churchrelevance.com

QUESTION:
Are the logos on your website copyrighted? We are looking for a logo for the church I attend and found one on the site we really like. Is it something we can use?
- Jaime :: Wisconsin

ANSWER
You may absolutely not use the logos highlighted on Church Relevance’s top church logos list. Here is why:

1. Copyright Law (indicates authorship/creation)
   The logos are copyrighted and using them is illegal. Copyright gives the creator of an original work certain exclusive rights on the usage of the work. Logo designers have federal copyright as soon as the logo is created. The logo does not need a copyright notice or to be registered.
2. Trademark Law (indicates origin)
   The logos are trademarked at varying degrees and using them is illegal. A trademark gives its owner exclusive rights to a specific name, symbol, logo, or combination of these items.
3. It misrepresents you.
   Your logo should communicate one or a few unique qualities about your church. Copying another church’s logo is almost certainly like pursuing another church’s unique calling. There is a good chance you would misrepresent yourself or at least not reach your full branding potential.
4. It misrepresents the other church.
   If you copy another church’s logo, you dilute their brand by associating your church brand with their logo. It also risks confusion, which may, particularly on the Internet, blend the two churches’ true identities or messages.

Ideally, a church should have its own custom logo. Good custom branding can be a powerful thing.

Of course, legally using a high quality premade logo does not mean your church will fail. In fact, I have seen many successful church sub-ministries share a logo. Oneighty (Tulsa, OK) used to franchise their youth ministry brand (e.g., FL, KS, TN, WI).

The key is to have a high quality logo that reflects your brand and is used with consistency throughout your church communications.

As a disclaimer, I am not an expert so please do not take my opinion or any opinions in the comments as legal advice.

For Discussion:
- Did I miss anything?
- What do you think about using another church’s logo?

If you have a question you want Church Relevance to answer, submit it via our Q+A form.

QUESTION:
Where can I find an extensive list of all Christian denominations and what they believe in?
-Seb :: Australia

ANSWER:
According to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, there exist roughly 39,000 Christian denominations worldwide in 2008. That is up from 500 Christian denominations in 1800, and the number is expected to grow to 55,000 by 2025.

Currently, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary estimates that a new Christian denomination is formed every 12 hours.

Wikipedia does a great job listing the largest denominations. Religion Facts compares the major denominations. And the Hartford Institute for Religion Research has links to hundreds of official denominational websites.

Here is a mashup of some their data. Since Church Relevance focuses primarily on Protestantism, I will elaborate on that data.

Catholicism - (1,200,000,000 adherents) Click for beliefs.

• Roman Catholic Church (1,131,000,000) Click for beliefs.

Protestantism - (699,000,000 adherents) Click for beliefs.

• Pentecostalism (129,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Assemblies of God (54,700,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> New Apostolic Church (11,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Foursquare Church (8,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Church of God in Christ (5,490,000) Click for beliefs.
• Baptist (105,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Southern Baptist Convention (16,300,000) Click for beliefs.
• Lutheranism (87,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (4,800,000) Click for beliefs.
• Methodism (75,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> United Methodist Church (12,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> African Methodist Episcopal Church (5,000,000) Click for beliefs.
• Reformed Churches (75,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (3,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> United Church of Christ (1,200,000) Click for beliefs.
• Non-Denominational Evangelicalism (40,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Calvary Chapel (25,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> The Vineyard (15,000,000) Click for beliefs.
• Restorationism (20,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Seventh-day Adventists (15,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Church of Christ (5,000,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (750,000) Click for beliefs.
• Anabaptism (4,500,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Mennonites (1,300,000) Click for beliefs.
  >> Amish (200,000) Click for beliefs.

Eastern Orthodoxy - (260,000,000 adherents) Click for beliefs.

Oriental Orthodox Church - (81,000,000 adherents) Click for beliefs.

Anglicanism - (77,000,000 adherents) Click for beliefs.

• Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. (2,150,000) Click for beliefs.

Nontrinitarianism - (36,000,000 adherents) Click for beliefs.

• Jehovah’s Witnesses (17,670,000) Click for beliefs.
• Mormonism (13,400,000) Click for beliefs.

Nestorianism - (1,000,000 adherents) Click for beliefs.

Obviously, there are significant theological differences between the main branches of Christianity - Catholicism, Protestantism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodox Church, Anglicanism, Nontrinitarianism, and Nestorianism. In fact, many might argue that some denominations are not Christianity at all.

Keep in mind, there are also significant dogmatic differences among churches within each denomination. For example, I know Charismatic Catholics, and I know Charismatic churches that act like Baptists. I know there is a great deal of diversity in the United Methodist Church. And Presbyterians have been divided on homosexuality issues. The list could go on.

The End of Protestant Denominational Identity?

For Protestant churches, asking “What denomination are you?” seems increasingly irrelevant as more churches own their own unique theological DNA. The real question is:

What does your specific church believe?

Since denominations are losing their consistency, some suggest that multi-site churches are the denominations of the future. What do you think is the future of denominations?

If you have a question you want Church Relevance to answer, submit it via our Q+A form.

QUESTION:
What are parents looking for when they visit a church?

My friend says in the past parents were concerned about what a church had to offer their kids and would sacrifice their own interests. He also says today parents are more interested in satisfying their needs.

I don’t know that I agree with this. I see a majority of parents today, more than before, that sacrifice to make sure their kids are taken care of. I think it was true in the past but even truer today.
- James

ANSWER:
There is no black and white answer because there is no universal style of parenting.

Parenting styles vary by culture (i.e., age, race, religion, income, location, education, career, etc.) as well as each parent’s unique personality. It is the infusion of these variables that influence and usually determine each parent’s priorities.

NOT A PRIORITY SHIFT BUT AN INCREASE OF EXPECTATIONS

I believe a greater percentage of parents are looking to find a church that meets both their needs and their kids needs.

I do not think there has been a priority shift. Rather, I believe that parents have increased their expectations.

As technology advances, we become accustomed to having more options and customization, which consequently, causes us to have more expectations. Two centuries ago, parents were likely content to have a church to attend and thrilled if it was the “right” denomination. Obviously, parents have more expectations today.

Parents choosing a church is similar to buying a house. A home buyer may be looking for a home with walk-in closets and a two-car garage, but they may choose a home that is neither because they fall in love with the kitchen.

Some parents want a church that has a great children’s ministry, but they may choose a church because of the congregation’s friendliness or the pastor’s preaching. And other parents may want a church with great small groups, but they may choose a church because the children’s ministry loves their kids and teaches them valuable lessons.

SO WHAT DO PARENTS WANT?

Each parent has their own mix of “wants,” but here is a list of things that every parent seems to like:

• A children’s ministry that makes their kids feel loved.
• A children’s ministry and church with good security.
• A children’s ministry that effectively teaches their kids valuable lessons.
• A children’s ministry that is fun and “wows” their kids.
• A friendly church.
• A church with good preaching.
• A church with good worship.
• A church that makes it easy to make friends.
• A church that offers opportunities to get involved.

For Discussion:
- What do you think parents want in a church?

If you have a question you want Church Relevance to answer, submit it via our Q+A form.

QUESTION:
How many churches are in the U.S. today?
-Julie :: Canada

ANSWER:
According to the book Beyond Megachurch Myths, there were 320,000 Christian U.S. churches in 2007. Of these U.S. churches, 1,250 were megachurches with an average weekend attendance of 2,000 or more.

If you have a question you want Church Relevance to answer, submit it via our Q+A form.

QUESTION:
Do you have any statistics that show the top 5 reasons why people stay or connect with a church?
- Debbie :: California

ANSWER:
In recent years, there have been several research studies hoping to discover what motivates church attendance. I previously blogged about research from LifeWay Research and Gallup. Both of those studies offer good insights but can be general.

My favorite resource on the topic is Thom S. Ranier’s book Surprising Insights from the Unchurched. It discusses the following three surveys.

Top 13 Reasons that Unchurched People Choose a Church
(research conducted by Ranier)

1. 90% - Pastor/Preaching
2. 88% - Doctrines
3. 49% - Friendliness of Members
4. 42% - Other Issues
5. 41% - Someone Church Witnessed to Me
6. 38% - Family Member
7. 37% - Sensed God’s Presence/Atmosphere of Church
8. 25% - Relationship Other than Family Member
9. 25% - Sunday School Class
10. 25% - Children’s/Youth Ministry
11. 12% - Other Groups/Ministries
12. 11% - Worship Style/Music
13. 7% - Location

Top 9 Reasons that Church-Attenders Choose a Church
(research conducted by the Barna Group in 1999)

1. 58% - Doctrine/Theology
2. 53% - People Caring for Each Other
3. 52% - Preaching
4. 45% - Friendliness
5. 45% - Children’s Programs
6. 43% - Helping the Poor
7. 36% - Denomination
8. 35% - Like the Pastor
9. 26% - Sunday School

Top 6 Things that Keep the Formerly Unchurched Active in the Church
(research conducted by Ranier)

1. 62% - Ministry Involvement
2. 55% - Sunday School
3. 54% - Obedience to God
4. 49% - Fellowship of Members
5. 38% - Pastor/Preaching
6. 14% - Worship Services

The statistics speak for themselves. Overall, doctrine, the pastor and his preaching, and the friendliness and fellowship of the congregation are the most influential qualities.

For Discussion:
- Subjectively speaking, what do you think are the top reasons why people stay or connect with a church?

If you have a question you want Church Relevance to answer, submit it via our Q+A form.

QUESTION:
What should I say in a welcome speech to a new pastor and his family?
- Justin :: Louisiana

ANSWER:
My advice is speak from your heart and be honest. Accentuate on the positives, and if there aren’t any, maybe you shouldn’t say anything at all. If I was a new pastor, some things I would love to hear are:

• We are glad you are here.
• We support you.
• This is exciting!
• Is there anything we can do to help you?
• Do you have any questions?
• Thank you for coming to serve our church.

Remember that there is power in whatever words you choose to say. As Proverbs 18:21 (The Message) says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit - you choose.” I recommend using this opportunity to give your new pastor heartfelt support and encouragement.

For Discussion:
- Do you have any tips on giving a welcome speech to a new pastor?

If you have a question you want Church Relevance to answer, submit it via our Q+A form.

QUESTION:
As a lay-leader in my church, I have recently found out how poorly our senior pastor treats most of the other staff “behind the scenes.” Two of the staff members are thinking of quitting.

He is very good at manipulating information and opinions, so I am not sure how our elders board would react if I were to approach them about it.

I don’t feel that I am in a position to confront him, plus I really do not handle conflict well. Some amazing, good things are happening at our church, but I don’t think this undercurrent of antagonism within the leadership can go unchecked. It is seriously affecting some very talented ministry workers and making them doubt their own callings and abilities. Any suggestions?
- Sarah :: Canada

ANSWER:
Unfortunately, some churches have mean pastors. It is a leadership flaw that hurts the church, even when the church appears to be thriving. In your case, it sounds like your pastor hurts the people doing the most vital work, which certainly affects the quality of their work. Sadly, too many Christians can relate to your story.

I have heard plenty of stories, including one church where the staff and even the volunteers were in constant fear of being fired (yes, they fired volunteers and sometimes in bulk). It noticeably affected church workers. In fact, one churchgoer who stayed described the volunteering experience as:

I feel like it is an abusive marriage. I get mistreated, but I still keep coming back.
- Anonymous Churchgoer

I can not give you a perfect formula for how to respond to a mean pastor because there is no universal cause for pastoral meanness. But I can give you some ideas that might work.

1. Pray
   Above all else, pray. Pray for your mean pastor. Pray for personal guidance. How should you handle the situation? Should you confront the leader? Should you stay at that church?
2. Confront
   Confrontation is ideal. Matthew 18:15-22 is a good guide to confrontation. A strong leader can handle constructive confrontation, particularly from their core workers. But some leaders will fire you for confronting them, and some will go as far as banning you from their church (no joke).
3. Ignore It & Focus
   Some people do well ignoring the negatives and focusing on how to improve what they do. It is tough, but I have seen it work.
4. Leave
   If you do not feel called by God to be attending and serving that church, leave and find a church that can be a better steward of your abilities. If you are called to that church, than you stay there, constantly pray, and then confront it, ignore it, or both (if confronting does not work).

Most importantly, guard against bitterness and forgive your mean pastor so that you can be in right standing with God (Matthew 6:15).

For Discussion:
- What advice do you have for responding to a mean pastor?

If you have a question you want Church Relevance to answer, submit it via our Q+A form.

QUESTION:
What percentage of teens and percentage of adults use meth?
- Jessa :: California

ANSWER:
Last fall, I highlighted research that stated 1 in 33 teens (3%) ages 12-17 have tried meth.

According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2 in 33 people (5.77%) ages 12+ in the United States have tried meth at least once. Although almost 6% of this group have tried month, only 1 in 333 (0.3%) are current users.

If you have a question you want Church Relevance to answer, submit it via our Q+A form.