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What’s Up:
Most churches assume they have a reputation in their community. The truth is, outside of members and a few former visitors, hardly anyone knows your church exists. But with some intentional effort, you can build your church’s reputation.
So What:
That matters because reputation is influence. If your church is invisible, then the unchurched in your neighborhood won’t consider you when they’re hurting, searching, or looking for hope. Reputation draws attention and attention opens the door for invitation. Until your church establishes itself as a known and trusted presence, growth will remain a fantasy.
The Point Is:
Take the Reputation Inventory
Step outside your church bubble. Ask a dozen strangers within a mile of your building: “I’m thinking about visiting [your church] this weekend. What can you tell me about it?” Then listen. You’ll discover quickly whether you have a reputation or none at all.
Define the Reputation You Want
Don’t settle for random recognition. Choose a focus. What will your church be known for with your target audience? Families? Recovery? Marriage support? Just like Jesus focused on the lost sheep of Israel, your church needs clarity about who you’re trying to reach.
Be the Face in the Community
Like it or not, pastor, you’re the face of the church. When city hall calls, they don’t ask for the board chair. They ask for you. Get out of the office. Network. Get active in the Chamber of Commerce. Shake hands. Know your target audience personally, then connect them to what your church is offering.
Leverage Social Media Effectively
Stop wasting money on newspaper ads if you’re trying to reach young families. Go where they are. Facebook still dominates every town from small hamlets to major suburbs. Pair your community networking with consistent, intentional online engagement that highlights your events and sermon series.
And … ?
Here’s the hard reality: reputations aren’t inherited. They’re built. Many churches assume their long history in a town equals recognition, but that’s wishful thinking. The average neighbor doesn’t know who you are, doesn’t care about your choir, and isn’t reading your newsletter. They notice you when you show up for them.
That’s why the reputation inventory is such a wake-up call. Most pastors are shocked to learn their neighbors can’t say anything about their church at all. Which means the opportunity is wide open. You get to choose what story the community tells about you.
But choosing isn’t enough. You have to live it out in the public square. If your focus is families, then sponsor community family nights, preach series that address parenting stress, and show up at school board meetings. If your target is young adults, stop hiding behind stained-glass windows and start building friendships at coffee shops, gyms, and networking clubs. Reputation grows out of consistent presence plus intentional focus.
Social media multiplies that presence. The church down the street that stays active on Facebook, that posts relevant sermon topics, that shares pictures of families at community events, is going to be remembered. Visibility builds credibility. Credibility builds reputation. And reputation attracts the very people you’ve been praying for.
It takes time. But if you’ll put in the work, you’ll move from invisible to unavoidable. And when people in your town think about family help, recovery, or faith … they’ll think about your church first.
Action!
Take the Reputation Inventory this week and see where your church really stands. Then join us for this week’s Catalytic Conversation: “Becoming a Visible Church” (Thursday at 10 Central) … Register Now.
