Turning Conversations Into Connections: Church Marketing Strategies That Work

When it comes to reaching people in your community, church marketing strategies can feel overwhelming—or even unspiritual. But what if inviting people to church wasn’t just about events and ads, but about meaningful conversations that opened doors for the gospel?

That’s what I explored with Brady Sticker, founder of Church Candy, on the

Nexus Church Planting Podcast. Brady’s team has helped over 1,000 churches connect more than 300,000 people to local congregations using simple, effective digital strategies. His mission? To connect 1 million people to local churches.

Watch the Replay

From Chiropractors to Churches

Brady didn’t set out to be a marketing guy for churches. While in Bible college, he worked with his dad’s company running Facebook and Instagram ads for chiropractors. But God stirred his heart with a thought: “If this works for chiropractors, why not for churches?”

He tested it with his own church plant in Houston. The first attempt was a bust—$500 spent, zero people showed up. But persistence paid off. After tweaking the strategy, they began seeing new faces walk through the doors. Other pastors noticed and asked for help, and eventually, Church Candy was born.

Coffee with the Pastor: A Church Marketing Strategy That Connects

One of the most powerful church marketing strategies Brady shared was surprisingly simple: run an ad inviting people to grab coffee.

Here’s why it works:

• Lower barrier: People who are hesitant to walk into a church building may be willing to meet for coffee.

• Real connection: A conversation with a pastor feels personal, not transactional.

• High ROI: Brady shared the story of a church planter who added 70 families to their launch team in just one month using this approach.

  
  

It’s not always easy. These conversations take time. But for church planters and pastors with a heart for people, the fruit is undeniable.

Plan Your Visit Ads: A Proven Church Marketing Strategy

For established churches, Brady recommends “Plan Your Visit” campaigns. Instead of only inviting people to services, the strategy focuses on:

• Short, authentic video invites with multiple angles (family-focused, community-focused, faith-focused).

• Simple B-roll footage—smiles in the lobby, greeters waving, worship moments—that looks like a real Instagram Reel, not a commercial.

• Follow-up through personal texts or even short video messages from pastors.

  
  

As Brady said, “It’s not the ads that change lives. It’s the pastor who follows up and makes people feel seen.”

The Power of Follow-Up

Too often, churches run ads but drop the ball on next steps. Brady told the story of a woman who nearly skipped church until a pastor sent her a personal video invite. That single act of intentional follow-up turned her into a committed member of the church.

“People can’t always tell the difference between being loved and being heard. So make them feel both.”

Church growth isn’t just about getting clicks—it’s about pursuing people, following up, and plugging them into community.

Mission Over Methods

At the heart of Church Candy is a value every pastor can adopt: mission over methods. Whether you call it digital ministry, marketing, or outreach, the label doesn’t matter. What matters is the fruit—lives changed, families restored, people meeting Jesus.

Brady summed it up this way: “There’s never been a better time to be in ministry because of the tools we have today. We can reach people we never could before.”

Expanding Your Reach

In today’s digital age, churches have more tools than ever to connect with their communities. Social media platforms, email newsletters, and community events can all serve as powerful outreach methods.

Consider hosting online events. Virtual gatherings can attract individuals who may not feel comfortable attending in person. This approach allows for a broader reach and can engage people from various backgrounds.

Leveraging Social Media

Social media is a vital tool for churches. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can help share your message and connect with potential visitors. Regular posts, engaging stories, and live streams can create a sense of community online.

Email Newsletters

Email newsletters are another effective way to keep your congregation informed and engaged. Regular updates about events, sermons, and community outreach can help maintain a connection with both current and prospective members.

Final Word

If you’re a church planter trying to build a launch team or a pastor leading an established church ready for renewal, don’t overlook the potential of digital outreach. With the right church marketing strategies, you can turn online views into real-life conversations that lead people to Christ and into the family of God.

To learn more, check out ChurchCandy.com.