Every church wants to grow, reach more people, and make a bigger impact for the Kingdom.
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?
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 But when your church marketing plan relies on outdated ideas or hollow trends, it can leave your team frustrated and your message unheard.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 from curious to connected. Remember, the goal isn’t just to grow your audience—it’s to help your church grow in depth and health.
6. Copying Mega Churches Without Context
We get it—those big churches with massive budgets and viral sermons look amazing. But mimicking their church marketing strategies without their context, team, or budget won’t deliver the same results.
What works for a 10,000-member church in Dallas might not make sense for a 150-person church in rural Oregon.
What to Do Instead:
Scale your church marketing plan to fit your reality. Focus on church advertising ideas that resonate in your community. A well-run community BBQ with personal invites could have a bigger impact than a flashy campaign. Ask: What does our community actually need? Then serve them in that space—authentically and consistently.
7. Ignoring the Church Website
Some churches treat their church website like an online bulletin board—rarely updated, clunky to navigate, and impossible to read on a phone. In today’s world, that’s a big mistake.
Your website is your digital front door. If it’s outdated, people assume your church is too.
What to Do Instead:
Invest in a clean, mobile-friendly site that answers visitors’ top questions:
- What time are services?
- What should I expect?
- How can I get involved?
- How do I watch online?
Use your site to connect people to social media platforms, online giving, events, and ministries. A strong website builds trust and is often the first step toward someone becoming a church member.
Smarter Church Marketing Starts with Focus
When it comes to Christian church marketing, more isn’t always better.
Instead of chasing every trend, focus your church marketing efforts on strategies that create real connection, build trust, and lead to transformation. Whether you’re promoting community events, launching digital ads, or reworking your church website, the goal is always the same: help people meet Jesus and grow in faith.
Skip the hype. Lean into authenticity, strategy, and the strength of your church community.
Because when you cut through the noise, your message shines.
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