Why do churches need a logo?
Recently I saw part of a conversation on Twitter that asked the question: “Why do churches need a logo anyway, they have the cross.”
I thought I’d like to take a crack at that question.
Firstly, do churches NEED a logo? Not really, they can indeed do all that churches do without a logo. It is not like they can’t train up the saints or show people who Christ is without one.
Should they have one? I think so and there are a couple of reasons for that.
1. A church logo is an identification point. The early church used the fish symbol to communicate to each other who is a Christian without announcing it and bringing the wrath of Rome down upon them.
Our church occasionally orders T-shirts and on the back is our logo. It brings a feeling of brotherhood to see others wearing a common symbol. It may be the same with just the name of the church, but a symbol is instantly recognizable – even from afar.
2. A logo instantly binds all things together into the same category that bear it. Offering envelopes, mailed letters, the website, business cards, etc. all tie together as being ‘Covenant Word Church’ if only on a subconscious level.
I often get letters in the mail that want this or that and unless there is a recognizable symbol of something I am interested in I will usually trash it. Sometimes I trash it because of the logo if it is someone I know I don’t want to deal with (Geico insurance – they are overpriced when I compare to my insurance but they keep pestering me so straight to the trash.)
3. A logo can convey a ministry’s vision. My pastor chose the logo we use very carefully because it combines the elements of our vision together. The earth background represents our concern for all nations which is shown in our outreach ministry. The eagle represents keen sight to see clearly and to soar to the height that God has created us to fly, not being satisfied with hovering at ground level. Granted, these things are not obvious to the casual observer – one could not choose a church based on our logo, but when people understand the reason for the parts and see it again it stands as a subtle reminder of our goal.
4. A church logo is not a marketing tool. Another conversation went toward marketing the church and Jesus and I totally disagree that we are marketing Jesus. As mentioned on the Geeks & God Podcast God is not a service to be sold to a consumer. Relationship with God is what the church offers and it is not a buyer’s market – so to speak.
5. Why not? Why should the church pass on any tool that may help them get the word out? What is this mistaken idea of humility that makes so many people think the church should be poor, plain, and miserable? Jesus wasn’t poor! He had a coat so valuable that the Roman Centurians, who were very well paid, didn’t want to tear it because of it’s worth so they cast lots for all-or-nothing. Judas was Jesus’ treasurer! How many poor people have a treasurer? When Jesus told the rich young ruler that it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom, the apostles said “Then who can be saved?” Not a question a poor person would ask. We have many false ideas about Christ that we need to rid ourselves of. Why shouldn’t a church have a logo? I can’t think of a good reason.
Peace
