Church Branding in Nigeria: An Overview (3)
Discussing Church and Branding in the same sentence can be very controversial, especially in this part of the world. However, in two parts, we have tried to set the records straight on how consciously or unconsciously, branding is an integral part of our activities as a church.
Lets try to round off by talking about some important things that churches can take note of with regards to branding.
1. A little more detail, leaveneth the whole lump.
An entire divine statement does not have to be forced into a symbol to make it appropriate for a church logo. Church leaders should try hard to resist the temptation to ask their designer to mash up different concepts to cover every point of the church’s theology. The best logos don’t say everything; they emphasize on a strong core and this makes them simple, distinctive and easily recognizable.
P.S It is easy to create complex stuff, the hard work is in creating something functional that is yet simple — can you define your ministry in one word?
2. The same; yesterday, today and forever
Be consistent or you might end up looking like you don’t know what you’re doing. I talked about being consistent in a previous article.
3. Jesus wants fruits on the Fig
Branding is not a one time solution to aid church performance. Trust me no brand audit, logo design, church vision statement or the likes would overcome poor preaching in a church or poor quality products in a business. Branding your church gives you the necessary tools to tell your story more effectively and enhance the understanding of your doctrine and its perception, but if your church leadership or structure is not functional you would only end up inviting people to a tasty buffet with rotten meals on the table.
4. Let your light so shine…
It does not start and end with you. Your church isn’t in existence for itself, what brand are you creating for your church that would make people want to be a part of it? The reason you are conscious of your brand in the first place is so as to connect with real people in your community.
5. After teaching, he fed the multitude…
Like I said in point number 4 above, branding your church in the first place is with the intention to reach out to real people thus you have to be relevant. In telling your story you need to find out meaningful ways to be of service to the people around. It does not start and end with you, it is about how your church can help and how people can relate with its story.
6. Who do men say you are…
Use your branding to describe who you truly are and not who you aspire to be. Brands are defined by the people experiencing them, the brand owners are in the business of managing the perceptions and definition. Keep your sincerity.
We cannot overemphasize that the church is in the people’s business and therefore should be conscious of its ‘peopleness’ and how effectively it delivers its message. We would love to hear your thoughts about Nigerian Churches and Branding.
Let us discuss in the comments section.
Selah!
