First launched in 2010 under the direction of Justin Wise, we’re thrilled to see Firestarter return. This new incarnation of Firestarter is led by Adam Legg, communications director at ChangePoint in Anchorage, Alaska. Firestarter is a way to recognize 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. Read more about Firestarter.

“James is way over-qualified for this role, so we’re lucky to have him,” Brad says. “This is a good step toward getting the right systems, structure and redundancy in place as things grow.”

James is the COO/CFO at Monk Development and a pastor in San Diego. You can read his full bio here.

We also need to say goodbye and thanks to out-going board members Maurilio Amorim, Dawn Nicole Baldwin, Scott McClellan and Kent Shaffer. We’re thankful for their leadership and wish them the best going forward.

A sophomore in college at the time, the experience caused Darrell to drop his youth ministry major and switch to business administration with a focus in marketing (he eventually ended up with a pastoral studies degree).

“I remember that being a shaping moment in the pursuit of my career,” Darrell says. “I remember thinking, ‘They are communicating very clearly what I am seeing and experiencing.’”

Fast forward to 2012 and Darrell is doing social media and communication for Shoreline Church, a new church plant launching in September that’s reaching out to a community that’s 90% unchurched.

“I look back at that moment and am amazed at the journey that was initiated that day in my dorm room,” Darrell says.

Do you have a story of how the Center for Church Communication has helped you? Or do you want to help your fellow church communicators? Connect with us to share your story or volunteer to help.

Anthony started working at the Rock in 2006. He started with six years of marketing experience but this was his first time at a church. He soon found that there was little research or examples of church marketing. He couldn’t understand why other churches hadn’t invested more resources in this effort. Then he came across a blog post on Church Marketing Sucks that challenged churches to see that communicating the greatest story every told is worth investing in.

“I knew then I had to play my part in helping the church return to its position of influence and relevance,” Anthony says. “So I accepted the role of a trailblazer.” In years since, the Rock has invested more resources to build their brand and have become a model for other churches. “Not that we have it all figured out, because we are still learning,” says Anthony. “But we are willing share what we know.”

He adds, “I’m thankful to work for a church and leadership team that understands the value of marketing and branding. That has given us the latitude to try new ideas, take risks and think differently.”

“Church Marketing Sucks inspired my career,” Anthony says. “It has been a wealth of information and insight to help me do a better job and make informed decisions.” When he started at the Rock, he thought his marketplace experience would give him an edge in church marketing. “The marketplace should be learning from the church,” Anthony says. “I’m convinced that Jesus was the greatest living marketer of all time and we can benefit from following his example. My career has changed because I now know biblical marketing.”

Do you have a story of how the Center for Church Communication has helped you? Or do you want to help your fellow church communicators? Connect with us to share your story or volunteer to help.

“As an organization that has delivered thousands of breakthrough moments—those key sparks that frustrate, educate and motivate the church to communicate, with uncompromising clarity, the truth of Jesus Christ—we believe there is even more to be done.”

Download the Report:

• CFCC 2011 Annual Report (PDF, 3.1 MB, 16 pages)

More Than 60 Church Marketing Gurus Contribute to New Book, Outspoken

Sept. 15, 2011 (Los Angeles) – Center for Church Communication (CFCC) and its flagship blog, Church Marketing Sucks, release their first book, Outspoken: Conversations on Church Communication. Featuring more than 60 church marketing experts, Outspoken is a first of its kind resource for church leaders and communicators.

“The church has the greatest story ever told,” says CFCC founder Brad Abare, “And we need more help than ever to communicate it.”

Outspoken brings together some of the leading voices that are impacting and shaping the way churches communicate, including:

• Jon Acuff, author of Stuff Christians Like and CNN contributor
• Leonard Sweet, professor, author and one of the “50 Most Influential Christians in America”
• Kem Meyer, author and communications director at Granger Community Church
• Phil Cooke, Hollywood producer and author of Branding Faith
• Charles Lee, Idea Camp founder and compassionary

Published by the Center for Church Communication, the nonprofit parent organization of Church Marketing Sucks, Outspoken is comprised of over 70 short essays covering a variety of topics related to church communication, including branding, design, leadership, technology, creativity, outreach and more.

“When you can reach millions of people with the click of a mouse, you have a tremendous responsibility,” says Outspoken editor and CFCC co-director Tim Schraeder. “It’s time churches take the opportunity and resources God has given them and communicate his story in a way that connects.”

Outspoken will release on Sept. 15, 2011, at the STORY conference in Chicago, an event that draws 1,000 church creatives. Additionally, the book will be featured by the Willow Creek Association, Catalyst, Pastors.com, Hillsong, ChurchLeaders.com, Outreach and more during the initial launch.

Outspoken will be available in print and Kindle format on Amazon with a portion of sales benefiting Creative Missions, an annual ‘missions trip’ for church creatives. Learn more about Outspoken by visiting www.OutspokenBook.com.

Founded in 2004, the Center for Church Communication is a firebrand of church communicators, sparking churches to communicate the gospel clearly, effectively and without compromise. The organization’s most visible project is Church Marketing Sucks, the church communications blog with coverage in the Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age, How Magazine, The Boston Herald and more.

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Phil will continue his production and media work with Cooke Pictures and TWC Films. You can follow Phil’s latest exploits on his blog.

Cynthia is focusing on her new position at Pepperdine University. You can keep up with her on Twitter.

We want to thank Phil and Cynthia for their leadership, wisdom and many contributions to CFCC and the wider church marketing community over the years.

But seven years later we are thrilled to announce the release of our first book, Outspoken: Conversations on Church Communication. Over a year in the making, Outspoken is a collaborative book featuring more than 60 experts in church communication. The book covers a range of topics, including general marketing, leadership, creativity, design, web, writing and more.

In partnership with the STORY Conference in Chicago, Outspoken will release on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011. Learn more from the announcement on Church Marketing Sucks or by visiting OutspokenBook.com.

Michael is stepping down from his role as creative director here at the Center for Church Communication (CFCC) and specifically the leader of the Church Marketing Lab. Danielle Hartland will have some big shoes to fill as she steps up to lead the Church Marketing Lab. While this transition is bittersweet, the leadership team of CFCC could not be more thrilled to have Danielle on board.

Joshua Cody is moving on from his role as associate editor (a title that barely covers all the work Josh has done around here).

We’re sad to see both these guys go but we’re happy for them to be moving on to bigger and better things. The Center for Church Communication would not be where it is today without the contributions of both these guys. With the foundation of their selfless efforts, we hope CFCC can continue to make progress in our mission to help the church communicate better.

Both have their own thoughts to share…

The Experiment Continues: Michael Buckingham
Michael Buckingham penned his own goodbye and expresses fond wishes for the future below. When we first launched the Church Marketing Lab it wasn’t our efforts that made it work, but the tireless work of people like Michael that made it hum. We hope to keep Michael around doing guest posts, so this isn’t a forever goodbye. You can keep up with Michael on Twitter, follow his continuing work with Holy Cow Creative and read his blog, Jesus Hates Papyrus. Thanks Michael.

When we first launched the Church Marketing Lab, in 2006 it was an experiment. There was a need to connect, mentor and resource artists within the church and the lab has been our answer to that.

That experiment has grown from the moment we flipped the switch on. That community is now just shy of 5,000 members.

As the community has grown, so have the needs. While Flickr has taken care of us, we’ve known for awhile that it could not be our permanent home. When Tim and Justin came in as co-directors, one of the big pushes was to make the Church Marketing Lab a top priority for CFCC. So for the last three months all the moving parts have been pumping away, there have been some great conversations and I’m honored to make the announcement that our very own Danielle Hartland will be taking the helm as champion for what is ahead for the Church Marketing Lab.

Of course for those of you involved in the Church Marketing Lab, this probably isn’t big news as Danielle was instrumental in transitions last year in allowing the community to lead the community and has been a leading voice in the lab since then in her role as Church Marketing Lab project leader. But do please give her a very warm welcome, much love and much support.

I continue to be impressed by the community and the members progression in their art. While I’m not steering this boat anymore you’ll still see me around and I will always remain available to the artist as they continue to sharpen their craft. You are a beautiful gift to the bride of Christ, the church.

A Thanks and Fair Well: Joshua Cody
Joshua Cody posted his fair well over on Church Marketing Sucks. He’s been our get-it-done guy for many years now and we’re not sure how we’ll continue to get things done without him. We hope he’ll toss us the occasional guest post as well. You can follow the continuing adventures of Joshua Cody on Twitter and his blog. Thanks Josh.

Be sure to read Josh’s A Thanks and Fair Well on Church Marketing Sucks.

• 2010 Annual Report (PDF, 4.3 MB, 18 pages)

The 2010 annual report includes an overview of CFCC, the projects we offer, the leadership team and the current financial reports as well as a summary of financial reports since our beginning in 2006.