters

In 2025, YouTube is more than a place to watch funny clips or music videos. It’s one of the largest search platforms in the world. With over 2 billion logged-in users every month, it’s where people go to learn, explore, and discover.

Churches like Elevation Church with Steven Furtick or Life.Church with Craig Groeschel are reaching millions with the gospel every week. It’s not just because they’re big, but because they use the platform with purpose.

Here’s the good news. You don’t have to be a megachurch to succeed on YouTube.

You just need a strategy.

If your church’s YouTube channel is going to reach people, build community, and share the gospel, it needs more than just good intentions. It needs a plan that works with the platform and speaks to real people.

7 Top Church YouTube Mistakes

Here is a list of the top 7 most common church YouTube mistakes. These mistakes were found through research and by observing common patterns among church YouTube channels. We’ll break down each mistake you might be making with your channel and exactly what you can do to fix them.

Let’s jump into it.

1. Your Titles Aren’t Searchable

This is one of the most common reasons church channels stay invisible.

Titles like “Faith Part 2” or “Sunday Sermon August 12” might mean something to your congregation, but they mean nothing to the person browsing YouTube looking for answers about anxiety, purpose, or God.

If your titles aren’t specific and searchable, your videos will not show up. And if they do show up, no one will click.

Fix it:

Write titles that reflect what people are searching for.

Bad:
“Unshakable Part 4”

Good:
“How to Trust God When Life Falls Apart”

Use questions, bold statements, and real-world language. This change alone can significantly increase your views.

2. Your Thumbnails Don’t Grab Attention

Your thumbnail is your first impression. If it’s just a blurry screenshot of your pastor mid-sentence, it is not going to perform well.

People scroll quickly. Your thumbnail needs to catch their eye and make them curious.

Fix it:

Create custom thumbnails with large text, high contrast, and expressive faces. Make sure your thumbnail and title work together to communicate a clear message.

A good thumbnail can often be the difference between 100 views and 10,000.

3. You’re Only Uploading Full Sermons

Posting your entire worship service every week is fine, but it should not be your only type of content.

Most people on YouTube are not looking to watch a 50-minute video. They want something short, relevant, and impactful.

Fix it:

Pull clips from your sermons and post them separately. These can be 60-second YouTube Shorts, 5-minute story clips, or focused answers to common questions.

Short-form content helps you reach more people, increases engagement, and leads new viewers to your full messages later.

4. You’re Ignoring the YouTube Algorithm

YouTube decides what to show users based on the information you give it. If you upload a video with no description, tags, or chapters, the algorithm has no clue what your video is about.

Fix it:

Spend a few minutes optimizing your uploads:

• Write a thoughtful description using words like gospel, worship, Jesus, faith, and church
• Add 5 to 10 relevant tags
• Create chapters in your sermons so people can skip to the part they want
• Include a clear call to action, such as “Subscribe for weekly faith-building content.”

The more information you give YouTube, the better it can share your videos with the right people.

5. You’re Not Promoting It Anywhere Else

Many churches post their videos on YouTube and then hope people find them. But if you are not promoting your channel on other platforms, most people will never see your content.

Fix it:

Promote every video you upload:

• Mention your channel during your Sunday announcements
• Share links in your email newsletter
• Post clips on social media
• Embed videos on your

But for many churches, AI adoption still feels like something to avoid. It seems too complicated. Too worldly. Too risky. So instead of experimenting or exploring, many church leaders simply ignore it.

And that decision is costing them. The importance of embracing AI for the church’s future cannot be overstated—integrating technology is essential for the church’s mission and ongoing relevance.

When it comes to church growth in 2025 and beyond, artificial intelligence is not a trend. It is a tool. And churches that fail to leverage it wisely are missing major opportunities to reach new people, disciple their current community, and make their message more effective. The promise of AI lies in its ability to transform the church’s outreach and growth potential in ways we have never seen before.

Let’s talk about why AI might be the missing link in your church growth strategy, how it aligns with your church’s mission in the AI age, and what to do about it.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Table of contents

• The Real Church Growth Problem
• 5 Reasons to Use AI Tools to Grow Your Church
  • 1. Search Is Changing Forever
  • 2. You’re Losing Time You Could Be Saving
  • 3. You’re Not Multiplying Your Message
  • 4. You’re Missing Out on Personalization
  • 5. You’re Not Preparing for the Future
• It’s Time to Get Started
• More Resources on AI in the Church

The Real Church Growth Problem

For years, churches have tried to solve growth problems with better worship sets, improved signage, or redesigned logos. Those are all helpful. But they don’t address the real bottleneck: communication.

Communication challenges can negatively impact church life and culture, making it harder to foster community, align values, and encourage active participation.

Most churches simply struggle to get their message in front of the right people in the right way at the right time.

Whether it’s sermon content, event invites, social media, or internal communication, churches are often working with small teams, limited budgets, and outdated systems. Meanwhile, the world around them is moving faster, becoming more digital, and relying more on AI-powered systems to filter and prioritize what people see.

In this reality, ignoring AI is not a neutral decision. It’s a decision to fall behind.

AI church growth is not about replacing human roles. It’s about freeing your team from the routine tasks that drain time and energy, so they can focus on deeper ministry work.

And when used with spiritual discernment and ethical considerations, these tools can help churches scale their impact without sacrificing their soul.

5 Reasons to Use AI Tools to Grow Your Church

Before we dive into the details, here’s the truth: the churches that are growing right now aren’t just more talented. They’re more efficient. Many of them are using AI tools to operate more efficiently, streamline operations, and improve outreach, connecting with people in ways that traditional methods can’t. AI also helps optimize resources, ensuring that personnel, finances, and materials are used where they are needed most.

Here are five reasons your church should be implementing AI right now.

1. Search Is Changing Forever

Most people find churches the same way they find restaurants, plumbers, or anything else: through a Google search. But what many church leaders don’t realize is that the way people search is changing rapidly.

With Google’s new AI-generated overviews and chat-based results, traditional search engine optimization (SEO) is being replaced with something new. If your church isn’t creating AI-friendly content, you may never show up in these results.

This means your church website, sermon content, blog posts, and even YouTube chapters need to be written and structured with AI in mind. Clarity, value, and relevance are more important than ever.

Using AI prompts to generate sermon summaries, blog posts, or event descriptions can help you show up where people are already looking. You can even use tools to analyze data about what your community is searching for, and tailor your content accordingly. AI can also provide access to relevant resources and information, making it easier for both church members and visitors to find what they need.

2. You’re Losing Time You Could Be Saving

Church staff are some of the hardest-working people on the planet. But much of that work is administrative, repetitive, and time-consuming. Things like writing announcements, drafting emails, creating graphics, and entering data into spreadsheets can eat up hours every week.

AI tools can handle many of these routine tasks in seconds.

Instead of spending three hours formatting an email newsletter, AI can generate a draft in 30 seconds. Instead of writing your small group questions from scratch, AI can create discussion guides based on your sermon content. And instead of doing manual data entry, AI can categorize and summarize information quickly.

This doesn’t just save time. It preserves energy. It allows your team to focus on what really matters: people, prayer, and presence.

3. You’re Not Multiplying Your Message

The average sermon takes hours to prepare. But most churches only share that message once. After Sunday, it disappears into the archive.

Smart churches are using AI to turn one message into ten.

With the right tools, you can:

• Create short video clips or “sermon shots” for Instagram or YouTube Shorts
• Generate daily devotionals from the same content
• Use AI to draft email follow-ups or group study questions
• Add YouTube c...

If your strategy for reaching younger generations still relies on methods that worked for millennials or Gen X, it’s time for a serious update. This generation is different. Not just digitally native, but deeply discerning. Not just screen-obsessed, but searching for something real.

The good news is that many Gen Z men and women are hungry for meaning, purpose, and community. The challenge is figuring out how to meet them where they are, without compromising biblical truth or watering down the message.

In this article, we’re ranking some of the most talked-about ways to reach Gen Z in 2026 and beyond. Some are killing it. Some are close. And some are ready to be retired for good.

Let’s dive in.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Table of contents

• Gen Z: The Hungry Generation
• Ranking Ways to Reach Gen Z
  • Ranking System
  • Accountability Groups
  • Apologetics Courses
  • Community Service
  • Facebook Groups
  • TikTok Outreach
  • Youth Worship Nights
  • Christian Music Scene
  • Digital Fast Challenges
  • Church Discord Servers
  • YouTube Devotional Series
• Church Leaders Reaching the Next Generation
• More Resources on Gen Z

Gen Z: The Hungry Generation

You’ve probably heard the narrative that young people are leaving the church. And in many cases, it’s true. But look a little deeper, and the data represents good news.

Many Gen Z adults, particularly young men, are expressing a renewed interest in faith, purpose, and belonging. We’re seeing what some have called a generational reversal. After years of decline in church attendance, there are signs of spiritual renewal emerging among younger generations.

These aren’t just cultural Christians. Young Christians today are asking hard questions, looking for authenticity, and hungry for spiritual growth. They’re not drawn to polished productions or big personalities. They’re looking for meaningful connections, deeper discipleship, and a faith that actually shapes their everyday life.

This is not a group that wants to be entertained. They want to be engaged.

So how do we meet them there?

Ranking Ways to Reach Gen Z

There are dozens of strategies floating around on how to reach Gen Z. From creative outreach ideas to platform-specific content, it can be tough to sort out what’s actually working and what just sounds trendy.

Here’s how we’re breaking it down.

Ranking System

We’re evaluating each approach using three categories:

• Prime Picks – These strategies are leading the charge in shaping Gen Z and drawing them into authentic congregational life.
• Possible Plays – These can work when executed well, but they require the right context and leadership to stick.
• Past Their Prime – These had their moment, but they’re just not connecting with Gen Z like they used to.

Let’s get into the rankings.

Accountability Groups

Gen Z is craving real, raw community. Accountability groups are one of the best ways to create meaningful connections that go beyond the surface.

These aren’t just Bible studies with snacks. They are spaces where young adults can talk about sin, discipline, growth, and identity in a safe, grace-filled environment. Many pastors have found that these groups foster leadership roles among Gen Z participants and build a stronger church community overall.

Done right, accountability groups help shape spiritual growth from the inside out.

Apologetics Courses

Gen Z is highly analytical. They’ve grown up with the internet in their pocket, which means they’ve heard every argument for and against Christianity before they even hit high school.

Apologetics still matters. But traditional lecture-style classes often fall flat. If you’re going to reach young Christians through apologetics, it needs to be interactive, personal, and tied directly to the questions they’re asking.

This can be a powerful discipleship tool when it’s conversational, not just informational.

Community Service

If you want to reach Gen Z, serve with them.

This generation wants to change the world. Partnering with them in hands-on, local outreach shows that your church doesn’t just talk about love, it lives it out. Community service projects allow young adults to build relationships, learn leadership, and see the gospel in action.

Many church leaders say that serving together has become one of the top entry points for new church members. It’s a strategy that connects purpose with practice.

Facebook Groups

This might sting a little. But if you’re still using Facebook as your main connection point for Gen Z, you’re already behind.

While some young adults still keep Facebook for family or school, it’s not where they spend meaningful time. Facebook groups can work for older generations or millennial churchgoers, but they rarely create engagement among Gen Z.

If your church is serious about shaping Gen Z, it’s time to move beyond Facebook for digital discipleship.

TikTok Outreach

TikTok might be messy, unpredictable, and a little overwhelming. But it’s where Gen Z lives.

Short-form video is one of the most powerful ways to reach this generation with gospel-centered content. Youth pastors, worship leaders, and even senior pastors are finding creative ways to share Jesus on this platform.

From sermon clips to behind-the-scenes moments to Q&A content, TikTok is becoming a digital mission field. And when used well, it can point young people to real community and faith.

In a world that can be divisive, critical, and argumentative, this Thanksgiving season is a time for coming together and remembering all that we have in common and how much we have to be thankful for.

What better way to do that than through serving others and worshiping together? So let’s dive into these seven Thanksgiving service ideas to bring your church community together.

Table of contents

• Should Your Church Celebrate Thanksgiving?
• 7 Ideas for Thanksgiving Services
  • 1. Thanksgiving Service Project
  • 2. Donation Drive or Charity Fundraiser
  • 3. Thanksgiving feast for the Homeless or a Nursing Home
  • 4. Gratitude Board
  • 5. Family Thanksgiving Service
  • 6. Sharing an Annual Gratitude Testimony
  • 7. Letter Writing and Care Package Delivery
  • Writing the Sermon
  • Post-Preparatione
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Thanksgiving Ideas for Your Church

Should Your Church Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Some might point out that Thanksgiving is not technically a biblical or liturgical holiday. We also have to remember that this is a North American holiday that was celebrated by colonies and states starting in the 1600s – it’s not celebrated everywhere around the world.

According to History.com, George Washington first issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in 1789. But it wasn’t until 1863 that Abraham Lincoln designated Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday.

In his proclamation, Lincoln called on Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.” 

Although we’re not currently in the midst of a civil war, we still have many people in need in our own nation and abroad.

We can also clearly see that God has a lot to say about praise, gratitude, and giving thanks.

Throughout the Psalms and other parts of the Bible, there are continual reminders to be thankful, praise God, and rest in faith.

The Thanksgiving holiday is about more than turkey, football, and Black Friday shopping. The church has an opportunity to glorify Christ and spread a message of hope as we express thankfulness during this season.

7 Ideas for Thanksgiving Services

Here are seven Thanksgiving service ideas to help you create a heartfelt and memorable holiday both within your church and out in the local community. Let’s start with some examples of how you can reach out and be a blessing to others.

1. Thanksgiving Service Project

First of all, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to focus on others in need. Organize your church to come together and work on a big service project. Or, your congregation can get involved in a variety of service projects all month long.

Simple service project examples include:

• Cleaning up a local park or school
• Doing home repairs or errands for those who are homebound
• Working at a local shelter or soup kitchen
• Random acts of kindness, like paying for a stranger’s coffee or lunch in the drive-through

The fact is, you have people both inside and outside your church who have needs. Think of ways to get every person involved.

Having the kids help also sets a great example for them! Whether volunteers choose an act of service for neighbors, serve with a small group, or join a larger church project event, they can find key ways to make a difference.

2. Donation Drive or Charity Fundraiser

Another service idea is to focus on giving back to those in need. This could be in the form of a donation drive for a local charity, an online giving campaign, or a food drive, among other Thanksgiving ideas.

Consider collecting donations or wish list items for

• A homeless shelter
• A boys and girls club
• Local or international missionaries
• Canned goods for the local food bank
• A women’s shelter
• Pies and desserts for teachers or nurses

Think of ways you can be creative and serve community members and neighbors.

In order to have a successful donation drive or fundraiser, you need to talk it up for the entire month. And maybe communicate even further in advance! But also realize that November is a key giving month. November and December are typically the highest-giving months of the year.

Since giving is on everyone’s mind in November, remind people that even a small gift can make a big impact. It’s not the amount that matters. Scripture tells us that a generous giver will be rewarded because God looks at the heart.

For example, in the story of the poor widow with two coins, Jesus points out to His disciples that she gave the best gift of all because she offered what she had.

You could also do a special Thanksgiving offering at your church service, with the money going to a local cause or charity organization.

The internet is often the first step someone takes toward discovering a church. And while your church may have powerful preaching, warm community, and great programs, none of that matters if people can’t find you in a simple Google search.

This article is here to help. We’re going to break down the real reasons why your church might be invisible online and what you can do about it. From overlooked basics to fresh digital tactics, these strategies will help you improve church rankings and start showing up where it counts.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Table of contents

• Why Google Visibility Matters
• 7 Reasons Your Church Isn’t Showing Up on Google
  • 1. You Haven’t Claimed or Verified Your Google Business Profile
  • 2. Your Website Is Missing Basic Local SEO
  • 3. Your Info is Inconsistent Across the Web
  • 4. You Aren’t Getting Enough (or the Right) Reviews
  • 5. You’re Not Posting Google Updates or Events
  • 6. You’re Not Using AI to Improve Your Website Content
  • 7. Your Website Doesn’t Have a Strong “Plan Your Visit” Page
• What to Do Next
• It’s Time to Appear on Search Results
• More Resources on Church SEO

Why Google Visibility Matters

Whether someone is moving to a new city, wrestling with a spiritual question, or simply looking for a place to worship on Sunday, the first thing they do is search online. And Google owns that search space.

Google controls over 90% of global search traffic. That means your visibility on this platform could directly impact your church attendance, community engagement, and long-term growth.

And it isn’t just about your church’s website. Your Google Business Profile, local listings, reviews, and even your presence in Google Maps all play a role. If those are missing or outdated, Google will bury your church beneath the results of other local churches.

Your church on Google is your digital front door. When people search for a “church near me,” you want to show up with clarity, confidence, and an invitation. The goal is to appear on the first page of Google search results, as this is where most people look and where your church will gain the most visibility.

More importantly, being visible online is one of the most effective ways to welcome new members into your church community. With search engine optimization (SEO), your church can become more than just a dot on the map. It can be a light in your city.

7 Reasons Your Church Isn’t Showing Up on Google

Let’s walk through seven common (and fixable) reasons your church might be missing from Google’s search engine results pages. These issues can negatively impact your church’s search rankings, but by addressing them, you can improve rankings and increase your church’s visibility online.

1. You Haven’t Claimed or Verified Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is the single most important asset for local visibility in church SEO. Claiming and optimizing your profile is a key part of your church’s local SEO strategy and ensures your church appears in local search results. It’s what controls your listing in Google Maps, your reviews, service times, directions, and more.

If you haven’t claimed or verified it, Google doesn’t have enough trustworthy information to confidently show your church to local searchers.

Fix it: Visit google.com/business, search for your church, and claim your profile. Then fill out every field: hours, phone number, website, service times, photos, and more.

2. Your Website Is Missing Basic Local SEO

Your church’s website might be well-designed, but if it doesn’t include the right keywords and local information, Google won’t know where to rank it.

Search engine optimization starts with clarity. Google needs to see that you are a local church serving a specific city, neighborhood, or region.

Fix it: Make sure your homepage includes phrases like “church in [your city]” or “worship services in [your area].” Use keyword research to find out what people are actually searching for, and make sure those terms appear naturally in your content. Effective church website design and website optimization are also crucial for strong SEO performance.

Also, include a dedicated page for each major ministry, like youth, children, or community events. This allows you to rank for a variety of related local searches that new church visitors may use.

3. Your Info is Inconsistent Across the Web

If your church’s name, address, or service times differ between your website, Google profile, Facebook page, and other local directories, it hurts your credibility in Google’s eyes.

This inconsistency confuses search engines and lowers your visibility in local searches.

Fix it: Use a free tool like Moz Local to scan for discrepancies in your listings. Then update everything to match exactly, from your Google Business Profile to your Facebook and Yelp listings.

Consistency is critical not just for SEO, but also for building trust with new visitors. Consistent and accurate information across all platforms enhances your church’s credibility and increases your church’s visibility in local search results. When someone sees one set of service times on Google and another on Facebook, they are more likely to skip a visit than to cla...

Are we heading toward a future where the church exists entirely online and physical gatherings disappear?

As digital tools reshape how we connect, teach, and worship, this is a question church leaders can’t ignore. Some see the rise of online ministry as a natural next step. Others are worried it’s pulling us away from the very heart of what makes church… church.

Plus, we’ll also be answering some of the other great questions we’ve received from our audience—on topics like AI, social media tools, and whether Google’s newest search update will make the Ad Grant less effective.

Let’s dive in.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• Is the Future of Church 100% Online?
  • Why Online Church Isn’t Going Away
  • Why Church Buildings Still Matter
• Should Churches Use AI, Or Is It Like Witchcraft?
  • First: Where the Fear Comes From
  • What AI Actually Is (And Isn’t)
  • Where Discernment Matters
• Will Google AI Overview Kill the Ad Grant?
• What’s the Best Social Media Manager for Churches?
  • 1. Loomly
  • 2. Buffer
  • 3. Later
  • 4. Hootsuite
• Does ReachRight Help Nonprofits Too?
• Wrapping It Up
• More Resources for Churches

Is the Future of Church 100% Online?

This is the big one.

A listener asked: “Do you think the future of the church is entirely online? Will church buildings even be needed?”

It’s a fair question. After all, nearly every church now has a livestream. Many offer online-only small groups. Some churches operate without a building at all, meeting exclusively on Zoom or in digital spaces like Facebook or Discord.

So, could we be headed for a day when the only church service is a livestream, and every sermon is consumed on demand?

Here’s our take: The future of the church is definitely more digital, but not 100% online.

Why Online Church Isn’t Going Away

Online ministry has opened massive doors for outreach. People can attend services from anywhere. Homebound members stay connected. New visitors can “test-drive” a church before ever setting foot inside.

Online platforms also give churches the chance to reach people during moments when they need it most. A stressed-out parent searching for prayer at 2 a.m. might find your church through a YouTube clip or a blog post.

So yes, digital is here to stay. But…

Why Church Buildings Still Matter

Church isn’t just content. It’s a community.

At its core, the church has always been about gathering. Sharing meals. Laying hands in prayer. Watching a child get baptized. Singing shoulder to shoulder. These things are hard to replicate through screens.

Online tools are great for reach. But spiritual formation still thrives best in physical, messy, in-person relationships.

The churches that are thriving in 2025 are the ones that use online tools to enhance in-person gatherings, not replace them.

The question is not “Online or in person?” It’s “How can we use every tool available to help people experience Christ-centered community?”

Should Churches Use AI, Or Is It Like Witchcraft?

A listener wrote in with a serious concern:
“I’ve heard that AI is demonic or even witchcraft. Should churches even use it?”

Let’s unpack that.

First: Where the Fear Comes From

AI is a mystery to many church members. The idea that a computer can generate sermons, graphics, or even music feels unsettling. And in some Christian circles, any mysterious or powerful tool gets labeled “evil” by default.

We get the concern, but let’s be clear.

What AI Actually Is (And Isn’t)

AI is not a spirit. It’s not a demon. It’s not a living thing.

It is a technology built on data. It’s essentially advanced autocomplete, trained on massive amounts of written and visual content. AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude or Midjourney don’t have a mind or will. They generate content based on patterns in their training data.

They’re powerful. But they’re still just tools.

Where Discernment Matters

AI can absolutely be misused. It can tempt leaders to skip prayerful preparation. It can be used to create fake content or manipulate emotions. And it can easily become a crutch if not grounded in biblical truth and spiritual discernment.

But the same was true of the printing press, the radio, the internet, and every major communication tool in history.

The difference lies in how we use it.

So no. AI is not witchcraft. But it is something we need to use with humility, wisdom, and accountability.

Will Google AI Overview Kill the Ad Grant?

Here’s another great one:
“With Google rolling out AI Overviews in search results, will anyone even see our Google Ads anymore?”

Short answer: Not yet, and probably not for a long time.

Here’s why:

• AI Overviews sit below the ads, not above. Sponsored ads still get top priority on the results page.
• Google Ads (including those run through the Ad Grant) are still extremely effective, especially for local search terms like “church near me” or “family-fr...

But while nearly every church is online, very few are actually using digital marketing to drive real church growth.

Then there’s the top 1 percent.

These are the churches that are consistently reaching new people, connecting with first-time guests, and staying visible in their communities all week, not just on Sunday. They are not larger just because they have better music or more polished sermons. They are more strategic. More consistent. And they treat their digital outreach like a ministry, not an afterthought.

So what are they doing differently? And how can your church follow their lead? To see similar results, your church needs to start marketing by taking practical steps inspired by the top 1% and actively engaging your community.

Let’s unpack what sets the top 1% apart and the specific digital strategies they are using to see real results in today’s digital landscape.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Table of contents

• What Makes the Top 1% Different?
• Why Digital Marketing Matters for Churches Today
• 7 Key Strategies the Top 1% Use
  • 1. They Optimize Google, Not Just Social Media
  • 2. They Run Real Campaigns, Not Just Random Posts
  • 3. They Treat Their Website Like Their Lobby
  • 4. They Follow Up with First-Time Guests Automatically
  • 5. They Take Advantage of the Google Grant
  • 6. They Track What Works (And Drop What Doesn’t)
  • 7. They Use Powerful AI Tools
• Maximize Your Digital Outreach
• More Resources on Digital Marketing

What Makes the Top 1% Different?

Growing churches are not just “active” online. They are intentional. They understand that the front door of the church is now digital. People scroll before they show up. They explore before they engage. They search before they ever walk into a church service.

The most effective churches see church digital outreach as part of their mission, not just a marketing effort. They have a real church marketing plan, not just a few last-minute posts on social media. Church leaders play a crucial role in developing and executing a strategic plan for digital outreach, ensuring that resources and efforts are aligned for maximum impact. And they are willing to invest time, training, and a portion of their church’s budget into reaching people online.

The difference is not in the tools. Most of the tools they use are available to everyone. The difference is in the mindset.

Why Digital Marketing Matters for Churches Today

In today’s digital landscape, church marketing is more important than ever. With most people turning to the internet to find information, churches that embrace digital marketing strategies can reach far beyond their physical walls. A well-crafted church marketing strategy allows your church to raise awareness, attract new visitors, and ultimately grow church membership.

Digital marketing opens the door to creative church marketing ideas, from social media management to email marketing and search engine optimization. By sharing engaging content and updates about your church’s activities, you can make a lasting impression on those searching for hope and community. These marketing strategies not only help churches grow, but also foster deeper relationships with both new visitors and the current congregation.

Whether you’re just starting your church marketing efforts or looking to refine your approach, investing in digital marketing is essential for any church that wants to thrive and fulfill its mission in a connected world.

7 Key Strategies the Top 1% Use

Here are the strategies that separate the churches that are growing from those that are just surviving. The following are examples of effective marketing strategies used by top churches. Let’s check them out.

1. They Optimize Google, Not Just Social Media

Most churches pour all their energy into Facebook and Instagram, but ignore Google search. That is a massive mistake. When someone types “church near me” or “Easter service in [your city]” into Google, your church should be front and center.

The best churches fully optimize their Google Business Profile, respond to reviews, keep service times updated, and use local keywords on their church website. Accurate and consistent church information across online directories is essential for local searches and helps your church appear on Google Maps. Claiming and optimizing your Google Maps listing is crucial to ensure your church shows up in local searches when people are looking for nearby churches.

They treat Google like a digital mission field. When using local keywords on your church website, make sure to optimize your title tags by including relevant keywords and your church name. Well-crafted title tags improve your search rankings and increase click-through rates.

They know that showing up on social media is not the same as showing up in search. If people cannot find you when they are looking for you, your marketing efforts are already missing the mark.

2. They Run Real Campaigns, Not Just Random Posts

The average church posts about events and services without a larger strategy. The top 1 percent run focused, multi-week campaigns that are tied to clear goals.

These campaigns might include:

• A back-to-school push aimed at young families
• A video series introducing a new sermon topic
• A digital invite strategy tied to community events

Incorporate church advertising and creative church advertising ideas into your campaigns, using both paid options like Google Ads and Facebook Ads, as well as organic approaches such as community outreach and content crea...

But here’s the problem.

Most people are not getting the results they want. Their AI prompts feel like a shot in the dark. The output is bland, robotic, or just flat-out wrong. So they give up and assume AI just isn’t that helpful.

The truth? It’s not the tool. It’s the prompt.

Understanding how AI works is essential for crafting better prompts and achieving more accurate, useful results.

Learning to write effective prompts is the difference between average AI-generated content and something you could actually use, publish, or send out confidently. Prompt engineering is not just for developers or researchers anymore. It’s for everyday users, creators, marketers, students, and professionals who want to save time and get better results.

This podcast breaks down why your prompts might not be working and how to fix them fast.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• Why Prompts Matter More Than You Think
• 7 Reasons Your AI Prompts Suck
  • 1. You’re Not Giving AI a Role
  • 2. You’re Not Being Specific Enough
  • 3. You’re Asking for Too Much at Once
  • 4. You’re Not Using Examples
  • 5. You’re Not Asking for Multiple Options
  • 6. You’re Not Telling It What to Avoid
  • 7. You Stop After One Response
• Bonus Prompting Power-Ups
• Level Up Your AI Game
• More Resources on AI

Why Prompts Matter More Than You Think

Think of an AI platform like a brilliant but literal intern. It can do amazing things, but it needs clear instructions. AI platforms integrate multiple large language models and features such as prompt management, cost oversight, and scalability, making it easier to adopt AI and giving users more control over AI-driven tasks. It does not know your goals, audience, preferences, or tone unless you tell it. This is where most users go wrong.

Your first prompt sets the tone for the entire exchange. If it’s vague, rushed, or unrealistic, even the most advanced AI models will struggle to give you what you want. On the other hand, a good prompt creates clarity, focus, and structure, giving the AI system a strong foundation to build from.

This is why prompt engineering is becoming such a vital skill. It allows you to guide the model’s focus, control the tone, and create more meaningful AI interactions. Whether you’re generating social posts or working on a business proposal, knowing how to write prompts the right way changes everything.

Let’s break down the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

7 Reasons Your AI Prompts Suck

1. You’re Not Giving AI a Role

One of the fastest ways to improve your prompt is to start by assigning a role. Don’t just say “write a blog post.” Instead, say “You are a project manager writing a blog post for a team of startup founders.” By instructing the AI to act as a specific persona or expert, you can tailor responses to fit particular contexts, tones, or audiences, making the output more relevant and effective. This immediately sets the tone and gives the AI more context.

Why it matters: Assigning a role aligns the output with your expectations. It narrows the model’s focus and helps it filter its massive pool of training data into something more useful. Assigning a role also helps tailor the response to a specific audience, ensuring the content resonates with the intended readers.

Try this:

Bad prompt: “Write about leadership.”

Better prompt: “You are a leadership coach writing a short newsletter to young professionals about leading with empathy.”

2. You’re Not Being Specific Enough

Vague prompts produce vague results. If your instructions are too general, you’ll get AI-generated content that sounds like a Wikipedia summary. Specificity helps the AI understand what “good” looks like in your context.

Bad: “Make this sound better.”

Better: “Rewrite this paragraph to sound more conversational and use shorter sentences that fit a social media caption.”

Clarity wins. The more exact you are, the more refined the output becomes. Telling AI exactly what you want it to do—by specifying persona, task, context, and format—leads to much better results.

3. You’re Asking for Too Much at Once

If your prompt includes five unrelated requests, your AI is going to fumble. It’s better to break tasks into smaller steps than ask for a polished final answer in one go. Clearly defining each task with specific instructions helps the AI deliver more accurate and actionable results.

Think of it like a builder. You wouldn’t ask them to build an entire house in one day with no blueprint. Start with the foundation. With AI, complex projects that once took weeks or months can now be completed in a single day.

Instead of: “Write a 10-page research paper with quotes, citations, jokes, and a call to action.”

Try: “Help me outline a 10-page paper. Then we’ll write each section together.”

Small, focused tasks allow for better AI interactions and stronger results.

4. You’re Not Using Examples

AI thrives on patterns. When you provide examples, you give the model something to imitate or build on. This is especially helpful with tone, structure, or creative output.

Instead of: “Write a compelling intro.”

Try: “Write an intro like this: ‘What if the key to your success is the one thing you’ve ignored all year?’”

Showing beats telling. Give the AI something concrete to work with. Examples help the AI ...

That’s a great start. But let’s be honest. Most pastors have received their fair share of mugs, bookstore gift cards, and framed Bible verse art.

Most people tend to give these predictable gifts or approach pastor appreciation with the same mindset year after year. These aren’t bad gestures, but they are often predictable. And when the goal is to show true appreciation for someone’s spiritual leadership, predictability may fall short of real impact.

If you really want to honor your pastor, it’s time to think beyond the typical. This year, let’s move past the standard and explore what church leaders actually want during Pastor Appreciation Month—not just what we’ve always done.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Table of contents

• Why Most Appreciation Efforts Fall Flat
• 9 Fresh Ideas Pastors Will Actually Appreciate
  • 1. A Sunday Without Responsibility
  • 2. Story Videos from the Church
  • 3. Pastoral Sabbatical Fund
  • 4. Creative Professional Development
  • 5. Crowd-Funded Big Gift
  • 6. A Pastor-Free Staff Lunch
  • 7. Roast and Blessing Night
  • 8. Home Project Team
  • 9. A “No Ask” Month
• How Will You Celebrate?
• More Resources on Pastor Appreciation

Why Most Appreciation Efforts Fall Flat

Churches mean well. The desire to celebrate pastors is real. But too often, appreciation efforts come across as a last-minute scramble or an obligation on the calendar. There is a Pastor Appreciation Day each October (officially the second Sunday), but when it gets treated like just another date on the church calendar, it misses the heart behind it.

Here’s why many gestures don’t quite land:

• They feel generic. A coffee mug or a printed devotional might say “pastor” on it, but it doesn’t say anything about your specific leader or their impact.
• They miss the emotional connection. Many church members want to do something nice, but skip the most meaningful part: sharing a personal story or a hand written note. A hand written note is a heartfelt gesture that stands out and makes a lasting impact.
• They don’t involve the whole church. Too often, the appreciation is handled by one person or department. But appreciation means more when it comes from the whole body, and every church member can play a role in making leaders feel valued.
• They overlook the rest of the family. When you celebrate the pastor, don’t forget their spouse and kids. Ministry is a team effort, and families feel the weight just as much.

This is not about spending more money or throwing bigger parties. It’s about giving meaningful gifts and planning thoughtful moments that truly speak to who your pastor is and what they carry every day.

9 Fresh Ideas Pastors Will Actually Appreciate

Ready to do something different this year? This section is designed to give you a new idea for honoring your pastor and inspiring your congregation to participate. As you consider these suggestions, focus on meaningful appreciation activities that truly recognize your pastor’s leadership, sacrifice, and care.

Below are nine fresh ideas that go beyond surface-level gifts and show real appreciation for your pastor’s leadership, sacrifice, and care.

1. A Sunday Without Responsibility

For most pastors, Sundays are not restful. They are emotionally and physically demanding. One of the best ways to appreciate your pastor is to give them a complete Sunday off, so they do not have to preach.

No sermon. No hosting. No meetings. No responsibilities.

Cover their role with a guest speaker, an associate pastor, or even a well-prepared Sunday school leader. Let them attend another church or stay home and rest.

Better yet, pair this with a meal at their favorite local restaurant or a weekend away with their family.

2. Story Videos from the Church

Words matter, especially when they come from the people your pastor serves.

Collect short video clips from church members sharing stories of how the pastor has made a difference in their lives. These don’t have to be long or highly produced. One-minute videos shot on a phone will do just fine.

Play the videos during a Sunday service or post them on social media throughout Clergy Appreciation Month. This kind of affirmation stays with a pastor far longer than any physical gift, and these stories can inspire both the pastor and the congregation.

3. Pastoral Sabbatical Fund

Sabbaticals are becoming more common in healthy churches, and for good reason. Ministry is emotionally taxing, and pastors often face unrealistic expectations that can lead to tension and emotional stress. Extended rest and renewal are essential, especially for long-term service.

Even if your church is not ready to offer a full sabbatical right now, you can start a small fund as a statement of support. Place a jar or box in the church office labeled “Sabbatical Fund” and request contributions during October.

Every dollar sends a message: We care about your long-term health.

4. Creative Professional Development

Want to show your pastor that you care about their future, not just your present?

Send them to a leadership retreat, ministry conference, or creative experience they wouldn’t sign up for on their own. Whether it’s a preaching intensive, a counseling certification, a workshop on storytelling, or providing access to bible study software li...

Adopting technology like AI should be a strategic process that aligns with the church’s mission and values.

For some, this shift is exciting. For others, it raises concerns. Church leaders are asking important questions: Can artificial intelligence support ministry without replacing human connection? What should we use it for, and where should we draw the line? AI is not only a technological advancement but is also shaping culture and influencing the way people live their lives, impacting daily routines and social interactions.

The truth is, church AI is already here. And like any tool, how it’s used makes all the difference. Some strategies are clearly helpful for advancing the church’s unique mission and responsibilities. Others raise red flags. And a few may be more harmful than helpful if we’re not careful.

In this article, we’re ranking some of the most common ways churches are using AI today, from sermon prep to worship songs, and offering some thoughts on which are helpful and which might be worth reconsidering. Church leaders should be thoughtful in their thinking about how AI fits into their ministry, ensuring it serves the church’s values and goals.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• Using AI in the Church
  • Ranking System
• Ranking 9 AI Strategies for Church
  • 1. Sermon Outlining and Brainstorming
  • 2. Prayer Request Responses
  • 3. Small Group Questions
  • 4. Worship Songs
  • 5. Event Graphics
  • 6. Writing Devotionals
  • 7. Pastoral Chatbots
  • 8. Turning Sermons into Reels
  • 9. Writing Emails
• What’s Next for AI and the Church?
• More Resources on AI

Using AI in the Church

When used with spiritual discernment, AI can be a ministry multiplier. It can support overworked teams, spark creativity, streamline church communications, and assist various ministries within the church. It’s already helping pastors write emails, design sermon graphics, and even repurpose Sunday service content into captioned clips for social media.

But AI is not without its limitations. These systems rely on training data, which can reflect theological biases or lack biblical context. Additionally, data privacy is crucial when using AI in church settings—churches must safeguard sensitive congregation information and ensure transparency. And while AI can assist in surface-level tasks, it cannot replace human intelligence, pastoral care, or the relational depth of real community.

Churches that embrace AI technology need to do so carefully, ensuring that every decision upholds biblical truth and serves people first. AI should support, not replace, human decision making in ministry. As Christians, we are called to use technology in ways that reflect our faith and values.

Ranking System

To help church leaders make sense of where AI helps and where it might hurt, we’ve created a simple ranking system for the strategies below:

1. Ministry Multipliers

These are AI uses that clearly support the mission of the church, save time, and do not compromise on theology or connection. Use these freely and wisely.

2. Faith Flags

These uses can be helpful in the right context, but may raise concerns if left unchecked. Use these with guardrails, human oversight, and clear purpose.

3. Artificial Overreach

These AI strategies may appear helpful, but they risk replacing core values like human connection, discipleship, or biblical teaching. Use with extreme caution, if at all.

With that in mind, let’s explore the most common AI strategies churches are using and how they stack up.

Ranking 9 AI Strategies for Church

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how churches operate and engage with their communities. In this article, we will explore the top AI strategies for churches, including practical examples of how AI is being used in church settings. AI can also assist with research for sermon preparation and ministry planning, helping leaders gather information and analyze texts more efficiently.

1. Sermon Outlining and Brainstorming

Many pastors are using AI tools like ChatGPT to assist with sermon prep. By prompting the AI with a passage or theme, it can offer outlines, main ideas, or even suggested Scripture references. AI can also help pastors study the Bible more efficiently, generating insights and research that inform and enrich their sermons. This helps pastors break through writer’s block or explore different teaching angles.

When used properly, this is a form of AI assist, not sermon automation. The pastor remains the voice behind the message. The Spirit leads. AI supports the process, not replaces it.

The key is to use it as a starting point, not as the sermon itself. With prayer, study, and reflection layered on top, AI can be a useful assistant in delivering biblical teachings clearly and effectively.

2. Prayer Request Responses

Some churches are now using AI to respond to digital prayer requests submitted through church websites or apps. The tool generates a thoughtful message automatically, sometimes offering a relevant verse or encouraging word. AI can also automate email responses to prayer requests, streamlining communication for church staff and reducing repetitive administrative tasks.

This raises an important question: Is this real pastoral care, or just automation?

The upside is that AI can help churches respond to every request quickly. The downside is that these responses may feel impersonal, especially when someone is going through something deeply personal or painful.

AI can support this process, but should never...

But if you’re feeling burnout or lost, never fear!

In this article and podcast, we’ll talk about the do’s and don’ts to help you develop sermon topic ideas to take you 52 weeks and beyond. Let’s get started!

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

Table of contents

• The Do’s of Brainstorming Sermon Topics
  • Do Pray About Sermon Topic Ideas
  • Do Consider Different Points of View
  • Do Focus on Longevity
  • Do Brainstorm Consistently
  • Do Preach Biblical Truth
  • Do Work to Your Strengths
  • Do Seek Feedback from Others
• The Don’ts of Brainstorming Sermon Topics
  • Don’t Seek Popularity
  • Don’t Get Repetitive
  • Don’t Try to Be Too Trendy
  • Don’t Scramble at the Last Minute
  • Don’t Avoid Hard Topics
  • Don’t Get Complicated
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Sermon Topic Ideas
• More Resources on Preaching

Brainstorming Sermon Topics

The sermon is the heart of weekly church services. And it is a pastor’s role every week to come up with a message that will fit in the right amount of time, will deliver a powerful and applicable message, and will actually change people and hearts.

Crafting a good sermon, however, is no easy task. It requires careful consideration of the diverse needs, interests, and spiritual journeys of those who gather to worship. So how do you go about brainstorming all these ideas?

Understanding Your Congregation

Church members are the heartbeat of every congregation, each with unique stories, struggles, and aspirations. Understanding the diverse spiritual needs and experiences within the congregation is paramount to crafting sermons that resonate deeply with listeners.

By engaging with church members, seeking their feedback, and understanding their cultural backgrounds and generational dynamics, pastors and church leaders can tailor sermon topics that speak directly to the hearts and minds of those who gather for worship.

Exploring Biblical Themes

The Bible serves as a rich tapestry of wisdom, offering timeless truths and narratives that inspire, convict, and challenge believers. Exploring biblical themes provides a firm foundation for crafting sermons that are rooted in God’s Word.

By delving into the depths of Scripture, pastors can uncover profound insights, timeless principles, and practical applications that resonate with the daily lives and struggles of church members.

From stories of redemption and grace to teachings on love, forgiveness, and discipleship, the Bible offers a wealth of material to inform and enrich sermon topics.

Crafting Engaging Messages

A good sermon not only informs but also inspires, encourages, and empowers listeners to live out their faith in tangible ways. Crafting engaging messages requires creativity, authenticity, and relevance.

By weaving personal anecdotes, real-life illustrations, and practical insights into sermons, pastors can create a dynamic and interactive worship experience that captivates the hearts and minds of church members.

Through prayer, discernment, and thoughtful preparation, pastors can harness the power of storytelling and biblical truth to deliver sermons that leave a lasting impact on the lives of those who gather for worship.

That was just an overview of everything that goes into crafting an awesome message. Next up, we’ve compiled our list of actionable Do’s and Don’ts while brainstorming your sermon topic ideas. We hope they can serve as guard rails to keep you on the right track and moving forward.

Let’s dive in.

The Do’s of Brainstorming Sermon Topics

Do Pray About Sermon Topic Ideas

This has to be the first “do” on the list because it’s the most vital part of sermon preparation. Although there’s a lot you can do to research ideas and spark creativity, you have to start with prayer first!

Divine inspiration sparks the best ideas and is anchored in the soundest principles. In addition, prayer keeps your motives aligned. Allow the Holy Spirit to highlight topics to you that are going to be relevant and powerful to your specific church and its members. God knows what His children need more than you ever could, so trust His guidance.

Do Consider Different Points of View

With a little bit of research into popular Christian media, you might have your eyes opened to specific sermon topics you would never have considered. It can be incredibly insightful to look into different demographics like men, women, teens, or young adults to generate fresh sermon topic ideas.

For inspiration, browse lists of popular titles when it comes to:

• Bestselling books
• Podcasts
• Blogs
• Online articles from news outlets

Do Focus on Longevity

On the other hand, some topics are always relevant. For example, no matter what is going on in the world, people will always need to hear about things like love, forgiveness, and redemption.

People also obviously want to hear about Christmas topics in December or certain topics for New Years sermon ideas.

When it comes to sermon topic id...

Your church marketing still isn’t working the way you hoped.

You’re not alone.

Across the country, church leaders are investing time, energy, and budget into marketing efforts that just don’t deliver. The website traffic stays low. Visitors don’t return. Social media engagement is crickets. And the church community doesn’t grow. Often, these efforts miss the mark because they aren’t fully aligned with the church’s mission, which should guide every aspect of outreach and communication.

But what if the problem isn’t your passion or your calling? What if the problem is your approach? Before launching any campaign, it’s essential to clarify just what your church stands for—your core identity and values—so your message resonates authentically.

We’ve worked with hundreds of churches through ReachRight, and we’ve seen the same mistakes repeated over and over again. The good news? These problems are fixable. Today, we’re breaking down the biggest reasons your church marketing efforts are falling flat—and how the pros are fixing them with smart, effective strategies. We’ll show you how a successful church marketing plan can serve as your roadmap to better engagement and growth.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• Mistake #1: Talking About Yourself Instead of the Guest
  • What the Pros Do Differently:
• Mistake #2: Inconsistent Branding That Confuses People
  • What the Pros Do Differently:
• Mistake #3: Posting Without a Plan
  • What the Pros Do Differently:
• Mistake #4: Ignoring Google Search and Maps
  • What the Pros Do Differently:
• Mistake #5: Ignoring the Power of AI
  • What the Pros Do Differently:
• Mistake #6: Not Using Video to Tell Your Story
  • What the Pros Do Differently:
• Mistake #7: No Follow-Up for First-Time Visitors
  • What the Pros Do Differently:
• Mistake #8: Making New Guests Feel Like Outsiders
  • What the Pros Do Differently:
• How to Start Fixing It
  • What Makes a Successful Church Marketing Strategy?
• So What’s Next?
• More Resources on Church Marketing

Mistake #1: Talking About Yourself Instead of the Guest

This one’s huge. Visit most church websites, and the first thing you’ll see is a list of service times, ministries, and beliefs.

All important, yes. But what’s missing?

The guest.

Today’s visitors are asking:

• “Will I feel welcome here?”
• “What’s this church like for my kids?”
• “Is this a place where I can find hope?”

These are the questions of interested visitors—people who are seeking connection and information about your church, and who may be considering becoming part of your community.

Churches that only talk about themselves miss the chance to speak directly to the hearts of seekers.

What the Pros Do Differently:

• They speak directly to new guests, not just existing church members.
• They highlight life change and real stories.
• Their websites, emails, and church marketing materials answer the question: “What will this experience be like for me?”
• They foster an invite culture, encouraging members to invite friends and family to church.

Mistake #2: Inconsistent Branding That Confuses People

Let’s be honest: many churches have visual chaos going on. One flyer has a modern design, the next one looks like it’s from 1999. The church logo changes across platforms. Fonts and colors are inconsistent. This lack of visual identity sends a message: “We’re not sure who we are.”

And if your branding is all over the place, people will have a harder time trusting or remembering you.

What the Pros Do Differently:

• They build consistent, clean branding across web, social, and print.
• They use a unified color scheme, font family, and logo, so the experience feels trustworthy.
• They ensure that their church marketing plan communicates excellence and clarity in every channel.

Mistake #3: Posting Without a Plan

Too many churches approach social media like this:

“Oh no, it’s Thursday! Someone post something!”

No strategy, no calendar, and no goals. Just digital noise. To reach a broader audience, it’s essential to utilize multiple social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as part of your outreach.

If your marketing efforts are reactive instead of strategic, you’ll never gain momentum. Planning your social media posts in advance ensures your content is timely and relevant.

Maintaining a consistent social media presence helps engage both current and potential members, making your church more visible and approachable online.

What the Pros Do Differently:

• They build monthly content calendars tied to sermon series, holidays, and community events, tailori...

The truth is, church visitors today don’t look for the same things they did in 2005. Their expectations, their comfort levels, even the way they decide to visit your church have all changed. And if your church’s welcome process hasn’t kept up, you may be missing the chance to connect with new visitors who could become part of your church family.

It’s not that people are less open to church. In many cases, they’re simply approaching the experience differently. The future church will be shaped by how well we understand this shift — and how ready we are to adapt.

So let’s look at seven major ways first-time guests have changed, what that means for your church, and how you can adjust without losing the heart of ministry.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• Top 7 Things To Know About Church Visitors
  • 1. Your Website Is the New Front Door
  • 2. Guests Are Looking for an Experience They Can Feel
  • 3. Loyalty Is No Longer a Given
  • 4. People Guard Their Personal Info
  • 5. No One Wants to Be Put on the Spot
  • 6. Clear Language Wins Every Time
  • 7. Generosity Needs to Be Transparent
• Putting It All Together
  • Quick Action Plan for Church Leaders
• The Future Church Starts with the First Visit
• More Resources on Church Guests

Top 7 Things To Know About Church Visitors

Let’s dive into the 7 most important things you should know about church guests and visitors today versus church guests and visitors twenty years ago. A lot has changed! From the advent of digital media to different safety concerns, there is a lot you can learn about modern church guests.

Here are a few things you should know about church guests that will help you better understand and engage with them.

Let’s jump right into it!

1. Your Website Is the New Front Door

Twenty years ago, people heard about a church from a friend, read about it in the newspaper, or maybe saw a small ad for church events. They decided to visit based on a personal connection or curiosity.

Today, almost every guest “visits” your church online before they ever set foot in your worship service. In fact, most people now check a church online before visiting in person. Your church logo, your home page photos, even how quickly your site loads—it all sends a message. If your site looks outdated, incomplete, or hard to navigate, guests may never make it to the parking lot.

This isn’t just about style. It’s about trust. In a world where people research every restaurant and product before buying, they’re going to check your church out the same way, often by visiting your website or social media before visiting in person.

What to do:

• Treat your church’s website like your lobby.
• Make service times, location, and children’s ministry info impossible to miss.
• Highlight stories of new church members finding community.
• Make your welcome page warm, personal, and easy to understand.

2. Guests Are Looking for an Experience They Can Feel

It used to be that church visitors primarily came to hear the sermon and learn about doctrine. Information was the goal.

Today? Guests are asking a different set of questions:

• “Do I feel welcome here?”
• “Can I see myself belonging to this church family?”
• “Does the way they worship feel authentic?”

The first church service is about more than teaching. It’s about creating an experience that communicates warmth, clarity, and accessibility.

Think of the small details:

• A friendly greeting in the parking lot, adding a personal touch that makes guests feel valued.
• Clear signage to the kids’ ministry area and activities for kids.
• Encouraging music and preaching that’s easy to follow for someone who doesn’t know your traditions.

It’s not about watering anything down — it’s about making the gospel and your church services accessible from the very first visit.

3. Loyalty Is No Longer a Given

Twenty years ago, if someone visited your church twice, there was a good chance they’d keep coming. They often committed quickly, sometimes without exploring other churches.

Now? Many people are “sampling” multiple churches before making a decision. Some will only give you one visit before moving on. Others might attend for months before deciding whether to join a small group or become part of the church family.

The takeaway is simple: You don’t get multiple tries to make a great impression anymore.

What to do:

• Assign someone to lead the follow-up process with new visitors.
• Follow up with new visitors quickly.
• Make sure guests are personally invited to events or gatherings.
• Invite them to something low-pressure, like a welcome luncheon or a casual worship night.
• Use a welcome letter or comprehensive welcome packet to introduce them to your vision, your ministries, and your people.

For next steps, establish a clear point of contact or action for guests so they know who to reach out to and what to do next.

4. People Guard Their Personal Info

Back in the day, filling out a connection card was just part of being a church guest. People didn’t think twice about giving you their name, phone number, and email.

Today, church visitors are far more cautious. They’re bombarded with

Church leaders everywhere are beginning to realize that AI isn’t some futuristic trend—it’s today’s ministry multiplier. From video editing to teaching biblical truths to enhancing communication with church members, AI tools are transforming how churches serve, share, and steward their time. AI is already influencing the daily lives of church leaders and members, shaping routines and the way ministry happens.

But with so many tools out there, which ones are actually useful? Which are affordable? Which align with the mission of the church?

We’ve cut through the noise and rounded up five powerful, practical, and (mostly) free tools that every church should consider using right now. Whether you’re leading a congregation of 50 or 5,000, these church AI tools can help you do more ministry with less stress. As AI continues to shape both church and broader culture, it’s crucial for churches to engage with these changes wisely and thoughtfully.

Let’s dive in.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Table of contents

• 1. Sora (Image + Video Generation)
  • How Churches Can Use It:
• 2. Descript (Audio + Video Editing)
  • How Churches Can Use It:
• 3. Google AI Studio (Text + Chatbot Creation)
  • How Churches Can Use It:
• 4. Canva AI (Magic Write + Magic Design)
  • How Churches Can Use It:
• 5. Pictory (Video Highlight Creator)
  • How Churches Can Use It:
• Bonus Tip: Adopting Artificial Intelligence
• What Does This Mean for the Church?
• Keeping Ministry Human
• More Resources on Church AI

1. Sora (Image + Video Generation)

Let’s start with a tool that’s going to change everything—literally what your congregation sees.

Sora is a cutting-edge image and video generation tool from OpenAI. Sora gives you the ability to create AI-generated visuals simply by typing a sentence. Imagine this: You type, “A pastor preaching at sunset on a hillside,” and within seconds, you’ve got a cinematic video clip or high-quality images ready to use.

Sora’s ability to generate both images and video clips from text prompts means you can easily create high-quality images for sermon illustrations and engaging video clips for social media or event promotion. Sora is currently available in preview mode, allowing users to test its features at no cost.

What used to take a full creative team and expensive gear can now happen in seconds with one prompt.

How Churches Can Use It:

• Create short, captioned clips of Bible verses for Instagram or TikTok.
• Generate sermon backgrounds or slide graphics in your church service.
• Design story-driven visuals for your children’s ministry or youth nights.

Churches can use Sora to bring biblical teachings to life in a visual format that grabs attention. You can use the free tier to experiment, and the results are often more engaging than stock photos or templates.

Of course, these visuals should always be paired with spiritual discernment. AI can make things look real—but it’s up to church leaders to ensure they feel authentic and reflect the heart of the message.

2. Descript (Audio + Video Editing)

Ever wish you could snap your fingers and turn your full-length sermon into short, engaging social media clips? Descript makes that almost possible.

Descript offers advanced speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities, allowing you to transcribe spoken language and generate realistic speech from text. You can upload audio or video files to Descript for editing and processing, making it easy to work with your existing media.

If you need to reach a broader audience, Descript also supports the translation of audio or video content into multiple languages. Its writing tools are perfect for editing sermon notes or podcast scripts, streamlining your content creation process.

This tool uses conversational AI to edit video like a Word document. You can cut filler words, highlight key messages, and even create automatic captions with just a few clicks.

Descript is one of the most valuable free tools on the market (with a generous free tier and affordable plans) for churches looking to maximize their content output without burning out their media team.

How Churches Can Use It:

• Clip your sermon into short YouTube chapters or Reels.
• Turn podcast recordings into polished, shareable videos.
• Add captions to sermon highlights, making content accessible and scroll-stopping.

With Descript, churches can be more consistent in their digital outreach and reach church members during the week—not just on Sundays.

3. Google AI Studio (Text + Chatbot Creation)

If you’ve never heard of Google AI Studio, it’s time to get acquainted.

This tool provides a conversational interface for building chat-based experiences—meaning your church could create a virtual assistant that answers FAQs, provides daily devotionals, or helps newcomers get plugged in. Users can easily access Google AI Studio and its features, making it simple to start building and deploying AI solutions.

And the best part? It runs on Google Cloud and offers free credits to get started.

Think of it as your digital welcome team, always on, always helpful—users can interact with the chatbot for information and support, engaging church members through chat functionality...

Should churches really want to grow? Is growth biblical—or are we just chasing numbers?

Plus, we’ll tackle some other great listener questions—from generational gaps in online giving to small church websites, managing the Google Ad Grant, and whether Spotify is secretly your next best social media platform.

Let’s get into it.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes

Table of contents

• Is It Wrong for Churches to Want Growth?
• How Should Churches Bridge the Age Gap in Online Giving?
• What Does a Small Church Really Need on Its Website?
• Should Churches Manage the Google Ad Grant or Hire Help?
• Does Spotify Count as a Church Social Media Platform?
• Wrapping It Up
• More Resources on Church Marketing

Is It Wrong for Churches to Want Growth?

Let’s start with the big one.

A listener wrote in and asked, “Is it wrong for churches to want growth?”

It’s a fair question—and one that taps into deeper issues of mission, marketing, and biblical priorities.

Here’s the truth: Wanting your church to grow isn’t wrong. But why you want it to grow? That matters a lot.

If you want growth so you can build a platform, stroke your ego, or compete with the church down the street—yeah, that’s a problem. But if your heart is to see more people hear the Gospel, find community, and grow in Christ? Then growth is a natural and healthy goal.

Let’s be real: The early church exploded with growth. In Acts 2, we’re told that “the Lord added to their number daily.” Jesus’ command was to “go and make disciples of all nations”—not just maintain a faithful few.

That means it’s not just okay to grow—it’s part of the mission.

Here’s where digital outreach and church marketing come in. These tools aren’t about manipulation. They’re about helping people find your church and hear the message of Jesus in a noisy world.

So no, it’s not wrong to want growth. What’s wrong is ignoring the opportunities God has given us to reach more people.

How Should Churches Bridge the Age Gap in Online Giving?

This is a question we get a lot: “Older people don’t want to give online. Young people don’t carry cash. What are we supposed to do?”

It’s the great generational divide—and yes, it shows up in the offering plate too.

Here’s the key: It’s not about forcing everyone into the same giving method. It’s about offering options so everyone can participate.

Older generations often prefer checks, envelopes, and in-person giving. And that’s totally valid. But don’t assume they’ll never go digital. With a little education and some easy tools, many older members can and do adapt.

Younger generations? They live on their phones. Venmo, Apple Pay, text-to-give—this is how they operate.

So here’s what we recommend:

• Keep physical giving options available
• Offer secure and simple digital giving platforms
• Create tutorials or host a “giving tech day” to walk older members through the process
• Remind your church that how you give is secondary to why you give

The goal isn’t to drag everyone into the digital age. It’s to remove barriers to generosity for every generation.

What Does a Small Church Really Need on Its Website?

Another great question came in from a small church leader: “We don’t have a lot of time or money—what do we actually need on our website?”

First off, we love that you’re asking. Because even the smallest churches deserve a solid digital front door.

Here’s the deal: You don’t need a fancy, 20-page mega-site. But you do need a website that’s:

• Simple
• Clear
• Focused on the visitor

If we had to boil it down to the essentials, your website should include:

• A clean homepage that clearly says who you are and what you’re about
• Clear service times and location info
• A friendly “Plan Your Visit” page
• A way to watch sermons or listen to messages
• An easy-to-find giving page
• Basic contact info (email, phone, maybe a contact form)
• A place to highlight your next big event or sermon series

That’s it. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Even a simple, mobile-friendly site can make a huge difference.

Think of your website like your church sign in 2025. If it’s not visible and clear, people won’t come in.

Should Churches Manage the Google Ad Grant or Hire Help?

Let’s talk strategy.

A listener asked, “Should we try to manage the Google Ad Grant ourselves, or hire someone to do it?”

Short answer: It depends on your time, your team, and your tech comfort level.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Google Ad Grant gives churches up to $10...

It’s not that people aren’t searching for hope, truth, or a deeper sense of community—they are. It’s just that the way they find a church has completely changed.

Twenty years ago, a church visit often started with a friend’s invitation, a sign on the street, or maybe even the Yellow Pages (remember those?). People might show up to a church service on a whim—no research, no questions, just a handshake and a bulletin at the door. For many, this was their first time visiting, so making a great impression on first-time visitors was crucial to help them feel welcome and encourage them to return.

But today?

Most churches are being found—or ignored—on a mobile device before a visitor ever thinks about stepping into a sanctuary. If your church isn’t adapting to this shift, you could be missing out on the people who are actively looking for what you offer.

Let’s break down what’s changed, why it matters, and how your church can start showing up in the places where new visitors are actually searching.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• 1. People Start With Google, Not the Parking Lot
• 2. Your Website Is the New Lobby
• 3. Connection Cards Have Gone Digital
• 4. Follow-Up Has to Be More Than a Mass Email
• 5. Branding Still Matters More Than You Think
• 6. Visitors Want to Feel Known—Not Just Counted
• 7. Personal Invitations Still Matter—But They’ve Shifted
• 8. Visitors Have More Options Than Ever
• 9. Your Culture Is the Best Follow-Up Tool
• What to Do This Week
• It’s Not Just About the Visit
• More Resources on Church Visitors

1. People Start With Google, Not the Parking Lot

Here’s the hard truth: most church visits begin online.

Not in the lobby. Not through the mail. Online.

When someone considers checking out a church today, their first stop is usually Google—or sometimes YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. They search for things like:

• “Churches near me”
• “Best church for young families”
• “Contemporary church in [your city]”
• “Bible study groups near me”

If your church name, website URL, or location doesn’t show up—or worse, your site is outdated or hard to navigate—you’re already losing more visitors than you realize.

Takeaway: Your church’s first impression doesn’t happen at your front door. It happens in search results.

2. Your Website Is the New Lobby

Once someone finds your website URL, they’re doing the digital version of peeking through the windows.

They’re asking:

• What time is the church service?
• Where do I park?
• What do people wear?
• What kind of church programs are available?
• Do they have anything for my kids?
• Can I watch a message before visiting?

Your website should also clearly guide new visitors through their next steps, such as filling out a digital connect card or learning how to get involved.

If your homepage doesn’t answer these questions clearly and quickly, they’re likely to click away.

What you say online affects how visitors feel before they ever meet a single church member. A confusing or cold website doesn’t just frustrate people—it makes them feel unwelcome.

Pro tip: Make sure your service times, address, and a clear church welcome message are front and center. Use friendly photos, short videos, and real people—not just stock images.

3. Connection Cards Have Gone Digital

We all know the classic connection card—the piece of cardstock in the seatback asking for contact details and a prayer request or two.

While these still work in some settings, many new visitors aren’t filling out physical cards anymore. They’re more comfortable scanning a QR code, tapping a form on their phone, or connecting via social.

If you’re still relying solely on paper to gather visitor information, you may be missing valuable opportunities to follow up.

Make it easy: Offer both options—a physical card and a quick digital form. Display a simple sign or slide with a QR code during the church service that says:

“New here? Tap here to say hi and let us know how we can pray for you.”

Another idea is to use digital connect cards to streamline the process and make it even easier for visitors to engage.

4. Follow-Up Has to Be More Than a Mass Email

A simple follow up email used to be enough. But today’s guests expect more than a generic message that says, “Thanks for visiting!”

To turn new visitors into new members, you need to offer something that feels personal—even if it’s automated.

That’s the challenge most churches are facing: keeping the personal touch while using systems that scale.

What works now:

• A warm, timely automated email within 24 hours
• A second email with a “meet the team” video
• A text message invite to next week’s church programs
• A personal note from a pastor or ministry leader a few days later

Sending a personalized visitor letter is also an effective way to make guests feel valued and encourage them to return.

All of these can be templated, but the tone should be relational—not robotic.

5. Branding Still Matters More Than You Think

Yes, even in the church.

Your church logo, color scheme, and visual identity may seem like minor details—but they communicate volumes about who you are and who you’re trying to reach.

The church’s connection cards, welcome speeches, and charitable activities also play a key role in communicating its identity and values, helping visitors feel welcomed and engaged.

Do your t-shirts, signage, and social media graphics reflect the heart and style of your church family? Or do they feel like they’re from 2003?

People are vi...

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Planning a memorable church anniversary celebration can be both exciting and challenging. As your congregation marks another milestone in its journey, it’s essential to commemorate this special occasion with joy and gratitude.

Whether your church is celebrating its first year or its centennial, there are plenty of creative ideas to make the event unforgettable. From organizing special services and celebrating history to hosting fellowship meals and sharing testimonies, the possibilities are endless.

Here are 8 inspiring ideas to make your church’s anniversary a memorable and meaningful occasion. Let’s jump in.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Table of contents

• Top 8 Church Anniversary Celebration Ideas
  • 1. Historical Exhibit or Timeline
  • 2. Anniversary Service
  • 3. Community Service Project
  • 4. Anniversary Banquet
  • 5. Commemorative Book or Video
  • 6. Time Capsule
  • 7. Testimonial Night
  • 8. Special Fundraiser for a Church Project
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Church Anniversary Celebrations
• More Resources on Church Celebrations

Top 8 Church Anniversary Celebration Ideas

Here is our list of the top 8 ideas for church anniversary celebrations. We encourage you to choose one or more of these ideas to incorporate into your anniversary event! Make sure to include the rest of your church staff when planning!

1. Historical Exhibit or Timeline

This is a popular church anniversary theme for momentous anniversaries in your church. A fantastic way to honor your church’s anniversary is by creating a historical exhibit or timeline that showcases your church’s rich past. Gather old photographs, documents, and artifacts that highlight significant milestones and events in your church history. Set up displays in your church building or a community space where current church members, former members, and visitors can explore and learn about your church’s journey over the years.

Create a timeline tracing the evolution of your church building, from its humble beginnings to its present-day form. Highlight renovations, expansions, and other milestones that have transformed your church into the beloved place of worship it is today.

Celebrating the Journey

By celebrating with a historical exhibit or timeline, you not only honor the legacy of your church but also provide an opportunity for reflection and appreciation among your congregation and the wider community.

Make sure to include stories of faith, growth, and community impact. You can highlight the contributions of former pastors and leaders like the church’s founding members who have played pivotal roles in shaping your church’s identity. Share anecdotes and memories that capture the essence of your church’s spirit and mission.

2. Anniversary Service

When a church celebrates its anniversary, there’s no better way to honor the occasion than with a special anniversary service. This service is a time for the entire church to come together in worship and thanksgiving for the journey they’ve shared.

The anniversary service reflects the heart of the church culture. It emphasizes unity, faith, and fellowship. It’s a time to reflect on the blessings and challenges the church has faced, and to renew commitments to its mission and values.

During the service, members may participate in special prayers, hymns, and readings that highlight key moments in the church’s history and celebrate its achievements. Guest speakers or former pastors may also share inspiring messages that resonate with the members.

Giving Back

An anniversary is not just about looking back but also giving back. Organize a community service project that resonates with your church’s mission. This could be a food drive, a neighborhood clean-up, or volunteering at a local shelter.

In addition to giving back, the anniversary service is an opportunity to look forward with hope and anticipation for the future. It’s a time to reaffirm the church’s vision and to recommit to serving its members and the wider community.

By coming together in worship and celebration, the anniversary service strengthens the bonds of fellowship. With such a celebration, it reminds everyone of the unique role they play in the ongoing story of your church’s journey.

3. Community Service Project

As part of its anniversary celebration, your church can organize a meaningful community service project to give back to the local community. This project embodies the spirit of unity and compassion that defines your church culture.

One idea is to refurbish or clean up a public space in the community, such as a park or playground. This creates a safe and welcoming environment for families to enjoy. Volunteers from the congregation, as well as local community leaders, can come together to work on the project.

Another option is to organize a food drive or a clothing donation campaign to support those in need within the community. Members of the congregation can collect non-perishable food items or gently used clothing. These can then be distributed to local families or homeless shelters.

In addition to these projects, the church can also offer to host educational workshops or seminars on topics that are relevant to the community. Options may include financial literacy or mental health awareness.

A Heart of Service

By engaging in a community service project...

You imagined it full of encouraging posts, beautiful worship moments, maybe even a few viral sermon clips. You figured it would be a place where your church family stayed connected, visitors learned what to expect, and maybe—just maybe—your church attendance would grow. You hoped to achieve specific goals, like increasing engagement, reaching new people in your community, and building a stronger online presence for your ministry.

But then… crickets.

The likes aren’t coming. Your follower count is stuck. And a week ago, your last post barely made a dent.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth: growing a church Instagram isn’t about chasing trends or looking “cool.” It’s about understanding the unique rhythm of modern ministry in a digital space—and making small, strategic shifts that change everything.

So why isn’t your church Instagram growing?

Let’s dig into the seven biggest mistakes churches make—and what to do instead.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• 1. You’re Treating Instagram Like Facebook
  • How to Fix It
• 2. You’re Not Posting Video Content
  • How to Fix It
• 3. You’re Only Posting on Sundays
  • How to Fix It
• 4. You’re Not Using Stories Strategically
  • How to Fix It
• 5. You’re Not Encouraging People to Engage
  • How to Fix It
• 6. You’re Not Showing Life at Your Church
  • How to Fix It
• 7. You’re Ignoring the Power of Reels
  • How to Fix It
• Bonus Mistake: You’re Managing Too Many Accounts
  • How to Fix It
• What Growing Church Accounts Do Differently
  • This Isn’t About Likes
  • How to Get Started This Week
• The Goal Isn’t Just Growth—It’s Connection
• More Resources on Church Social Media

1. You’re Treating Instagram Like Facebook

First things first: Instagram is not Facebook.

A lot of churches make the mistake of copying and pasting content from one platform to the other. But what works on Facebook doesn’t always work on Instagram.

On Facebook, long-form posts, event invites, and group interactions thrive.

On Instagram, it’s visual first. Your graphics, photos, and especially your video content need to grab attention instantly—before someone scrolls past.

Effective communications strategies should be tailored to each platform, ensuring your church’s message is delivered appropriately whether you’re engaging through Facebook’s detailed posts or Instagram’s visual storytelling.

How to Fix It

Design Instagram-specific posts, creating content that is unique to Instagram’s style and audience. Think bold titles, clean worship photos, and short clips that pull people in. Don’t just recycle. Refresh.

2. You’re Not Posting Video Content

Instagram has shifted hard toward videos—especially Reels. If your feed is mostly static graphics and Bible verse quote cards, you’re missing out on major reach. The type of content posted, especially when it includes engaging videos, can greatly impact your reach and engagement.

And here’s the kicker: churches have amazing video opportunities every week.

From sermon clips to behind-the-scenes moments with volunteers, your church is already full of content. You just need to capture it.

How to Fix It

Start with what you already have. Take a 30-second highlight from last Sunday’s message. Add subtitles. Post as a Reel. To see ongoing growth, implement this video strategy consistently—your content just got a major visibility boost.

3. You’re Only Posting on Sundays

Sundays are great—but they’re just one day. If your last post was from a week ago, your followers probably forgot you exist.

Growing your church Instagram means showing up consistently. You don’t need to post every single day, but 3–4 times a week is ideal. The expectation is that posting with this frequency will help maintain engagement and gradually increase your reach over time.

And don’t worry—you don’t need a full-time media team to make it happen.

How to Fix It

Batch your content. Create a simple calendar with themes:

• Monday: encouraging verse
• Wednesday: behind-the-scenes or staff highlight
• Friday: sermon series preview
• Sunday: worship moment or live story update

Strong organization is key to maintaining a consistent posting schedule and ensuring your content calendar runs smoothly. This way, your feed stays active without stressing your team out.

4. You’re Not Using Stories Strategically

Here’s a secret: people watch more than they scroll.

Instagram Stories are the unsung hero of church engagement. They’re casual, real-time, and perfect for building connection. Stories also allow you to reach and engage different audiences within your church community by tailoring content to specific groups. But too many churches skip them—or post nothing but “See you Sunday!”

How to Fix It

Use Stories to:

• Highlight a volunteer
• Share prayer requests
• Show worship team rehearsal
• Run polls (What’s your favorite sermon series so far?)
• Go behind the scenes during Sunday setup
• Share moments of inspiration to encourage and uplift your followers

Stories make your church feel alive—and help followers feel like they’re part of something real.

5. You’re Not Encouraging People to Engage

“I need more hours in the day.”

Between sermon prep, meetings, social media, counseling, and trying to keep your church website up to date, ministry work is no small task. But what if there was a way to reclaim some of those lost hours, without compromising the quality or heart of your work?

Enter: church AI prompts.

We’re talking about smart, strategic uses of artificial intelligence that church leaders are already leveraging to streamline their workflow, save time, and actually do more ministry. AI is a powerful tool for enhancing ministry and streamlining workflows, enabling leaders to generate impactful content and manage tasks more efficiently. From brainstorming sermon ideas to drafting social media posts and even designing visually appealing images, AI tools are quickly becoming one of the best assistants in ministry life.

Let’s walk through how church leaders can start using church AI prompts today—and save hours every week.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• What Is an AI Prompt?
  • Why AI Prompting Matters
• 10 Ways to Use Church AI Prompts (That Actually Save Time)
  • 1. Sermon Outlines in Seconds
  • 2. Weekly Sermons Made Easier
  • 3. Sermon Illustrations on Demand
  • 4. Social Media Posts That Don’t Take Hours
  • 5. Catchy Sermon Titles
  • 6. Blog Post Starters
  • 7. Visually Appealing Images with AI
  • 8. Sermon Script Drafting
  • 9. Bible Study & Devotional Guides
  • 10. Theological Research Support
• Let AI Help You Get Back to People
• More Resources on Church AI

What Is an AI Prompt?

A prompt is simply the text you give an AI tool like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude to get a specific response. It can be as simple as:

“Write a social media caption for a sermon about trusting God during hard times.”

ChatGPT prompts are specific, ready-made instructions or questions that help you efficiently generate church-related materials, such as sermon illustrations, outlines, titles, and themed content.

Or something more detailed, like:

“Create a 3-point sermon outline on the theme of spiritual renewal using biblical passages from Psalms. Include a catchy sermon title and a short closing prayer.”

The better your prompt, the better the result.

Why AI Prompting Matters

We’ve all been there: staring at a blinking cursor, struggling to write the perfect sermon intro or come up with fresh social media posts.

Church AI prompts take the pressure off. With the right input, you can generate solid drafts, outlines, and ideas in seconds—often resulting in thought-provoking content that engages and inspires your congregation. This frees you up to focus on what matters most: preaching God’s Word, building relationships, and shepherding your people.

10 Ways to Use Church AI Prompts (That Actually Save Time)

Let’s get practical. Here’s how smart churches are using church AI prompts in real life:

1. Sermon Outlines in Seconds

Prompt:

“Create a 3-point sermon outline on Matthew 14:22-33, focusing on trusting Jesus in the storm.”

AI Response:

• Title: “Eyes on Jesus: Faith in the Storm”
• Point 1: Jesus Sends Us Into the Storm
• Point 2: Jesus Meets Us in the Storm
• Point 3: Jesus Saves Us Through the Storm
• Closing Application: Where is your focus—on the wind or on Christ?

Use this as a starting point in your sermon preparation, then refine and pray through it. This outline highlights the key points of the sermon, making it easier to structure and communicate the message.

2. Weekly Sermons Made Easier

Prompt:

“Give me 5 sermon topic ideas for the month of August, focused on spiritual growth.”

AI Response:

1. “Rooted: Growing Deep in God’s Word”
2. “Stretch: Faith That Moves You Forward”
3. “Watered: How Prayer Nourishes the Soul”
4. “Weeds: Removing Sin That Chokes Growth”
5. “Harvest: Living Out God’s Purpose for You”

Use these to plan your sermon calendar or build a teaching series. These sermon topics can also be developed into impactful messages for your congregation.

3. Sermon Illustrations on Demand

Prompt:

“Give me a modern-day illustration about forgiveness that relates to Luke 15.”

Great for crafting sermon notes and adding relatable stories that stick with your congregation. Using relevant illustrations can also help clarify the meaning of biblical passages for your audience.

4. Social Media Posts That Don’t Take Hours

Prompt:

“Write a short Facebook post based on Romans 8:28. Make it encouraging and include an engaging question.”

AI Response:

“God works all things for good—even the tough seasons. What’s one challenge God has used to grow your faith? #Romans828 #FaithStory”

Boom. Your post is ready in seconds.

Use similar prompts for Instagram captions, YouTube video descriptions, or weekly devotionals. These prompts can also be adapted for various social media platforms to maximize reach and engagement.

5. Catchy Sermon Titles

Prompt:

“Give me 10 sermon title ideas for a...

Some common habits and church growth strategies actually stifle growth instead of fueling it.

In this article, we’re breaking down 9 of the biggest growth-killers we see in churches today, especially in well-established churches. More importantly, we’ll show you what to do instead to build a healthy church where people grow in faith, community, and mission.

Let’s dive in.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• Why Talk About Church Growth Killers?
• Top 9 Church Growth Killers
  • 1. Sticking to “How We’ve Always Done It”
  • 2. Focusing Only on Sunday Morning
  • 3. Neglecting Community Outreach
  • 4. Trying to Copy Other Churches
  • 5. Overcomplicating the Mission
  • 6. Ignoring the Digital Front Door
  • 7. Burning Out the Lead Pastor
  • 8. Failing to Measure Growth Wisely
  • 9. Ignoring the Role of the Holy Spirit
• It’s Time to Grow
• More Resources for Church Leaders

Why Talk About Church Growth Killers?

Most churches start with good intentions. They want to reach their city, love people well, and invite others into life-changing encounters with the Holy Spirit. However, even the most passionate church members and lead pastors can fall into patterns that block growth without even realizing it.

We’ve worked with hundreds of churches across the country, from small local churches to larger growing churches, and the patterns are clear:

• Certain practices prevent churches from thriving—no matter how much you pray, promote, or plan.
• On the flip side, healthy church growth happens when leadership stays aware, adapts wisely, and stays laser-focused on the church’s mission.

Whether your church is just getting started or has been rooted in your city for decades, these tips can help you create an environment where both church members and new guests experience spiritual growth—and keep coming back.

Top 9 Church Growth Killers

Now it’s time to jump into our list of the top 9 church growth killers. We’ll break down each church growth mistake, then provide you with an alternative way of doing things.

Let’s jump in!

1. Sticking to “How We’ve Always Done It”

It’s one of the top reasons most churches plateau:

“We’ve always done it this way.”

Older church members may feel attached to certain traditions, but when tradition overrides mission, it stifles growth. New guests can sense when a church is resistant to change, and they won’t stay long.

What to Do Instead:

Honor the past, but lead toward the future. Regularly review your church’s mission statement and ask: Are our programs, events, and systems aligned with reaching people today? Engage older church members in conversations about why adapting matters—and how change helps the church continue its mission of helping people know Jesus Christ.

2. Focusing Only on Sunday Morning

Many churches measure growth by Sunday church attendance alone. If seats are full, they assume the church is thriving.

But here’s the catch: Attendance ≠ engagement.

A church can have packed services but very little true spiritual growth or relational depth.

What to Do Instead:

Focus on building relational pathways beyond Sunday. Promote small groups, discipleship courses, and service teams. Churches grow when people feel known, needed, and part of a mission, not just a Sunday audience.

3. Neglecting Community Outreach

The church growth movement of decades past often emphasized internal programs over external mission. The result? Many churches lost touch with their surrounding communities.

If your local church isn’t visible outside its four walls, it’s hard to attract new people or make an impact.

What to Do Instead:

Get involved in community events and partnerships with local nonprofits. Serve real needs. Support local schools, volunteer at shelters, and be present where people already gather. Outreach builds trust and relationships—and helps your church become a beacon of hope in the neighborhood.

4. Trying to Copy Other Churches

It’s tempting to look at what’s working at other churches and copy it wholesale. But what succeeds for a 2,000-member suburban church may flop in a small urban congregation.

Trying to mimic another church’s style, programs, or branding often results in inauthenticity, and people can tell.

What to Do Instead:

Lean into your unique identity and calling. Who has God called your church to reach? What are your strengths, gifts, and passions? Build church growth strategies that flow from your community’s DNA and the leading of the Holy Spirit, not from Instagram trends.

5. Overcomplicating the Mission

Many churches end up with bloated calendars, confusing vision statements, or “program creep.” The result? People feel scattered, staff get burned out, and newcomers can’t figure out what matters most.

What to Do Instead:

Clarify your mission. Simplify your message. Ruthlessly focus on the core things that drive spiritual growth—worship, community, service, and mission. Help your church members understand what matters most, and align your financial resources, staff time, and energy accordingly.

6. Ignoring the Digital Front Door

In today’s world, your

Post your events. Go live on Sundays. Upload your sermon clips. Share pictures from the potluck. Update your church logo and cover photo. Get your congregation members to like the church’s Facebook page as part of your church social media strategy. Done.

Except… it’s not working anymore.

What was once the go-to platform for church growth is now struggling to deliver. If your church’s Facebook page feels like a ghost town, you’re not alone. For many churches, Facebook simply isn’t helping them reach new people—or even their own members. Reaching more people through Facebook for churches has become increasingly difficult, limiting the church’s ability to connect with a wider audience.

It’s not just frustrating. It’s a sign of a bigger shift.

Many churches are now rethinking their approach to Facebook for churches and church social media overall.

Let’s break down why Facebook might be holding your church back—and why it could be time to focus your social media presence elsewhere.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• Why Your Church Should Leave Facebook Behind
  • Facebook Isn’t Showing Your Posts to Anyone Anymore
  • The Platform Has Aged Out
  • You’re Competing with the Algorithm—and Losing
  • Groups Are the Only Thing Still Working
  • Live Video Still Works—But Not Forever
  • Privacy and Trust Are Real Concerns
  • Facebook Is Now a Pay-to-Play Platform
• So… Should Churches Leave Facebook?
  • What to Do Instead
• Don’t Let the Platform Become the Mission
• More Resources on Church Facebook

Why Your Church Should Leave Facebook Behind

First, let’s take a look at all the reasons you should consider leaving Facebook behind. It’s just not the church growth tool it once was, and here are all the reasons why.

Facebook Isn’t Showing Your Posts to Anyone Anymore

Let’s start with the biggest issue: Almost nobody is seeing your content.

The average reach of a Facebook post from a Page is now around 0.5%.

That means if you have 1,000 followers on your church page, only five of them will even see your latest announcement—unless you pay. Advertising, such as Facebook Ads, is now necessary to increase visibility and engagement for churches, helping you reach a larger audience beyond your organic followers.

This is no accident. Facebook (now Meta) has shifted its algorithm to prioritize content from Groups and personal Facebook accounts over business and organization Pages, including those run by religious organizations. Unless you’re running ads or going viral with video content, your posts are likely getting buried.

Yes, even that perfectly edited sermon quote with a bright church logo and trendy background.

If your strategy still revolves around publishing tools on your Facebook page, it’s time to rethink that plan.

The Platform Has Aged Out

Let’s talk demographics.

The reality is, Facebook is getting older. The majority of active users are now over the age of 40. That’s great if your congregation members fall into that range, but it’s a major roadblock if you’re trying to reach younger generations.

Gen Z and Millennials? They’re spending time on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. They’re not checking their personal Facebook feed daily (or at all).

If your church’s social media strategy depends on attracting new visitors or engaging the next generation, Facebook just isn’t where the people are anymore.

You’re Competing with the Algorithm—and Losing

Even if you are reaching some of your church members, you’re fighting an uphill battle.

The Facebook site is designed to keep users scrolling, not necessarily to help them connect with your church. That means your content is constantly competing with everything else in someone’s feed: vacation photos, viral videos, ads for shoes, and political memes.

Even when you get engagement—likes, comments, shares—it fades fast. Facebook posts disappear quickly. By the time someone checks their feed, your update is already gone. Including links in your Facebook posts can help direct followers to online resources like church services or event information, but even those links may get lost due to low visibility.

Groups Are the Only Thing Still Working

If you do stick with Facebook, the best path forward isn’t your church page—it’s Groups.

That’s where the algorithm still gives you a fighting chance. Facebook Groups are designed for engagement and community. Posts tend to get better visibility, and members receive notifications when something new is shared.

In fact, one church recently created a topic-based Group called “Faith Questions.” The group grew to over 3,000 members, with a staggering 70% engagement rate. Even better? Members of the Group were three times more likely to attend in-person events than followers of the main church Facebook page. Groups like these help churches deepen relationships and increase engagement within their local or online communities by fostering stronger connections among members.

The lesson? If you’re still investing in Facebook, stop posting and start building Groups around interests, questions, or ministries—not just your church brand.

Live Video Still Works—But Not Forever

Here’s one bright spot: Facebook Live still gets solid engagement.

Live prayer sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, and Q&As tend to perform up to 6x better than pre-re...

In every corner of our world, it’s changing how people think, work, and yes—worship. What started as a clever tool for writing emails and summarizing articles is now knocking on the front doors of our churches.

Some pastors call it a blessing. Others call it a threat.

From sermon prep to worship music to Sunday school, AI is starting to touch every area of church life. And not everyone is thrilled about it.

The reality is, AI is already reshaping how churches connect, serve, and fulfill their mission. As this technology becomes more common, important questions arise: How do we ensure AI serves the true purpose of the church? Many churches are cautiously exploring AI, recognizing the need for careful and thoughtful implementation to avoid potential pitfalls.

Whether you’re excited, cautious, or just plain curious, it’s time to consider how artificial intelligence might shape the future of church life. From one perspective, this technology offers new opportunities, while from another, it raises significant concerns—reflecting the diverse viewpoints within the faith community.

So what exactly is going on? What are church leaders debating? And where should we draw the line?

Let’s break down the seven biggest controversies that are sending shockwaves through church communities online.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Table of contents

• AI and the Church
• 1. Can AI Write a Sermon That Preaches?
• 2. Should We Let AI Design Our Church Graphics?
  • The Role of Video Clips: AI’s New Pulpit
• 3. Can AI Be Trusted to Disciple New Believers?
• 4. Is AI-Composed Worship Still Worship?
• 5. Can AI Teach Kids About Jesus?
• 6. Should AI Answer Prayer Requests?
• 7. Is AI Warping Our Theology?
• What Church Leaders Need to Know
• The Future of Church Services
• More Resources on AI in the Church

AI and the Church

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword in the tech world—it’s stepping right into the heart of church life. As AI tools become more accessible, church leaders and members are finding themselves at a crossroads, filled with mixed feelings about what this technology means for their faith community.

Some see AI as a powerful ally, helping with everything from sermon prep to creating engaging video clips that bring scripture to life. Others worry about what might be lost when technology takes on roles once reserved for people.

The reality is, AI is already reshaping how churches connect, serve, and fulfill their mission. Volunteers and staff are discovering new tools that can streamline ministry tasks, freeing up time for deeper relationships and creative outreach.

But as churches experiment with these innovations, important questions arise: How do we ensure AI serves the true purpose of the church? How do we keep the heart of ministry at the center, even as we embrace new technology?

1. Can AI Write a Sermon That Preaches?

This might be the biggest question of all: Can a computer write a message that changes lives?

AI tools like ChatGPT can analyze scripture, pull theological references, and generate full sermon drafts in seconds. That’s not science fiction—it’s happening now. AI can also provide sermon summaries, offering both short and long overviews to help church members quickly grasp the main message and key points.

Some pastors see it as a time-saving assistant. Others see it as spiritual plagiarism. After all, sermon prep has traditionally been rooted in prayer, study, and deep reflection. Now, AI can be used to review key points, scripture references, and quotes for accuracy and depth. It can also assist in selecting and refining meaningful quotes to support the sermon material. AI may deliver clean outlines and catchy points, but does it come from the heart? AI-generated sermons can be delivered efficiently, but the question remains about their authenticity.

Many church members have mixed feelings. If the pastor didn’t personally wrestle with the text, does the message carry the same weight?

The concern isn’t just about laziness—it’s about authenticity. Sermons are more than words. They’re a reflection of a pastor’s faith, walk with God, and calling to serve the community. When AI does the heavy lifting, does the pastor still own the message?

2. Should We Let AI Design Our Church Graphics?

Creating graphics for sermon series, events, and social media is a huge part of modern church life. AI image generators like DALL·E or Midjourney can create stunning designs in seconds. Custom graphics can be easily created with these tools, allowing churches to quickly produce shareable media for their needs.

But the controversy lies in two places:

First: Does relying on AI reduce human creativity in the church?

Second: Where is the art coming from? Many AI image models are trained on copyrighted work—without permission. Are we using stolen art to serve the church?

There’s also the matter of tone. AI designs can look impressive, but do they reflect the values, culture, and heart of your church? Or do they just look cool?

For some, it’s just a tool. For others, it’s a compromise.

Churches can also upload AI-created graphics to their websites or social media platforms, making it easy to share new content with their community.

The Role of Video Clips: AI’s New Pulpit

The future of AI videos in ministry is bright—and a little wild. With just a few prompts, church leaders can now generate sermon clips, Bible story animations, or personalized devotionals in minutes. AI makes it easier than ever to share the message of Jesus across platforms, languages, and generations.

But with great power comes great responsibility. As this technology evolves, churches must stay rooted in scripture, prioritize authenticity, and use these tools to enhance—not replace—human connection. AI video is not the future of ministry alone, but when used wisely, it can be a powerful partner in spreading God’s truth.

Beyond sermons, AI can help churches create devotionals, testimonials, and educational resources tailored to their community’s needs. By making it simple to create and share meaningful co...

And yet—those visitors you were excited to meet? They never came back.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Many churches struggle to turn first-time visitors into returning guests, and often, the problem lies not in the service but in what happens after the service. Specifically, in the church follow up mistakes that break the connection before it even begins.

In this episode, we’ll uncover the most common guest follow-up pitfalls, why they matter, and how church leaders can fix them with a few simple changes.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Table of contents

• Why Follow-Up Matters More Than You Think
• Top 8 Church Follow-up Mistakes
  • 1. Waiting Too Long to Reach Out
  • 2. Making It All About the Church
  • 3. Using a One-Size-Fits-All Follow-Up
  • 4. Forgetting to Contact Visitors in Multiple Ways
  • 5. Not Training a Follow-Up Team
  • 6. Treating Follow-Up Like a Task, Not a Relationship
  • 7. Overwhelming Guests With Too Much, Too Soon
  • 8. Missing the Power of Radical Hospitality
• How to Build a Follow-Up System That Works
  • Week 1
  • Week 2 and Beyond
• Don’t Let Connection Killers Keep Visitors From Coming Back
• More Resources on Church Follow-Up

Why Follow-Up Matters More Than You Think

When someone walks through your church doors, they’ve already taken a big step. Whether they came out of curiosity, crisis, or because a friend invited them, people attend church for many reasons—sometimes due to a recent death, divorce, disaster, or other major life events, as described in the 4-D or 5-D theory. They’re looking for something deeper: belonging, purpose, connection.

Your job doesn’t end when they walk out.

Follow up is what turns interest into engagement. And yet, the guest follow up process is often left on the bottom of a church leader’s overflowing to do list.

Without intentional follow-up, the chances of a return visit drop fast—often within 48 hours.

Here’s the good news: By identifying and avoiding the most common church follow up mistakes, you can help people feel seen, valued, and invited into more.

Let’s look at what might be getting in the way.

Top 8 Church Follow-up Mistakes

Now it’s time to jump into the 8 most popular church follow-up mistakes that keep visitors from returning. Take a look at the list and see if there’s anything your church can improve on.

1. Waiting Too Long to Reach Out

Church visitors are most open to connection within the first 24 to 48 hours. The first week is critical for engaging a first-time visitor or first time guest, as this is when they are most receptive to building a relationship with your church. If they haven’t heard from you by then, they’re already moving on mentally—even if they liked the service.

If your follow up system waits a week to send a note or make a call, it might be too late.

A Few Ideas to Fix It:

• Set up an automated email to go out within 24 hours. Make sure this initial communication contains a clear message so the guest knows what to expect and how to engage.
• Schedule phone calls or texts within 48 hours of a visit. Consider sending a simple message that welcomes the guest and provides a clear next step.
• Use reminders or checklists to keep your follow up consistent.

2. Making It All About the Church

Your guest didn’t visit to learn about your ten programs and five ministries. They came to explore faith and community. If your follow up messages are packed with announcements and next steps—but no personal touch—they’ll feel like just another name on your list.

It’s important to address guests’ questions and concerns, showing that you care about what matters to them. The goal is to build true relationships, not just provide information.

Connection First. Information Second.

People want to know:

• Did you notice me?
• Do you care?
• Is there room for me here?

Applying the golden rule in your follow-up communication—treating guests as you would want to be treated—helps build genuine connections. Reaching out as you would to an old friend, whether through a call, text, or personal visit, can make guests feel truly welcome.

A Few Ideas to Fix It:

• Start your email with a personal thank-you.
• Mention something specific about their visit if you can—these small gestures show you care and help build true relationships with your guests.
• Save the invitations for later in the message.

Make it feel human—not like marketing.

3. Using a One-Size-Fits-All Follow-Up

Sending a nice form letter to every guest is a common approach, but it is plainly insufficient for effective guest follow-up. People can tell when they’re getting a template.

This kind of church follow-up lacks warmth and makes people feel like a task rather than a person.

Instead, Try Personalizing Your Follow-Up:

• Mention names, families, or things they shared with your greeters, using information gathered from connection cards.
• Segment follow-ups by age, family status, or interest, as recorded on connection cards.
• Have real people send real messages—not just automated ones. Personal messages stand out in a world dominated by...

From sermon structure and spiritual spontaneity, to church giving and Google Ads, we’re tackling the big questions that pastors, communicators, and church leaders are thinking about in 2025.

Let’s get into it.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Table of contents

• Does a Structured Sermon Block the Holy Spirit?
• Should Commitment to Jesus Trump SEO and Marketing?
• Is It Ethical for Pastors to Use AI for Sermon Research?
• What Does the Bible Actually Say About Giving to the Church?
• Is the One-Man Paid Pastor Model Biblical?
• Where Can Churches Find Real Marketing Trends?
• Should You Use the Google Ad Grant for Fundraising Campaigns?
• What About Reposting Just the Sermon After the Livestream?
• Wrapping It Up
• More Resources for Ministry

Does a Structured Sermon Block the Holy Spirit?

This is a hot one—and it comes up more than you’d think.

Here’s the question: If a pastor preaches using a planned, structured sermon, does that mean the Holy Spirit can’t move in the service?

Let’s be honest—there’s a false dichotomy floating around out there. People tend to think you either have to plan everything or let the Spirit lead everything. But what if it’s not either-or?

Structure doesn’t cancel the Spirit. In fact, the Holy Spirit can work through the preparation just as much as through spontaneity.

Think of it like this: Paul’s letters were pretty structured. Jesus used parables with purpose. The early church had elders who taught sound doctrine. Order isn’t the enemy of anointing.

So go ahead and plan that three-point sermon. Just stay open to the Spirit interrupting your plan when He needs to. Preparation and presence can (and should) work hand in hand.

Should Commitment to Jesus Trump SEO and Marketing?

Someone asked, “If we’re really committed to Jesus, shouldn’t that be enough? Why focus on SEO or marketing at all?”

It’s a fair question—but it’s also based on a misunderstanding of what marketing actually is.

Marketing isn’t about manipulating people or turning the Gospel into a product. At its core, church marketing is simply about communication. It’s about removing barriers and making sure the message reaches people where they are.

SEO is how people find your church when they’re searching for hope. Social media is how they see your church community in action. Email is how you follow up and disciple. All of these tools can work in service of your mission—not in place of it.

So yes, your commitment to Jesus should be primary. But that commitment should also drive you to use every ethical tool available to reach people for Him.

Is It Ethical for Pastors to Use AI for Sermon Research?

This one’s been gaining traction lately.

We’re all wondering—if a pastor uses AI to help research, brainstorm, or even outline a sermon, is that wrong?

Here’s our take: It’s not unethical, but it can be misused.

AI is like a commentary or a study tool. It can help you explore ideas, check references, or find that verse you can’t quite remember. What it can’t do is replace time in prayer, Scripture, and seeking God’s voice.

The danger isn’t in using AI—it’s in replacing spiritual work with shortcuts. Your people don’t need ChatGPT’s best thoughts. They need God’s Word through you.

So use AI if you like. Just don’t outsource your calling.

What Does the Bible Actually Say About Giving to the Church?

Another great question we got: “Does the Bible ever talk about giving to the church as an organization, or just to the poor and needy?”

This is one where both sides have a point.

Yes, Scripture puts a heavy emphasis on caring for the poor, widows, and orphans. That’s non-negotiable. But that’s not all it says about giving.

In the New Testament, we also see financial support for the ministry of the church. Paul talks about churches giving to support his missionary work (Philippians 4:15-18). He references elders who are “worthy of double honor,” especially those who preach and teach (1 Timothy 5:17-18), which includes financial support.

So it’s not either-or. Biblical generosity includes supporting the church and caring for the needy. The healthiest churches do both.

Is the One-Man Paid Pastor Model Biblical?

Let’s tackle a spicy one.

Some of you asked: “Is it biblical for one man to be paid to lead the whole church?”

The short answer: The structure of a single paid lead pastor isn’t found explicitly in the Bible—but paying church leaders absolutely is.

As we mentioned earlier, Paul encouraged churches to financially support those who labor in teaching and leadership. However, the early church also practiced plural leadership—elders, not just one pastor.

So is it unbiblical to have a lead pastor? No. But it’s worth remembering that shared leadership and accountability are deeply biblical. One person shouldn’t be carrying the entire spiritual and organizational weight of the church.

Healthy churches ...

But let’s be real: not every tactic out there is worth your time. Some church marketing strategies sound good in theory—but fall flat in practice. They burn through budget, waste time, and fail to connect with real people.

In this ranking episode, we’re breaking down the 7 most overrated church marketing tricks. We’ll show you what’s not working and, more importantly, what you should be doing instead to build a thriving church community.

Let’s jump in.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• Why Talk About Overrated Church Marketing?
  • Our Ranking System
• Top 7 Overrated Church Marketing Tactics
  • 1. Mass Mailers to “Everyone” in Town
  • 2. Relying Too Heavily on Church Signage
  • 3. Overposting Generic Bible Verses on Social Media
  • 4. Trying to Be “Cool” Instead of Being Real
  • 5. Focusing Only on Sunday Attendance
  • 6. Copying Mega Churches Without Context
  • 7. Ignoring the Church Website
• Smarter Church Marketing Starts with Focus
• More Resources on Digital Marketing

Why Talk About Overrated Church Marketing?

Church marketing is more than flyers and Facebook ads—it’s how your church shares the hope of Jesus with the world.

When it works, it helps church growth, increases engagement, and deepens relationships. But when your church marketing plan relies on outdated ideas or hollow trends, it can leave your team frustrated and your message unheard.

In this episode, we’re highlighting the most overrated church marketing tactics we see again and again—so your church marketing team can focus on what actually works.

Our Ranking System

Here’s how we’re ranking these overrated church marketing efforts:

• Tried It, Ditched It – These strategies might have sounded good on paper, but they just don’t work like they used to. Time to move on.
• Still Has Potential – These tactics aren’t terrible—but they need a serious refresh to be effective.
• Stick with It – The rare gems that still work today, especially when part of a smart digital marketing plan.

Let’s dive into the seven most overrated tricks and what to do instead.

Top 7 Overrated Church Marketing Tactics

It’s time to get into the top 7 most common overrated church marketing tactics. We’ll cover what makes these tactics not so good and even provide alternatives that will be much more effective.

1. Mass Mailers to “Everyone” in Town

Blanketing your zip code with postcards might feel like a bold move—but it’s rarely an effective one.

Sure, direct mail once played a big role in Christian church marketing. But today, most of those expensive flyers end up in the trash. You’re spending big money to reach people who don’t know you, don’t care about your message, and may never walk through your doors.

What to Do Instead:

Focus on targeted digital marketing that connects with people based on interests, location, and needs. Facebook and Instagram ads allow you to reach people who are actually looking for hope, answers, and connection. Better yet, build a follow-up strategy that invites them to real community—not just a Sunday invite.

2. Relying Too Heavily on Church Signage

The old-school church sign with changeable letters used to be the highlight of the week. (“Honk if you love Jesus. Text while driving if you want to meet him.”)

But in today’s world, physical signs alone can’t carry your church marketing efforts.

What to Do Instead:

Keep the sign if it brings joy—but use it to direct people to your church website or social media platforms. Combine old-school charm with a modern funnel. Use QR codes on signs, banners, and even bulletins to point people to your upcoming community events or livestreamed services.

3. Overposting Generic Bible Verses on Social Media

Don’t get us wrong—we love Scripture. But posting a random Bible verse every day with a stock background image? That’s not digital ministry. That’s noise.

Generic content gets ignored and doesn’t build connection.

What to Do Instead:

Turn verses into conversations. Use short devotionals, ask a reflective question, or share a story from someone in your church community about how that verse impacted their life. Pair it with video or a short Reel. That’s the kind of content that sparks engagement and encourages faith.

4. Trying to Be “Cool” Instead of Being Real

We’ve seen the cringe-worthy rebrands: edgy logos, slangy slogans, or attempts to mimic influencers. The intention is to reach the next generation—but if it’s not authentic, it backfires.

People—especially younger generations—can spot a fake a mile away.

What to Do Instead:

Be yourself. Highlight the real people, real stories, and real values that make your church unique. Use your church marketing team to find your voice, not copy someone else’s. Modern digital marketing thrives on authentic storytelling—not just aesthetics.

5. Focusing Only on Sunday Attendance

Some churches measure success by how full the seats are on Sunday. But attendance isn’t the same as engagement.

If your church marketing plan only aims to get people in the building for one service, you’re missing the bigger picture.

What to Do Instead:

Focus on connection and discipleship. Use your marketing to point people toward next steps—small groups, volunteer opportunities, midweek gatherings. Create a digital funnel that helps people go fro...

With the rise of AI tools like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Adobe Firefly, pastors and church leaders are discovering that AI can create high-quality graphics in seconds. But we wanted to see for ourselves: could AI really help churches design visuals that inspire, connect, and communicate well?

So we put AI image generation to the test in five real-world church scenarios. The results? Honestly… they shocked us.

Let’s explore how AI church graphics can enhance ministry, save time, and elevate your church communications—without losing the human intelligence and spiritual focus that makes the church what it is.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Table of contents

• Why AI Church Graphics Matter
• Five AI Church Image Examples
  • 1. Sermon Series Graphics That Pop
  • 2. YouTube Thumbnails That Get Clicks
  • 3. Event Promotion Images for Every Ministry
  • 4. Church Logos That Actually Represent Your Church
  • 5. Social Media Posts That Get Shared
  • How to Write a Good Prompt:
• But Is It Really Ministry?
• The Future of Church Design
• More Resources on AI and Church Graphics

Why AI Church Graphics Matter

Before diving into the five use cases, let’s answer the big question: why should churches even consider using AI for visuals?

The answer lies in time, quality, and accessibility. Most churches don’t have a full-time designer on staff. Many rely on volunteers or overworked pastors to create everything from sermon slides to social media posts. AI image generation tools give churches the ability to create high quality graphics instantly—custom images tailored to their own congregation, their own message, and their own mission.

By using AI wisely, churches can enhance ministry without sacrificing authenticity. These tools don’t replace human intelligence—they amplify it.

Now let’s look at five ways churches can use AI image generation today.

Five AI Church Image Examples

Let’s dive deep into five of the most common examples you might use AI image generation for in your church. From YouTube thumbnails to sermon series graphics, we’ll give you everything you need to know to create images for each of these cases.

Let’s dive in.

1. Sermon Series Graphics That Pop

You want your sermon series to feel unified and memorable. That usually means coming up with a strong visual identity—something that ties the messages together between church services and engages the congregation.

How AI Helps:

AI can generate a themed graphic in just minutes. You can create multiple versions and refine your favorite. Then use it across your church website, social posts, print materials, and screens.

How to Write a Good Prompt:

Include your sermon theme, colors you like, and the general mood you want to convey.

Sample Prompt:

“A minimalist and powerful design showing a cracked stone tablet glowing with golden light, symbolizing truth and justice, in a desert landscape — for a sermon series titled ‘Foundations of Faith’.”

Pro Tip:

Ask AI to create “variations” on one design. This gives you a cohesive look across all your sermon graphics.

2. YouTube Thumbnails That Get Clicks

If your church has a YouTube channel, you already know how important thumbnails are. They’re the first impression viewers get—and they can make or break your video’s success.

How AI Helps:

AI image generation can instantly create eye-catching thumbnails based on your sermon title, topic, or scripture. Instead of spending hours in Photoshop, you can generate a few variations in seconds, choose your favorite, and go live.

How to Write a Good Prompt:

Great prompts make the difference between blurry nonsense and a visual masterpiece. Be clear, detailed, and include style notes.

Sample Prompt:

“A dramatic cinematic-style image of a stormy sea with a glowing cross in the background, modern digital art, moody lighting — for a sermon titled ‘Peace in the Storm’.”

Pro Tip:

Add specific adjectives (like “dramatic,” “peaceful,” “epic”) and style references (like “digital painting” or “photorealistic”) to dial in the result. If you’re not sure what kind of thumbnail might look good, first ask the AI for ideas of cover images that may look good, depending on your video.

3. Event Promotion Images for Every Ministry

Whether it’s VBS, a youth retreat, or a church-wide picnic, promoting events takes time. You want your graphic to grab attention and reflect the tone of the event—fun, sacred, or somewhere in between.

How AI Helps:

Instead of scrolling through dozens of stock photos, you can ask AI to create your own image from scratch—tailored to your community.

How to Write a Good Prompt:

Mention the audience (kids, adults, families), the setting (church campus, outdoors), and the vibe (fun, reverent, energetic).

Sample Prompt:

But here’s the truth: having a website isn’t enough. If no one is visiting it, it’s not doing its job. That’s why church website traffic matters.

In this article, we’ll walk you through practical ways to get more people visiting your church website, staying longer, and coming back again and again. You’ll learn how to improve search engine visibility by using appropriate keywords, leveraging social media, highlighting church events, and making your site more engaging for new visitors.

Let’s get started.

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Table of contents

• Introduction to Church Websites
  • Why Church Website Traffic Matters
  • Key Features of Church Websites
• Top 9 Tips for Improving Website Traffic
  • 1. Know Your Audience
  • 2. Improve Search Engine Visibility with SEO
  • 3. Highlight Upcoming Events and Community Involvement
  • 4. Use Social Media to Drive Website Visits
  • 5. Create Content That Serves New Visitors
  • 6. Make Sure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly
  • 7. Use Google Analytics to Gain Valuable Insights
  • 8. Turn Website Visitors into Real-World Guests
  • 9. Maintain a Strong and Consistent Online Presence
• Common Website Traffic Mistakes to Avoid
• Get Clicks, Build Community
• More Resources on Church Websites

Introduction to Church Websites

Your church website is a vital tool for your church to establish an online presence and connect with your community. It serves as a digital gateway for new visitors to discover your church’s mission, values, and activities. A well-designed church website can significantly improve search engine optimization (SEO) and increase website traffic, making it easier for people to find your church when they search online.

Church websites provide essential information such as service times, contact details, and upcoming events. This information helps potential visitors plan their visit and feel more comfortable attending for the first time.

By leveraging social media platforms, churches can drive traffic to their website and enhance their online presence. Sharing links to your website on social media can direct visitors to learn more about your church, its events, and its community involvement.

Why Church Website Traffic Matters

Your church website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s your digital front door. When people visit your site, they’re evaluating your church before they ever step foot in your building.

More traffic means more opportunities to:

• Reach people searching for hope, connection, and faith.
• Share your church’s mission with your community.
• Promote upcoming events and programs.
• Turn online visitors into in-person guests.

If you want to grow your church community, investing in your church’s online presence is essential. A healthy stream of church website traffic means more chances to make meaningful connections that lead to life change.

Key Features of Church Websites

A church website should have a visually appealing design that reflects the church’s brand and message. This helps create a welcoming first impression and encourages visitors to explore further. Mobile optimization is crucial, as most website traffic comes from mobile devices. Ensuring your site is mobile-friendly will keep visitors engaged, no matter what device they use.

Using a traffic checker tool can help churches gain valuable insights into their website’s performance and user behavior. This data can inform decisions on how to improve the site and better serve visitors. Additionally, a guide that helps visitors navigate the website and find relevant information can improve user engagement. Clear menus, search bars, and well-organized content make it easy for users to find what they need.

Integrating online giving options into the website can facilitate donations and support the church’s mission. This feature makes it convenient for members and visitors to contribute financially, helping to sustain the church’s activities and outreach programs.

Top 9 Tips for Improving Website Traffic

Now it’s time to delve into the top 9 things you can start doing today to improve your website traffic. From utilizing SEO to quality content creation, these tips are sure to get more clicks your way.

Let’s dive in!

1. Know Your Audience

Before you jump into technical strategies, take a moment to think about who you’re trying to reach. Are you trying to connect with young families, college students, seniors, or people new to faith?

Understanding your target audience helps you:

• Create content that speaks to their needs.
• Promote events that matter to them.
• Choose the right social media platforms for outreach.

This clarity will guide every part of your digital strategy, from your homepage layout to your blog topics.

2. Improve Search Engine Visibility with SEO

One of the best ways to increase church website traffic is to help people find you when they’re searching online. Utilizing relevant keywords is crucial for improving search engine visibility. This is where search engine optimization (SEO) comes in.

What Is SEO?

SEO is the process of making your site more visible on search engines like Google. The better your...

In this article, we’ll walk through a simple and effective follow-up strategy that helps new church visitors feel seen, valued, and connected to your church community. Whether you’re a small church or a large one, this visitor follow-up sequence can work for you.

Let’s dive in.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• Introduction to Church Visitor Follow-Up
  • Why Church Visitor Follow-Up Matters
  • Creating a Welcoming Experience for Church Visitors
• The First 48 Hours
  • What to Include in the First Email
  • A Personal Touch
• Creating a Simple Visitor Follow-Up Sequence
• Tips and Tools for Follow-Up
  • Using Your Church Website to Support Follow-Up
  • Making the Connection Stick
  • Offering a Free Bonus to Visitors
  • Equip Your Team to Follow Up
  • Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid
• Church Follow-Up
• More Resources on Church Visitors

Introduction to Church Visitor Follow-Up

Church visitor follow-up is a crucial aspect of building a strong and connected church community. When new church visitors walk through your doors, they’re looking for more than just a service—they’re seeking a place where they can belong.

Effective follow-up strategies help church leaders build meaningful relationships with visitors, understand their needs, and provide them with relevant information about the church’s programs and events.

By prioritizing follow-up, churches can transform one-time visitors into regular attendees and active participants in the church community. This not only strengthens the church but also enriches the lives of those who join.

Why Church Visitor Follow-Up Matters

A person walking through the doors of your church for the first time has already taken a big step. Maybe they were invited by a friend. Maybe they found your church website through a search. However they arrived, they made a brave choice.

If they don’t hear back from you after their visit, they might feel unnoticed. Even if they enjoyed the service, the lack of personal connection could keep them from returning. That’s why your follow-up efforts matter so much.

Church staff play a crucial role in this follow-up process by engaging with new visitors, utilizing tools like digital connect cards to gather contact information and enhance outreach efforts.

Church leaders who prioritize follow-up are far more likely to see visitors turn into committed members of the church family.

Creating a Welcoming Experience for Church Visitors

Creating a welcoming experience for church visitors is essential for making a positive first impression and encouraging them to return.

Start by ensuring your church has a warm and friendly atmosphere. Greet visitors with a smile, offer clear and concise information about your church’s programs and events, and make them feel valued from the moment they arrive.

Utilize a digital connect card to collect visitor information easily, and follow up with a personalized email or text message after their visit. Consider offering a free bonus, like a small gift or a free download, to show your appreciation.

By creating a welcoming experience, you help visitors feel comfortable and connected, increasing the likelihood of them becoming regular attendees.

The First 48 Hours

The best time to follow up with visitors immediately is within 24 to 48 hours after someone visits. That’s when their experience is fresh, and they’re still open to next steps.

Start with a simple thank-you email. Keep it short, friendly, and personal. If you collected any details (like their name, family size, or interests), include that in the message to show you were paying attention.

Your subject line should be warm and clear. Try something like, “Thanks for visiting us, [First Name]!” or “We loved meeting you at [Church Name].”

This email is your first digital handshake. Make it count.

What to Include in the First Email

Make sure the email is more than just a thank-you. Use it to:

• Share a direct link to your website URL
• Invite them to a few upcoming events
• Explain how they can get connected (small groups, kids programs, serving teams)
• Encourage them to reply if they have questions
• Ensure future emails reach the recipient’s inbox

Keep it friendly and low-pressure. The goal is to start a conversation, not overwhelm them.

A Personal Touch

Within the first week, try to make a more personal connection. A quick phone call can go a long way. You don’t need to talk long. Just thank them for coming, ask if they have any questions, and invite them back. Making visitors feel welcomed is crucial to establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Many new visitors won’t pick up the phone, but even a voicemail can show that you care.

You can also send a handwritten note in the mail. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Just knowing someone took time to write makes people feel valued.

Creating a Simple Visitor Follow-Up Sequence

Email may seem old-school, but don’t let its age fool you. When used well, it’s one of the most powerful tools in a church’s communication strategy. Whether it’s sharing sermon notes, sending event reminders, or welcoming new visitors, the right email marketing strategy can help churches engage, grow, and disciple more effectively.

In this episode, we’re ranking the top 11 church email marketing tactics. Whether you’re brand new to email or looking to optimize your strategy, these tips will help you get the most out of your email marketing platform and better connect with your church members.

Let’s jump in.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• Church Email Marketing: The Basics
  • Ranking System
• Top 11 Church Email Marketing Tactics
  • 1. Weekly Email Newsletters
  • 2. Personalized Welcome Emails
  • 3. Automated Event Reminders
  • 4. Segmenting Your Audience
  • 5. Strong Subject Lines
  • 6. Story-Based Emails
  • 7. Mobile-Optimized Design
  • 8. Integrating Social Media Links
  • 9. Using Emojis & GIFs
  • 10. Long Devotional Emails
  • 11. Email Surveys
• Wrapping It Up
• More Resources on Email Marketing

Church Email Marketing: The Basics

At its core, church email marketing is all about using email to reach, inform, and disciple your church community. It’s a direct way to communicate with people who have already shown interest in your ministry—whether they’re long-time members, recent visitors, or online followers.

Here’s why churches love email marketing:

• It’s cost-effective.
• It’s measurable.
• It works—even in 2025.

And it’s not just for Sunday announcements. A solid email marketing strategy can help with discipleship, event promotion, prayer chains, digital giving, volunteer recruitment, and more.

You’ll need a good email marketing service provider (think email service providers like Mailchimp, MailerLite, or Constant Contact) and a clean email list—ideally synced with your church management software. Don’t forget to have a solid way to collect email addresses from members. From there, it’s all about using the right tactics to make your emails engaging, useful, and timely.

Ranking System

If we’re going to rank church email marketing tactics, we need a system. And in true ReachRight fashion, we’re making it fun. Here’s how we’re rating each tactic using the three D’s:

• Divine – These tactics are must-haves. They just work. Every church should be doing them.
• Decent – These can be great in the right context. Not for everyone, but worth a try.
• Dusty – These tactics either feel outdated or don’t produce results. Use with caution—or not at all.

Now let’s get into our ranked list of the best church email marketing tactics.

Top 11 Church Email Marketing Tactics

Now it’s time to jump into our list of the top 11 church email marketing tactics. Each of these tactics have their strengths or weaknesses, but some are more effective in 2025 than others. How you incorporate these tactics into your church email marketing strategy is up to you.

Let’s dive in!

1. Weekly Email Newsletters

The weekly church email newsletter is still the cornerstone of most email marketing campaigns—and for good reason. It’s where you keep everyone in the loop.

Include highlights from the sermon, upcoming events, prayer requests, volunteer needs, and links to your social media platforms. Keep it simple and scannable.

This works because it creates a rhythm and expectation. Members know when it’s coming and where to find key info.

2. Personalized Welcome Emails

When someone fills out a connect card—whether online or in person—you should have an automated email marketing sequence ready to go. A warm, personalized welcome can make all the difference.

Send a short message from the pastor, include a bit about your church’s mission, and invite them to take a next step.

First impressions matter. A well-crafted welcome email builds trust and shows you care.

3. Automated Event Reminders

Your church hosts events. People sign up. And then… they forget.

Set up automated email reminders 3 days before, 1 day before, and the morning of an event. Sync this with your church management software if possible.

Here’s the thing: people are busy. Timely reminders boost attendance. Automate email campaigns so that you never miss an email blast.

4. Segmenting Your Audience

Not every email should go to everyone. One of the biggest mistakes churches make is blasting the same message to the entire list.

Instead, create email segments: parents, youth, volunteers, new visitors, small group leaders, etc. Personalized communication to specific groups increases engagement and reduces unsubscribes.

5. Strong Subject Lines

If they don’t open the email, they’ll never see what’s inside. A boring or vague subject line can tank your open rates.

Use curiosity, clarity, and urgency. Think:

• “You’re invited: Easter at Grace Church”
• “We need volunteers for this Sunday!”

From livestream ethics and sermon podcasts to multicultural ministry and Google Ads, today’s episode covers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re a pastor, a church leader, or just someone passionate about how ministry works in a digital world, we’ve got something for you.

Let’s jump into it.

Table of contents

• Is Church Livestreaming Really a Bad Idea?
• Should Pastors Turn Their Sermons Into Podcasts?
• Does Using AI for Sermons Hurt Spiritual Growth?
• Why Pastor at a Big Church if You Love Small Churches?
• How Can Churches Become More Multicultural?
• Should We Still Have a Giving Moment in Service?
• How Is Google Ad Grant Management Different for Churches vs. Nonprofits?
• Can You Run Google Ads Without Religious Keywords?
• Wrapping It Up
• More Resources for Churches

Is Church Livestreaming Really a Bad Idea?

Let’s start with a big one. Church livestreaming has gotten a lot of pushback lately. Some leaders say it makes church feel like entertainment, or gives people an excuse not to show up in person. But is it really that simple?

For people who work on Sundays or have health issues, online church might be their only option. Instead of seeing livestreams as a lesser form of engagement, maybe we should view them as a bridge. Not a substitute—but a way to stay connected when physical attendance isn’t possible.

And what about cutting worship from livestreams? It might seem like a way to simplify the stream or avoid copyright issues, but it can feel like you’re giving online viewers a half-service. Worship is a key part of the church experience. If you’re going to offer online church, offer the whole thing.

Livestreams aren’t the problem. The issue is when churches stop encouraging community and connection—whether online or in-person. Use livestreaming as a tool, not a replacement.

Should Pastors Turn Their Sermons Into Podcasts?

This one’s easy: Yes—but only if you do it the right way.

Turning your sermon into a podcast is one of the easiest ways to expand your church’s reach. People who missed the service can listen during the week. Those curious about your church can preview what you’re all about. And let’s be honest, some people are way more likely to hit “play” on a podcast than to visit your website or watch a full video.

But here’s the catch: Don’t just upload raw audio and call it a podcast. Add an intro. Clean up the sound. Consider breaking longer sermons into smaller, bite-sized episodes. A little effort goes a long way in making your sermon podcast feel like it was made for podcast listeners.

And if you’ve got the time and energy? Bonus episodes, interviews, or sermon follow-ups can create even more engagement.

Does Using AI for Sermons Hurt Spiritual Growth?

This question’s been coming up a lot lately: If pastors use AI tools to help write sermons, does it take away from time spent in the Word?

It’s a fair concern. Time in Scripture and prayer is irreplaceable for any sermon prep. But that doesn’t mean using AI is automatically bad.

Think of AI like a commentary or a search tool. It can help you gather ideas, check facts, or even structure your notes. But it shouldn’t replace time with the Holy Spirit. Sermon prep is a spiritual process. AI can assist, but it can’t inspire, convict, or speak the Word of God into your heart.

Use tools wisely—but never let them do the work that only the Spirit can.

Why Pastor at a Big Church if You Love Small Churches?

One listener asked a pretty personal question: “If you guys believe in the power of small churches so much, why are you pastoring at a larger one now?”

Great question—and we’re glad you asked.

The truth is, both small and large churches have their strengths. Small churches often feel more like family. Everyone knows your name. There’s deep, relational discipleship. But larger churches have more resources and can reach more people through big programs, missions, and media.

Being part of a large church doesn’t mean you’re against small churches. It just means the calling or opportunity led you there. But the heart remains the same: love people, preach the Gospel, and make disciples—no matter the size of the congregation.

How Can Churches Become More Multicultural?

If your church is currently made up of mostly one ethnicity or culture, transitioning to a multicultural church can feel like a huge challenge. But it’s possible—and so important in a world that’s becoming more diverse every day.

Here are a few practical starting points:

Diversify your leadership. People won’t feel like they belong unless they see themselves represented on stage and behind the scenes.

Celebrate other cultures. Don’t just tolerate differences—honor them. Incorporate various languages, worship styles, or holidays into your church calenda...

From writing assistance to administration and outreach, AI technologies offer new ways to help churches reach people and manage daily tasks.

But with these new opportunities come new questions. What are the ethical implications of using AI in ministry? How do we make sure that artificial intelligence tools support our mission and not harm it? These questions don’t always have easy answers, but they are important for pastors and ministry leaders to consider.

In this podcast, we’ll look at some of the ethical concerns and principles related to using AI in ministry. We won’t tell you what to think, but we hope to give you helpful information so you can make wise, thoughtful decisions.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of contents

• What Is AI and How Is It Used in Ministry?
• Ethical Concerns Around AI in the Church
  • Key Ethical Principles to Consider
  • Ethical Implications for Ministry Leaders
  • Balancing Innovation with Responsibility
  • Why AI Governance Matters
  • Ethical Questions About AI for Ministry Leaders
• Looking Ahead
• More Resources on AI in the Church