We recently refined the criteria for the Directory, noting that submissions need to meet two criteria, namely that they fit under the marketing umbrella and that they explicitly serve the local church. These definitely aren’t new criteria, but it is a more thorough and clear explanation.

You can read the complete guidelines on the Directory’s ‘Suggest a Link’ page.

So we’ve come up with an ecumenical statement, approved by our board of directors, that gives us clarity of purpose as we face potentially divisive issues. In a nutshell, it’s ‘let’s focus on the gospel.’

Here’s the official statement, now available on our About page:

The Center for Church Communication is an ecumenical organization that reaches across denominational and theological lines to help churches communicate the gospel. That means differences of opinion over theological and cultural issues will often come up. The church has a 2,000-year track record of not disagreeing well. As an organization our only litmus test is a shared belief in the gospel–that Jesus Christ is the way of salvation. Let’s disagree well–even over issues of profound difference–and focus on our shared mission of communicating that gospel.

This is our first international Regional Network Coordinator and we’re excited to expand our reach beyond the United States. We’re eager to add his experience and international perspective to the mix.

This week, Tim announced Outspoken: Conversations on Church Communications. It will be a collection of short essays from Tim and over 50 church communication professionals, each focusing on their area of passion or expertise.

Already on board are names like Shawn Wood, Phil Cooke, Jon Acuff, Tony Morgan and Ben Arment.

The book is expected to arrive this winter and will be available in both printed and electronic versions. We hope it will become a guide and staple for anyone looking to re-imagine the way they communicate the gospel. Follow Tim’s blog or Twitter feed for continuing Outspoken updates, or you can follow Outspoken on Twitter @OUTSPOKENbook or “Like” it on Facebook for the latest.

The Chapel – Chicago
The Chapel is doing some incredible work in the Chicagoland area and have leveraged great marketing ideas, social media, and the web to effectively reach thousands. They have an active presence on most social networks, ranging from a Facebook group for their singles ministry to a staff Twitter directory.
On the web: http://www.chapel.org

Ottumwa Bridge – Ottumwa, Iowa
Led by Marty Schmidt, this church has done a lot with a very small budget. They have a great website and lead pastor Marty’s blog serves as one of the primary points of communication for the church. They are growing exponentially in a tough place for church growth, with a minuscule budget.
On the web: http://ottumwabridge.org

Read more about what a Firestarter is and how churches were selected and view the full list of the 2010 Firestarters.

Guts Church – Tulsa, Okla.
They have a long standing reputation for community relations. Any time their is a community disaster, Guts Church is there to help. Additionally, Guts Church has volunteers throughout the city helping in schools and many other organizations.
On the web: http://www.gutschurch.com

Grace Church – McKean, Penn.
They’re using a fresh voice and simple clarity to personalize communication and alleviate the noise and chaos of traditional “broadcast” promotions. Also, they’re partnering with the mayor’s office and major nonprofits to ‘Serve Erie’ and have a diverse management team (in experience and age). They’re innovative without significant resources.
On the web: http://whoisgrace.com

Read more about what a Firestarter is and how churches were selected and come back all week as we reveal the rest of the 2010 Firestarters.

Park Community Church – Chicago
They are incredibly forward thinking in their communications, transitioning away from a bulletin to an email/web/texting/social media structure that gets the info out much more efficiently and effectively.
On the web: http://www.parkcommunitychurch.org

Waterfront Community Church – Schaumburg, Ill.
They give away 100% of their Sunday offering to serve and love people in their community. This move has allowed them to take down barriers that exist between the church and it’s community. They have chosen to love their neighborhood and give sacrificially with what is brought in through tithes and offerings. Local media has taken notice and Waterfront has taken great strides to advance the gospel in Schaumburg.
On the web: http://waterfrontcc.com

Read more about what a Firestarter is and how churches were selected and come back all week as we reveal the rest of the 2010 Firestarters.

BridgeWay Church – Oklahoma City, Okla.
Their Worship & Arts communication and community is a definite highlight. There is a highly connected, inter-generational community of artists that bring a distinctive feel to this church. They communicate the gospel through home church groups and Celebration Sunday, and also through projects within the art community.
On the web: http://www.bridgewaychurch.com & http://brandnewmountainspeeches.com

Mission Community Church – Gilbert, Ariz.
This is a church focused on the raising up the vision of Micah 6:8 as their mission. They are doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God. They recently opened a brand new facility and for their grand opening did an amazing kick off to this new season in their church. Mission Community Church has been a part of rescuing girls out of the sex trade locally in the Phoenix area and globally in places like Fiji. They’re huge on putting flesh and bones to the gospel while helping people find their spiritual shape as they build relationships.
On the web: http://www.mission68.org & http://www.mission68.org/_grand-opening

Read more about what a Firestarter is and how churches were selected and come back all week as we reveal the rest of the 2010 Firestarters.

Bloom – St. Paul, Minn.
They have a fresh approach to church branding. They launched a young, hip and sophisticated  church brand for young adults in the politically-charged Twin Cities. The brand appeal has been attracting creatives to the new church plant since its launch in the fall of 2009.
On the web: http://whybloom.com

The Gateway Church – Des Moines, Iowa
They desire to join with God in the renewal of all things, namely Des Moines. The design flows into the building that they use. The preaching flows into the small group materials. It all works. They are reaching a community of believers (ages 20-35) exceptionally well, in a time when this age group is leaving the church in droves.
On the web: http://thegatewaychurch.com

Read more about what a Firestarter is and how churches were selected and come back all week as we reveal the rest of the 2010 Firestarters.

As an organization, we wanted to spotlight churches that are doing it right. We wanted to celebrate gospel communication in all its forms: from printed brochures to websites, from Facebook ad campaigns to beautiful logos, we want to celebrate the intersection of design and inspiration in connecting people to God’s message, to Jesus.

It’s not a contest or award ceremony. It’s not about bragging or showing off. It’s not about winners and losers. It’s about celebrating churches that have ignited ideas and sparked brilliant communication. The hope is that this project will fan the flame and spread those creative embers to other church communicators.

Welcome to Firestarter.

Our new project catalyst, Justin Wise, has been working hard on this project and the 2010 Firestarters will be announced on Monday, July 5. Read more about Firestarter.