How can the church promote itself?

In an effort to improve attendance, churches are being urged to highlight the social side of services to attract successful people in their thirties and forties.

According to one of the suggested advertising campaigns, traditional approaches such as showing Jesus on the cross and Bible quotations are a turn-off to non-churchgoers.

Instead, advertisers say churches should highlight their community life, the chance to have a good "sing", hear a good sermon and have a heart-to-heart chat.

Do churches need such an advertising campaign ? Would the new campaign get you back to church? Send us your comments.

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The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

Your reaction:

To say that the Church in the UK is in decline is incorrect. Maybe the Church of England is with their present internal problems. I found Jesus Christ as my saviour thirty years ago and I know of churches with 500+ strong and many with 100+. I know compared to some countries these totals are small. With a population of over 60 million we have over 3 million active Christians and that is not counting the main line churches. God is not concerned with buildings but with the heart.
Barry Scott, UK

Back in the "good old days" when priests could scare the living daylights out of the people by preaching hellfire and damnation, folks simply didn't know any better. If the church wants to promote itself, the only option is to be honest - "We don't have the ultimate truth - but we can live and promote peace, understanding and compassion."
Daniela, Germany

Religion has been used to control people, but no longer - at least in the civilised world - we know that religion has lost its grip and has no place in the governance of our country. It is high time a winding up order was served on the religious establishment.
Rick Hough, UK

16 years of Catholic schooling and I turned out to be an atheist. The harder the church pushes itself, the further away I want to be.
Andrew S, USA

When it comes down to it, it's not a matter of advertising making the church more appealing. The message the church was always supposed to convey was Christ dying on the cross for our sins and rising again, and that if repent of our sins and put our faith in Jesus, we'll have eternal life. Some people, no matter what kind advertising the church uses, simply will not believe that, and some will.
Ryan, USA

It isn't just about Sunday service Jack Higgs, UK

The Church needs to take an active role in the community again. It isn't just about Sunday service, vicars should be there to support people in need and the Church needs to go into places like schools and colleges to promote themselves.
Jack Higgs, UK

I find it so odd to be reading that Christianity is going through such a struggle in the UK when it is flourishing so strongly here in the States. Since we are such similar societies, it isn't a question of literacy, education or wealth - so how did the UK lose its soul? Perhaps it is the integral part of religion in American history, I'm not sure. Regardless, I find it sad for our British cousins that they reject what we consider to be such a blessing.
Elizabeth Petty, Atlanta, USA

My agnostic parents sent me to a CofE junior school. The school forced us to go to church at least once a week, and we were made to feel guilty if we didn't go even more frequently than that. The neuroses, hypocrisy and lies that I experienced there put me off church-going (and Christianity) for life. If the church were to practise what it preaches, then perhaps more would attend. Personally, however, I think that the whole religion contains fundamental philosophical flaws, which no amount of PR or spin could fix!
Dave Hodgson, USA (ex-England)

A lot needs to be done to encourage people to go back to church Alison, UK

I grew up in a tight knit Catholic community, where the masses were engaging - the hymns were great, and sometimes we had this great old Dutch bishop whose sermons were full of fire and brimstone (much fun when we were kids). At secondary school we had a great chaplain, who was as much a friend as a spiritual guider and encouraged us to question our beliefs. Now, as an adult, I find masses dull - the hymns are droning and the sermons tedious. The priests are unapproachable and unfriendly. A lot needs to be done to encourage people to go back to church.
Alison, UK

Living in a multi-cultural society has made us aware that the Christian way isn't the only 'true' way. We need to find a more universalist approach to spirituality, drawing on the common points of all the great religious traditions. Then, maybe, we can ditch the organised church and enjoy a more enlightened existence.
David, London, UK

As a regular churchgoer I think that an advertising campaign is just what the church doesn't need. The church simply needs to get its message across clearly through its practice and example. If people do not like the church's practice and example - that's their own choice.
Tim Saunders, New Zealand

I stopped going to church when I realised that the music and the social life was more important than the faith. Where were the churches during the miner's strike? The unemployment of the 90s? The run up to the Iraq war? The church has to sell its real wares, the message of Christ crucified and risen, the idea of love and compassion for all. And it has to be seen putting it into practice, making government uncomfortable, changing the world around them. That will get people to take them seriously, not marketing. By their deeds thou shalt know them.
Bob Harvey, Lincs, UK

The marketing should focus on the choices available Tanya Wrycraft, UK

I recently started attending my parents church to get on the electoral role in order to marry there. When we started attending, it was a real drag, but I now really enjoy it. Church is a personal choice, and the thing which made it special for me was everyone's welcoming attitude, and also the vicar himself. He is friendly and approachable, whilst our local one is rude and uninviting! My advice, is try it out. Attend different types of services. The marketing should focus on the choices available, rather than the one big church umbrella.
Tanya Wrycraft, UK

You either have faith or you don't. I find the Church irrelevant to modern life and can't think that a marketing campaign will persuade me otherwise. And all those fellas in frocks - I've always found the dressing up side a bit suspect.
Debbie, UK

The church would attract more people if it made it obvious it didn't want to turn everyone into Christians. Churches are potentially great places for the meeting of minds and debates, but people like me think they won't be accepted because they'll have to believe everything the bible says and not have sex before marriage etc.
Tim, UK

Why not advertise? Why not modernise the singing style? If the best music and the most life changing ideas were happening in church, then you could not keep people away. Sure, change the style. But throw out Christ and the bible? Then the church is nothing, and has nothing to offer. You need revival - a turning of hearts to God -- not an advertising campaign. Prayer is needed, not money. Its not the numbers that count.
Kathy Willsea, USA

You're better off going back to fire and brimstone Russ, UK

I think Christianity has lost a lot of its dignity and that's why it has lost support. Look at Islam - there's no way it's as friendly to outsiders, yet its growing because it commands respect. Tea and sing-songs don't cut it - you're better off going back to fire and brimstone.
Russ, UK

The church can no longer frighten people into attending, as they have done for centuries. It's simply a reflection of a more modern and realistic way of life. People don't believe in all that religious mumbo jumbo anymore. Sure, some of the values represented by the church are fine and should be applauded, but we don't need to believe in some higher being to live a good life.
Gary, England

As a regular church goer and Christian the church should stop trying to be trendy and go back its core values. I'm all for ordained women priests, but please, no more 'happy clappy' churches were you wonder what on earth is going on with all the arm waving, clapping and kissy kissy attitudes and services take forever. Lets have simple dignified services, that all can relate to.
Peter Sykes, UK

Free booze. It works everywhere. Alfred, Gibraltar

Free booze. It works everywhere. (They invented the idea themselves and then they changed the ceremony so that only the priest gets the wine. No wonder we feel cheated.)
Alfred, Gibraltar

I was bought up going to church and was in the choir for 10 years. I then had my son and I found that once he was toddling around and became difficult to keep quiet during the prayers etc I was getting dirty looks from people and i felt completely unwelcome. I persisted in going until I saw the vicar point his fingers at my son in a "gun" stance and pretended to "shoot" him, whilst smiling at other people in the congregation. I left, and have never taken my son again. He is now 11. So, for any adverts to work, they would have to convince me that ALL people were welcome and that we would have an enjoyable time
Ursula Arnold, Wales

In Edinburgh they've already worked out how to pack people into churches every day: turn them into bars.
Mike Holmes, Scotland

It does need an new image - perhaps one of tolerance, of understanding and of treating all others with respect might be a good start. There are far too many zealots who are too confident in their own interpretation of the Bible - and who don't consider alternatives - who are driving people away. The basic commandment of loving one another as we love ourselves doesn't leave much for misinterpretation and it should start from there.
Ken, Scotland

People who don't want to go to church won't flock in because of a advert James, UK

Advertising won't make any difference. People who don't want to go to church won't flock in because of a advert. People who say the bible is out of date are wrong. Who are we to question Gods commandments? If God says he hates something who are we to say its old fashioned and its OK to have gay bishops? Mind you saying that who are we to judge anybody? I guess if you're happy with your religion then that's good. I try to follow the bible and think my life is better for it, and if god says he hates something I try to hate it too.! Not always easy in the permissive society we live in.!
James, UK

It is interesting to look at the statistics for churches in decline, compared to those that are steady or increasing. The thing is that it is the churches that are more social than spiritual, or accepting than dogmatic who are the most in decline. The bottom line is that there is better entertainment on the TV, you have a better time with your friends at the pub, and no-one who has anything to do on a Saturday night feels like getting up on a Sunday morning. In fact - if it wasn't for the fact that the God of the universe wanted me there, I don't think I'd go.
Rhys Lewis, United Kingdom

Sounds great as God wants spiritual fruits; not religious nuts.
Chris Taylor, UK

I am a bit daunted by the "Communion" or "Sung Eucharist" options Sue, UK

I do my bit, cleaning the village church and helping out at the local fete. I want very much to go to church, more than just Christmas and special religious occasions, but I am a bit daunted by the "Communion" or "Sung Eucharist" options, which I don't understand, and daren't ask about because I fear being thought an ignorant heathen! I went to chapel as a child, and we had services every morning at school, but I still need that bit of an encouraging push to walk into a near empty building on a Sunday, and join in. Yes, please, would someone say "please come, we'd love to see you" - and I'll be there!
Sue, UK

A famous comedian (Lenny Bruce?!) once said, "Every day, more and more people are leaving church and returning to God." Kind of sums it up for me.
Jonathan, Leeds, UK

As an ex-employee at a Christian radio station I can assure you that I would never go to church - ad campaign or not - until the hypocrisy, prejudice and judgement was removed. The fact is, if you're not a fellow Christian then you're not good enough.
Steve Parkin, UK

No amount of advertising would get me back to church. I'm completely sick of them after the Jeffrey John scandal. Until they end their blatant discrimination I won't be back.
Christopher Anton, Birmingham, UK

Actions speak louder than words Keith, England

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the Bible taught that actions speak louder than words and that to attract people you should do the stuff? Show me a church that, through actions, is reflecting the New testament and I guarantee you that it is a flourishing church that doesn't need any gimmicks, spin, sound bites or clever poster campaign!
Keith, England

It is difficult to know what to do really. The Church IS in decline, and has to get its message out. It is also a fact that generally peoples attention span is short, and so the message has to be 'snappy'. To people who are already Christians, the Cross is a glorious symbol, but the 'advertising' is not aimed at them. I feel that this is a case when the right or wrong of it will depend on its success or failure.
Richard, UK

All Church, All the time
Scott, Scotland

Seeing as we now have gay vicars, it wouldn't surprise me to see a float in the Mardi-gras.
Sam, Netherlands

If I were a churchgoer I'd rather be in a congregation of 10 committed Christians, than 100 people there for tea and biscuits with a bit of a sing-song Bob Stevens, UK

So the best way to get people into church is to promote them as some mildly religious social club. If I were a churchgoer I'd rather be in a congregation of 10 committed Christians, than 100 people there for tea and biscuits with a bit of a sing-song. Churches are dying, whether this is by falling attendances - or diluting the religion the end result will be the same.
Bob Stevens, UK

The Church is in league with marketing people? My word, they are the modern-day version of the biblical tax collectors but more exploitative. No wonder the Church has falling attendance figures.
Toby, Spain

I'm sure that "Christianity Light" would sell well but you can't really get you around the faith and commitments that are the foundations of Christian belief. People are now too sceptical of the scriptures that are now so frequently at odds with what we have scientifically proven that few people can truly have faith and belief in the way that it is required.
Phillip Holley, UK

As we have lost all sight of what Christianity is all about lets get Disney in to run the Church Gerry, Scotland

Oh dear, does the sight of the crucifixion remind too many people of their own inhumanity to their fellow human beings. God forbid we should let that happen. As we have lost all sight of what Christianity is all about lets get Disney in to run the Church!!!!
Gerry, Scotland

It seems odd that the Church should consider loosing the icon of Jesus on the cross, after all He is an integral part of Christianity, surely all those who objected to the appointment of a gay Bishop would again be up in arms. Or would this be OK in their eyes?
DW, UK

The decline of organised religion is a reflection of social changes. Isn't the core issue whether you believe in God or not? While I respect others right to practice their faith there is nothing the church could do to persuade me as a non believer to participate in what to me is a pointless activity.
Eileen, UK

In recent weeks we've seen how dogmatic the church has been and its reluctance to move with the times. This is a fundamental barrier to young believers who a probably a little loser in their interpretation of their faith.
Wendy, UK

We need to go to where the people are Andrew Beacham, England, UK

As a regular churchgoer, I only know the insider's view. The Church as a whole needs to realise that people don't and probably won't come into 'church'. Rather, we need to go to where the people are and show the reality of God and Jesus to them through the witness of our own lives. That's what will make an impact on people.
Andrew Beacham, England, UK

Religion as I understand it is a personal spiritual choice that comes from within every individual's heart. The idea of marketing the Church so that it is "more fun" is as ridiculous as having to pay to enter some churches in central London.
Monica, London, UK

I don't think the advertising campaigns will have any effect. Many people don't come to church any more because they don't see it primarily as a place of encounter with God. There is a lot of interest in so-called spirituality, much of it vague, confused and inconsistent; churches would to well to remind people that they claim to offer the "real thing".
Daniel, UK

The church should continue to promote truth Simon, England

The church should continue to promote truth and justice, and be a voice for the weak and vulnerable.
Simon, England

I think the community spirit and 'sing song' is a very good side to the church. However we mustn't forget the point of churches- to promote Christianity and the belief in God.
Matt Seymour, UK

Christ dieing on the cross is so basic a part of Christian belief in the tenet of forgiveness that ignoring it or removing it from church services would be the equivalent of down-grading Christianity to an irrelevance.
George Riggeling, Scotland

As far as I am concerned, I wouldn't return to the church until it brings its policies in-line with current society. The Church is several hundred years behind the rest of society.
Aled, UK

As a Christian I think it's a good idea to advertise the fact that the church is here Nick Broom, England

As a Christian I think it's a good idea to advertise the fact that the church is here. Where I go it's exciting and fun and a great place to meet with people and to share our thoughts. Would it not benefit society for us to attend church and think about things that are a bit deeper than shopping?
Nick Broom, England

Why do you need the Church to worship or to believe in God? There is need for faith not religion.
John Sterianos, South Africa (Living in London)

In my opinion, Church's programmes should touch people's heart and mind. For example, national problems like asylum and people's personal agenda like how to be healthy. If we concentrate on such activities in our church I believe that many will participate in its programmes.
Krishna Acharya, UK

The public shouldn't believe all they see and hear in the press. The church of Jesus Christ is alive and well and living in the UK in many different varieties of style! Advertising may well encourage people to go into a church but surely unless their hearts are open to what they experience; it will be a one-off visit.
Susie, UK

As a child I was brought up to believe Jesus was good and would not allow suffering in this world, he will also accept everyone regardless of colour or gender. As I have got older I have seen small children die of cancer, starvation in the third world countries, churches not accepting gay people. How can this be when Jesus is supposed to accept all and not allow suffering? Until someone explains this to me I will not visit a church regardless of how large their advertising campaign may be.
Sarah, UK

The basic elements of Christianity will never die out Steve Fricker, Hampshire, England

The basic elements of Christianity will never die out; such as the idea of being good to one another and treating others as you would expect to be treated yourself. However, the thing that is killing off church attendances is the embarrassment one feels in going to church. I went to a wedding the other year and the vicar started playing (badly) a guitar and people started clapping. Call me fickle and old fashioned, but that is not an acceptable activity to many people.
Steve Fricker, Hampshire, England

The simple truth is that religion breeds on misery. Who needs God when times are prosperous? People nowadays are guided by their own morality rather than that of the churches, and the recent sex scandals that have plagued the faith of late have hardly helped improve its declining image.
Michael Watson, Doncaster, UK

I think one of the best ideas is to reintroduce religion to schools, at as young an age as possible. If children are better educated in Christianity, they can be brought up to respect it even if they don't believe in it. How many people these days have actually read the Bible? Naturally minority groups should be presented the option to miss out on this, but essentially it should be compulsory.
Jon, England

The church needs to realise that it no longer is the pillar of society that it used to be. People realise they have a choice now, and most seemingly do not choose the way of the church. Religion in the western world is a dying fad, soon to be defunct.
Simon Chriscoli, UK

Church attendances were at their height when people felt that the church offered real support Kathy, UK

Church attendances were at their height when people felt that the church offered real support. Today's problems have changed. People worry about debt not eternal hell. They lose sleep because they are stressed out, not because they haven't been to confession. Attendances will go back up when the church shows that it can still help. Unfortunately I don't think the will or the ability to adapt exists in the church infrastructure.
Kathy, UK

My Husband is Catholic, and as such it was necessary to attend 'marriage lessons' and church services (he didn't attend church very often) in the months running up to the wedding. The priest at the time was a lovely man, who made me feel very welcome in the church even though i wasn't catholic. No pressure was put on me to be religious and i actually enjoyed going. Recently the church has appointed a new young priest and suddenly the pressure is on, asking me questions about my faith, etc, so i backed off and no longer go. Apparently he is refusing to baptise children unless their parents attend on a regular basis. Is this really the way forward?
Amanda, England