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Branding Faith: Why Some Churches And Non-Profits Make A Difference And Other's Don't (2008)

by Phil Cooke(Favorite Author)

3.46 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0830745637 (ISBN13: 9780830745630)

languge

English

genre

Middle Grade & Children's

publisher

Regal

review 1: In a broad sense, there are some very sound ideas and concepts covered here that are key to effective branding and marketing. The author has clearly had a lot of experience working with ministries all over the world, and the anecdotes and stories throughout the book provide good real-world examples.However, for the small-to-medium mainline congregation I’m with, this book skews way more toward broadcasting and television than we’re likely to ever to incorporate into our mix. Since the author spent the bulk of his career in film and broadcasting, quite a bit of the content relates to this.On the other hand, social media (which our congregation could really take more advantage of) is presented in what’s now a rather distant 2006-07 context (the publishing date was 2... more008). With so much water under the bridge since those days, these sections could use some serious updating and much more emphasis. Perhaps a sequel or updated version is in the works.These points aside, there are some good suggestions and strategies here. I just think that this edition would be more relevant to those working in a very large church and/or a ministry that relies more heavily on broadcasting.
review 2: On the whole I have to appreciate the author of this book in that he's honest, to the point, and speaks to the point even when he knows it's going to offend so audiences. He lays it out how it is, and that has to be respected.That being said, early on, I started to go frustrated with the book because of his incessant need to try and justify the use of branding techniques to help shape a church or ministry leader's public perception. Rather than trying to baptize his thoughts, it seems he'd be much wiser to just pay attention to Luther's use of reason in his explanation of the Apostles' Creed. That is, he could talk about our reason being a blessing from God to help us get around the world and make the most of everyday life, while realizing that, when it comes to knowing God, our reason is an enemy.One of the highlights of the book for me was his honesty about the way that media shapes the message. For example, in the Lutheran tradition, we hold that God is found in the brokenness and dirty of our everyday experience. However, when songs have the feel of a praise anthem, it's a bit hard to feel broken and dirty. Rather, the form itself tends to promote a theology where it's all about the great, the grand, and the glorious.On the whole, I think the book is worth the read, if nothing else, to encourage ministry leaders to think about the message they are trying to communicate, and how their current approach is aiding or hindering that larger goal. less

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