20 Creative Ways to Promote Your Church Event (That Aren’t Sunday Announcements)
Relying solely on Sunday announcements to promote your church event? You’re likely missing real engagement. While stage announcements matter, they’re easy to forget. In this post, discover 20 creative ways to spread the word, build excitement, and boost attendance.
If you’ve been in church ministry for any length of time, you’ve likely heard your fair share of church announcements. And if your church is anything like mine, event promotion usually goes something like this:
The worship team ends with a powerful song, the final chord still ringing in the air. Hearts are stirred, hands are raised, and then… the congregation is invited to sit down for announcements.
A list of dates and details rolls out, but you can feel the energy in the room drop. Half the congregation is already thinking about lunch, a few people jot something down, and for most, the information vanishes before they even reach the parking lot.
Church Announcements Shouldn’t Be Your Only Strategy
Church announcements have their place, but most churches rely far too heavily on them to drive participation.
So how do you promote a church event in a way people actually remember? How do you move beyond announcements and spark real excitement, invitations, and attendance?
The good news is that church event promotion does not have to be complicated (or boring!) With a little creativity and intentionality, you can build buzz, multiply your reach, and increase the impact of your event!
20 Creative Church Event Promotion Ideas
1. Leverage Social Media Stories and Reels
You don’t have to fight for time on stage to promote your church event. Short, vertical videos grab attention quickly, and unlike announcements, they keep working for you long after the service is over.
If you’re planning an event, build momentum with a behind-the-scenes look at prep, a quick interview with a volunteer, or a fun countdown series. Don’t worry about making them high production. Keep them under 30 seconds, keep them real, and keep them consistent. Bonus points if you add captions so even silent scrollers can catch the message!
2. Use Text Messaging for Direct Impact
Text messages are one of the simplest and most direct forms of communication today. A short reminder with the key details or a registration link makes it easy for people to sign up and stay engaged.
When registration opens, send out a quick blast to get the word out fast. Then follow up with reminders the week of the event and the day before. Even better, segment your list so parents receive kid-focused details while young adults get an invite that actually speaks to them.
Want to learn how to do this for your church? Check out Tithely’s text messaging tool!
3. Create a Shareable Graphic Pack
The best way to promote your church event is to use the power of referral! This is where a shareable graphic pack can be an incredible resource. Provide a set of ready-to-post graphics, captions, and hashtags to your congregation so they can share the church event with their friends and family. Though this approach will take a little work upfront, it will ultimately help you multiply your reach without multiplying your workload.
Looking for graphics for your Harvest Festival, Christmas service, or Easter celebration? We’ve got you covered with our free downloadable resources!
4. Partner with Local Businesses or Coffee Shops
Community partnerships are powerful, particularly when it comes to event promotion. Ask a local coffee shop to display flyers, or team up with a business that shares your church’s values. Sometimes, even a simple postcard on the counter at a local shop can spark a conversation!
5. Empower Your Small Groups
Your small group leaders are influential in your church community, so make sure to get them on board when promoting a church event! Cast vision for the event, equip them with flyers or digital graphics, and then encourage them to share about the event personally. A friend’s invitation almost always lands better than a stage announcement!
6. Optimize Your Church Website
Your website is the digital front door to your church. If people cannot find details for your church event in under 10 seconds, it’s buried too deep in the matrix. Put it front and center with a clear headline, simple details, and a registration button so that your website can do the heavy lifting when it comes to event promotion.
Pro tip: Use AI creatively to help polish your event page. From writing clear descriptions to generating eye-catching graphics, AI can save you time and make your website event promotion even more effective.
7. Record a Quick Video Invitation
Videos are supreme in the church marketing world. A 60-second video from your pastor or event leader can do wonders for event visibility and sign-ups. Share the heart behind the event, and make sure to make it personal!
Then, post it everywhere. Share it on social media, add it to your church website, and include it in your email and text message blasts. People tend to connect with faces rather than flyers, so this creative church event promotion idea can help!
8. Build Anticipation with a Countdown
An event countdown builds anticipation, and anticipation creates energy. If you want to get people excited about your church event, consider adding a countdown timer to your website or sharing daily social posts that highlight how many days are left. The build-up will get attention and help people prioritize your event.
9. Hand Out Invite Cards
Sometimes old-school works best. Print simple, eye-catching cards with the event details and hand them out on Sunday in the church lobby. Encourage your congregation to pass them to coworkers, neighbors, and friends! Sending invite cards in the mail can also be a powerful way to get attention.
10. Share Stories from Past Events
Storytelling builds culture and draws people in, so don’t get so caught up in the event details that you miss out on vision casting. As you’re promoting a church event, consider sharing a testimony, a quote, or a throwback photo from a past event. Show them not just what to expect, but why it matters!
11. Surprise People with a Pop-Up Promo
Surprise donuts in the lobby to promote an upcoming church conference? Yes, please! Everyone loves something out of the ordinary on a Sunday, and free food is one of the easiest ways to grab attention.
There are plenty of ways to pull this off. Set up a table with treats and invite cards, send your youth group out with free water bottles and flyers, or hand out popcorn after service to promote an upcoming movie night. Simple, playful touches like this stick in people’s minds long after the service ends.
12. Use Email Wisely
Church email marketing can be an incredible way to get the word out, but do everyone a favor and skip the giant wall of text. Send short, visual emails with bold graphics, three key details, and a clear call-to-action button. Keep it personal, with lines like, “We can’t wait to see you there!” and avoid anything that sounds too corporate.
Want to go deeper? Check out these church email best practices to make sure every message you send is clear, engaging, and effective.
13. Host a Pre-Event Contest or Giveaway
Everyone loves a giveaway, and it can be a great way to build buzz before your event. Offer a prize for the first 50 RSVPs, run a lighthearted social media contest, or give away event merch like t-shirts or mugs. The prize doesn’t have to be big, either. Sometimes even a $10 gift card or a reserved front-row seat is enough to get people talking!
14. Print Yard Signs
Yard signs may feel old-fashioned, but they still work like mini-billboards scattered across your city. Design a few with your event name, date, and website, then ask members to place them in their front yards or high-traffic areas (with permission).
The more signs, the more visibility. Think about it: someone may scroll past a dozen posts without remembering them, but when they drive by a bold yard sign on their way to work every morning, the date and time stick. Consistency matters, and visible reminders in the real world are often just as effective as digital ones.
15. Collaborate with Other Churches or Community Groups
Partnership can be one of the best ways to expand your reach. Team up with another local church, nonprofit, or community group to co-host or cross-promote your event. Not only does this help you reach new people, but it also shows unity and generosity to your city.
For example, a youth rally could be co-promoted by multiple churches, or a service project could be shared between your church and a local food pantry. Collaboration multiplies visibility, builds trust, and makes your event feel bigger than one church alone.
16. Use QR Codes Everywhere
QR codes make it simple for people to get more information in seconds. Add a QR code to your bulletin, lobby posters, yard signs, or even coffee cup sleeves that link directly to your event page. People are far more likely to scan than to type a long URL.
17. Create an Event on Event Platforms (Eventbrite, Facebook, etc.)
Event platforms are a simple but powerful way to spread the word. Facebook events may feel a little old-school, but they are still effective for reaching friends-of-friends. Eventbrite is another great option since it makes your event look official, easy to register for, and even discoverable in Google searches.
Set up an event page with the date, time, location, and a short, clear description. Then ask your staff, small group leaders, and volunteers to share it within their networks. The more places your event shows up online, the more likely people are to see it – and say yes to attending.
18. Invite Local Media or Bloggers
Don’t underestimate the power of local press. Reach out to community newspapers, neighborhood magazines, or local bloggers who cover events in your city. Many are happy to highlight family-friendly or community-focused gatherings at no cost.
Even if just a handful of people discover your church event through a news listing, it is worth the effort. Plus, it builds credibility. Seeing your church event featured in a local publication can make someone who is hesitant feel more comfortable attending.
19. Highlight Event Volunteers in Advance
People love seeing familiar faces. In the weeks leading up to your event, post short spotlights on volunteers who are helping make it happen: “Meet Sarah. She’s running the kids’ games at our block party!” Not only does this honor your team, but it also makes the event feel personal and welcoming to newcomers.
20. Promote Through Your Church Podcast or Livestream
If your church has a podcast or livestream service, use it! Record a short promo that shares the vision and details of your event and play it before or after the sermon. Listeners already tuned in are a captive audience, and many will share the link with friends.
Making Church Event Promotion a Breeze
Sunday announcements have their place, but they should not carry the whole load. When you promote a church event with creativity and intention, you reach people where they already are: scrolling on their phones, connecting in small groups, or grabbing coffee in town.
If you are looking for tools to make event promotion easier, Tithely can help. From text messaging and email to social media tools and church websites, Tithely gives you everything you need to spread the word and keep your congregation connected.
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Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
If you’ve been in church ministry for any length of time, you’ve likely heard your fair share of church announcements. And if your church is anything like mine, event promotion usually goes something like this:
The worship team ends with a powerful song, the final chord still ringing in the air. Hearts are stirred, hands are raised, and then… the congregation is invited to sit down for announcements.
A list of dates and details rolls out, but you can feel the energy in the room drop. Half the congregation is already thinking about lunch, a few people jot something down, and for most, the information vanishes before they even reach the parking lot.
Church Announcements Shouldn’t Be Your Only Strategy
Church announcements have their place, but most churches rely far too heavily on them to drive participation.
So how do you promote a church event in a way people actually remember? How do you move beyond announcements and spark real excitement, invitations, and attendance?
The good news is that church event promotion does not have to be complicated (or boring!) With a little creativity and intentionality, you can build buzz, multiply your reach, and increase the impact of your event!
20 Creative Church Event Promotion Ideas
1. Leverage Social Media Stories and Reels
You don’t have to fight for time on stage to promote your church event. Short, vertical videos grab attention quickly, and unlike announcements, they keep working for you long after the service is over.
If you’re planning an event, build momentum with a behind-the-scenes look at prep, a quick interview with a volunteer, or a fun countdown series. Don’t worry about making them high production. Keep them under 30 seconds, keep them real, and keep them consistent. Bonus points if you add captions so even silent scrollers can catch the message!
2. Use Text Messaging for Direct Impact
Text messages are one of the simplest and most direct forms of communication today. A short reminder with the key details or a registration link makes it easy for people to sign up and stay engaged.
When registration opens, send out a quick blast to get the word out fast. Then follow up with reminders the week of the event and the day before. Even better, segment your list so parents receive kid-focused details while young adults get an invite that actually speaks to them.
Want to learn how to do this for your church? Check out Tithely’s text messaging tool!
3. Create a Shareable Graphic Pack
The best way to promote your church event is to use the power of referral! This is where a shareable graphic pack can be an incredible resource. Provide a set of ready-to-post graphics, captions, and hashtags to your congregation so they can share the church event with their friends and family. Though this approach will take a little work upfront, it will ultimately help you multiply your reach without multiplying your workload.
Looking for graphics for your Harvest Festival, Christmas service, or Easter celebration? We’ve got you covered with our free downloadable resources!
4. Partner with Local Businesses or Coffee Shops
Community partnerships are powerful, particularly when it comes to event promotion. Ask a local coffee shop to display flyers, or team up with a business that shares your church’s values. Sometimes, even a simple postcard on the counter at a local shop can spark a conversation!
5. Empower Your Small Groups
Your small group leaders are influential in your church community, so make sure to get them on board when promoting a church event! Cast vision for the event, equip them with flyers or digital graphics, and then encourage them to share about the event personally. A friend’s invitation almost always lands better than a stage announcement!
6. Optimize Your Church Website
Your website is the digital front door to your church. If people cannot find details for your church event in under 10 seconds, it’s buried too deep in the matrix. Put it front and center with a clear headline, simple details, and a registration button so that your website can do the heavy lifting when it comes to event promotion.
Pro tip: Use AI creatively to help polish your event page. From writing clear descriptions to generating eye-catching graphics, AI can save you time and make your website event promotion even more effective.
7. Record a Quick Video Invitation
Videos are supreme in the church marketing world. A 60-second video from your pastor or event leader can do wonders for event visibility and sign-ups. Share the heart behind the event, and make sure to make it personal!
Then, post it everywhere. Share it on social media, add it to your church website, and include it in your email and text message blasts. People tend to connect with faces rather than flyers, so this creative church event promotion idea can help!
8. Build Anticipation with a Countdown
An event countdown builds anticipation, and anticipation creates energy. If you want to get people excited about your church event, consider adding a countdown timer to your website or sharing daily social posts that highlight how many days are left. The build-up will get attention and help people prioritize your event.
9. Hand Out Invite Cards
Sometimes old-school works best. Print simple, eye-catching cards with the event details and hand them out on Sunday in the church lobby. Encourage your congregation to pass them to coworkers, neighbors, and friends! Sending invite cards in the mail can also be a powerful way to get attention.
10. Share Stories from Past Events
Storytelling builds culture and draws people in, so don’t get so caught up in the event details that you miss out on vision casting. As you’re promoting a church event, consider sharing a testimony, a quote, or a throwback photo from a past event. Show them not just what to expect, but why it matters!
11. Surprise People with a Pop-Up Promo
Surprise donuts in the lobby to promote an upcoming church conference? Yes, please! Everyone loves something out of the ordinary on a Sunday, and free food is one of the easiest ways to grab attention.
There are plenty of ways to pull this off. Set up a table with treats and invite cards, send your youth group out with free water bottles and flyers, or hand out popcorn after service to promote an upcoming movie night. Simple, playful touches like this stick in people’s minds long after the service ends.
12. Use Email Wisely
Church email marketing can be an incredible way to get the word out, but do everyone a favor and skip the giant wall of text. Send short, visual emails with bold graphics, three key details, and a clear call-to-action button. Keep it personal, with lines like, “We can’t wait to see you there!” and avoid anything that sounds too corporate.
Want to go deeper? Check out these church email best practices to make sure every message you send is clear, engaging, and effective.
13. Host a Pre-Event Contest or Giveaway
Everyone loves a giveaway, and it can be a great way to build buzz before your event. Offer a prize for the first 50 RSVPs, run a lighthearted social media contest, or give away event merch like t-shirts or mugs. The prize doesn’t have to be big, either. Sometimes even a $10 gift card or a reserved front-row seat is enough to get people talking!
14. Print Yard Signs
Yard signs may feel old-fashioned, but they still work like mini-billboards scattered across your city. Design a few with your event name, date, and website, then ask members to place them in their front yards or high-traffic areas (with permission).
The more signs, the more visibility. Think about it: someone may scroll past a dozen posts without remembering them, but when they drive by a bold yard sign on their way to work every morning, the date and time stick. Consistency matters, and visible reminders in the real world are often just as effective as digital ones.
15. Collaborate with Other Churches or Community Groups
Partnership can be one of the best ways to expand your reach. Team up with another local church, nonprofit, or community group to co-host or cross-promote your event. Not only does this help you reach new people, but it also shows unity and generosity to your city.
For example, a youth rally could be co-promoted by multiple churches, or a service project could be shared between your church and a local food pantry. Collaboration multiplies visibility, builds trust, and makes your event feel bigger than one church alone.
16. Use QR Codes Everywhere
QR codes make it simple for people to get more information in seconds. Add a QR code to your bulletin, lobby posters, yard signs, or even coffee cup sleeves that link directly to your event page. People are far more likely to scan than to type a long URL.
17. Create an Event on Event Platforms (Eventbrite, Facebook, etc.)
Event platforms are a simple but powerful way to spread the word. Facebook events may feel a little old-school, but they are still effective for reaching friends-of-friends. Eventbrite is another great option since it makes your event look official, easy to register for, and even discoverable in Google searches.
Set up an event page with the date, time, location, and a short, clear description. Then ask your staff, small group leaders, and volunteers to share it within their networks. The more places your event shows up online, the more likely people are to see it – and say yes to attending.
18. Invite Local Media or Bloggers
Don’t underestimate the power of local press. Reach out to community newspapers, neighborhood magazines, or local bloggers who cover events in your city. Many are happy to highlight family-friendly or community-focused gatherings at no cost.
Even if just a handful of people discover your church event through a news listing, it is worth the effort. Plus, it builds credibility. Seeing your church event featured in a local publication can make someone who is hesitant feel more comfortable attending.
19. Highlight Event Volunteers in Advance
People love seeing familiar faces. In the weeks leading up to your event, post short spotlights on volunteers who are helping make it happen: “Meet Sarah. She’s running the kids’ games at our block party!” Not only does this honor your team, but it also makes the event feel personal and welcoming to newcomers.
20. Promote Through Your Church Podcast or Livestream
If your church has a podcast or livestream service, use it! Record a short promo that shares the vision and details of your event and play it before or after the sermon. Listeners already tuned in are a captive audience, and many will share the link with friends.
Making Church Event Promotion a Breeze
Sunday announcements have their place, but they should not carry the whole load. When you promote a church event with creativity and intention, you reach people where they already are: scrolling on their phones, connecting in small groups, or grabbing coffee in town.
If you are looking for tools to make event promotion easier, Tithely can help. From text messaging and email to social media tools and church websites, Tithely gives you everything you need to spread the word and keep your congregation connected.
podcast transcript
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
If you’ve been in church ministry for any length of time, you’ve likely heard your fair share of church announcements. And if your church is anything like mine, event promotion usually goes something like this:
The worship team ends with a powerful song, the final chord still ringing in the air. Hearts are stirred, hands are raised, and then… the congregation is invited to sit down for announcements.
A list of dates and details rolls out, but you can feel the energy in the room drop. Half the congregation is already thinking about lunch, a few people jot something down, and for most, the information vanishes before they even reach the parking lot.
Church Announcements Shouldn’t Be Your Only Strategy
Church announcements have their place, but most churches rely far too heavily on them to drive participation.
So how do you promote a church event in a way people actually remember? How do you move beyond announcements and spark real excitement, invitations, and attendance?
The good news is that church event promotion does not have to be complicated (or boring!) With a little creativity and intentionality, you can build buzz, multiply your reach, and increase the impact of your event!
20 Creative Church Event Promotion Ideas
1. Leverage Social Media Stories and Reels
You don’t have to fight for time on stage to promote your church event. Short, vertical videos grab attention quickly, and unlike announcements, they keep working for you long after the service is over.
If you’re planning an event, build momentum with a behind-the-scenes look at prep, a quick interview with a volunteer, or a fun countdown series. Don’t worry about making them high production. Keep them under 30 seconds, keep them real, and keep them consistent. Bonus points if you add captions so even silent scrollers can catch the message!
2. Use Text Messaging for Direct Impact
Text messages are one of the simplest and most direct forms of communication today. A short reminder with the key details or a registration link makes it easy for people to sign up and stay engaged.
When registration opens, send out a quick blast to get the word out fast. Then follow up with reminders the week of the event and the day before. Even better, segment your list so parents receive kid-focused details while young adults get an invite that actually speaks to them.
Want to learn how to do this for your church? Check out Tithely’s text messaging tool!
3. Create a Shareable Graphic Pack
The best way to promote your church event is to use the power of referral! This is where a shareable graphic pack can be an incredible resource. Provide a set of ready-to-post graphics, captions, and hashtags to your congregation so they can share the church event with their friends and family. Though this approach will take a little work upfront, it will ultimately help you multiply your reach without multiplying your workload.
Looking for graphics for your Harvest Festival, Christmas service, or Easter celebration? We’ve got you covered with our free downloadable resources!
4. Partner with Local Businesses or Coffee Shops
Community partnerships are powerful, particularly when it comes to event promotion. Ask a local coffee shop to display flyers, or team up with a business that shares your church’s values. Sometimes, even a simple postcard on the counter at a local shop can spark a conversation!
5. Empower Your Small Groups
Your small group leaders are influential in your church community, so make sure to get them on board when promoting a church event! Cast vision for the event, equip them with flyers or digital graphics, and then encourage them to share about the event personally. A friend’s invitation almost always lands better than a stage announcement!
6. Optimize Your Church Website
Your website is the digital front door to your church. If people cannot find details for your church event in under 10 seconds, it’s buried too deep in the matrix. Put it front and center with a clear headline, simple details, and a registration button so that your website can do the heavy lifting when it comes to event promotion.
Pro tip: Use AI creatively to help polish your event page. From writing clear descriptions to generating eye-catching graphics, AI can save you time and make your website event promotion even more effective.
7. Record a Quick Video Invitation
Videos are supreme in the church marketing world. A 60-second video from your pastor or event leader can do wonders for event visibility and sign-ups. Share the heart behind the event, and make sure to make it personal!
Then, post it everywhere. Share it on social media, add it to your church website, and include it in your email and text message blasts. People tend to connect with faces rather than flyers, so this creative church event promotion idea can help!
8. Build Anticipation with a Countdown
An event countdown builds anticipation, and anticipation creates energy. If you want to get people excited about your church event, consider adding a countdown timer to your website or sharing daily social posts that highlight how many days are left. The build-up will get attention and help people prioritize your event.
9. Hand Out Invite Cards
Sometimes old-school works best. Print simple, eye-catching cards with the event details and hand them out on Sunday in the church lobby. Encourage your congregation to pass them to coworkers, neighbors, and friends! Sending invite cards in the mail can also be a powerful way to get attention.
10. Share Stories from Past Events
Storytelling builds culture and draws people in, so don’t get so caught up in the event details that you miss out on vision casting. As you’re promoting a church event, consider sharing a testimony, a quote, or a throwback photo from a past event. Show them not just what to expect, but why it matters!
11. Surprise People with a Pop-Up Promo
Surprise donuts in the lobby to promote an upcoming church conference? Yes, please! Everyone loves something out of the ordinary on a Sunday, and free food is one of the easiest ways to grab attention.
There are plenty of ways to pull this off. Set up a table with treats and invite cards, send your youth group out with free water bottles and flyers, or hand out popcorn after service to promote an upcoming movie night. Simple, playful touches like this stick in people’s minds long after the service ends.
12. Use Email Wisely
Church email marketing can be an incredible way to get the word out, but do everyone a favor and skip the giant wall of text. Send short, visual emails with bold graphics, three key details, and a clear call-to-action button. Keep it personal, with lines like, “We can’t wait to see you there!” and avoid anything that sounds too corporate.
Want to go deeper? Check out these church email best practices to make sure every message you send is clear, engaging, and effective.
13. Host a Pre-Event Contest or Giveaway
Everyone loves a giveaway, and it can be a great way to build buzz before your event. Offer a prize for the first 50 RSVPs, run a lighthearted social media contest, or give away event merch like t-shirts or mugs. The prize doesn’t have to be big, either. Sometimes even a $10 gift card or a reserved front-row seat is enough to get people talking!
14. Print Yard Signs
Yard signs may feel old-fashioned, but they still work like mini-billboards scattered across your city. Design a few with your event name, date, and website, then ask members to place them in their front yards or high-traffic areas (with permission).
The more signs, the more visibility. Think about it: someone may scroll past a dozen posts without remembering them, but when they drive by a bold yard sign on their way to work every morning, the date and time stick. Consistency matters, and visible reminders in the real world are often just as effective as digital ones.
15. Collaborate with Other Churches or Community Groups
Partnership can be one of the best ways to expand your reach. Team up with another local church, nonprofit, or community group to co-host or cross-promote your event. Not only does this help you reach new people, but it also shows unity and generosity to your city.
For example, a youth rally could be co-promoted by multiple churches, or a service project could be shared between your church and a local food pantry. Collaboration multiplies visibility, builds trust, and makes your event feel bigger than one church alone.
16. Use QR Codes Everywhere
QR codes make it simple for people to get more information in seconds. Add a QR code to your bulletin, lobby posters, yard signs, or even coffee cup sleeves that link directly to your event page. People are far more likely to scan than to type a long URL.
17. Create an Event on Event Platforms (Eventbrite, Facebook, etc.)
Event platforms are a simple but powerful way to spread the word. Facebook events may feel a little old-school, but they are still effective for reaching friends-of-friends. Eventbrite is another great option since it makes your event look official, easy to register for, and even discoverable in Google searches.
Set up an event page with the date, time, location, and a short, clear description. Then ask your staff, small group leaders, and volunteers to share it within their networks. The more places your event shows up online, the more likely people are to see it – and say yes to attending.
18. Invite Local Media or Bloggers
Don’t underestimate the power of local press. Reach out to community newspapers, neighborhood magazines, or local bloggers who cover events in your city. Many are happy to highlight family-friendly or community-focused gatherings at no cost.
Even if just a handful of people discover your church event through a news listing, it is worth the effort. Plus, it builds credibility. Seeing your church event featured in a local publication can make someone who is hesitant feel more comfortable attending.
19. Highlight Event Volunteers in Advance
People love seeing familiar faces. In the weeks leading up to your event, post short spotlights on volunteers who are helping make it happen: “Meet Sarah. She’s running the kids’ games at our block party!” Not only does this honor your team, but it also makes the event feel personal and welcoming to newcomers.
20. Promote Through Your Church Podcast or Livestream
If your church has a podcast or livestream service, use it! Record a short promo that shares the vision and details of your event and play it before or after the sermon. Listeners already tuned in are a captive audience, and many will share the link with friends.
Making Church Event Promotion a Breeze
Sunday announcements have their place, but they should not carry the whole load. When you promote a church event with creativity and intention, you reach people where they already are: scrolling on their phones, connecting in small groups, or grabbing coffee in town.
If you are looking for tools to make event promotion easier, Tithely can help. From text messaging and email to social media tools and church websites, Tithely gives you everything you need to spread the word and keep your congregation connected.
VIDEO transcript
If you’ve been in church ministry for any length of time, you’ve likely heard your fair share of church announcements. And if your church is anything like mine, event promotion usually goes something like this:
The worship team ends with a powerful song, the final chord still ringing in the air. Hearts are stirred, hands are raised, and then… the congregation is invited to sit down for announcements.
A list of dates and details rolls out, but you can feel the energy in the room drop. Half the congregation is already thinking about lunch, a few people jot something down, and for most, the information vanishes before they even reach the parking lot.
Church Announcements Shouldn’t Be Your Only Strategy
Church announcements have their place, but most churches rely far too heavily on them to drive participation.
So how do you promote a church event in a way people actually remember? How do you move beyond announcements and spark real excitement, invitations, and attendance?
The good news is that church event promotion does not have to be complicated (or boring!) With a little creativity and intentionality, you can build buzz, multiply your reach, and increase the impact of your event!
20 Creative Church Event Promotion Ideas
1. Leverage Social Media Stories and Reels
You don’t have to fight for time on stage to promote your church event. Short, vertical videos grab attention quickly, and unlike announcements, they keep working for you long after the service is over.
If you’re planning an event, build momentum with a behind-the-scenes look at prep, a quick interview with a volunteer, or a fun countdown series. Don’t worry about making them high production. Keep them under 30 seconds, keep them real, and keep them consistent. Bonus points if you add captions so even silent scrollers can catch the message!
2. Use Text Messaging for Direct Impact
Text messages are one of the simplest and most direct forms of communication today. A short reminder with the key details or a registration link makes it easy for people to sign up and stay engaged.
When registration opens, send out a quick blast to get the word out fast. Then follow up with reminders the week of the event and the day before. Even better, segment your list so parents receive kid-focused details while young adults get an invite that actually speaks to them.
Want to learn how to do this for your church? Check out Tithely’s text messaging tool!
3. Create a Shareable Graphic Pack
The best way to promote your church event is to use the power of referral! This is where a shareable graphic pack can be an incredible resource. Provide a set of ready-to-post graphics, captions, and hashtags to your congregation so they can share the church event with their friends and family. Though this approach will take a little work upfront, it will ultimately help you multiply your reach without multiplying your workload.
Looking for graphics for your Harvest Festival, Christmas service, or Easter celebration? We’ve got you covered with our free downloadable resources!
4. Partner with Local Businesses or Coffee Shops
Community partnerships are powerful, particularly when it comes to event promotion. Ask a local coffee shop to display flyers, or team up with a business that shares your church’s values. Sometimes, even a simple postcard on the counter at a local shop can spark a conversation!
5. Empower Your Small Groups
Your small group leaders are influential in your church community, so make sure to get them on board when promoting a church event! Cast vision for the event, equip them with flyers or digital graphics, and then encourage them to share about the event personally. A friend’s invitation almost always lands better than a stage announcement!
6. Optimize Your Church Website
Your website is the digital front door to your church. If people cannot find details for your church event in under 10 seconds, it’s buried too deep in the matrix. Put it front and center with a clear headline, simple details, and a registration button so that your website can do the heavy lifting when it comes to event promotion.
Pro tip: Use AI creatively to help polish your event page. From writing clear descriptions to generating eye-catching graphics, AI can save you time and make your website event promotion even more effective.
7. Record a Quick Video Invitation
Videos are supreme in the church marketing world. A 60-second video from your pastor or event leader can do wonders for event visibility and sign-ups. Share the heart behind the event, and make sure to make it personal!
Then, post it everywhere. Share it on social media, add it to your church website, and include it in your email and text message blasts. People tend to connect with faces rather than flyers, so this creative church event promotion idea can help!
8. Build Anticipation with a Countdown
An event countdown builds anticipation, and anticipation creates energy. If you want to get people excited about your church event, consider adding a countdown timer to your website or sharing daily social posts that highlight how many days are left. The build-up will get attention and help people prioritize your event.
9. Hand Out Invite Cards
Sometimes old-school works best. Print simple, eye-catching cards with the event details and hand them out on Sunday in the church lobby. Encourage your congregation to pass them to coworkers, neighbors, and friends! Sending invite cards in the mail can also be a powerful way to get attention.
10. Share Stories from Past Events
Storytelling builds culture and draws people in, so don’t get so caught up in the event details that you miss out on vision casting. As you’re promoting a church event, consider sharing a testimony, a quote, or a throwback photo from a past event. Show them not just what to expect, but why it matters!
11. Surprise People with a Pop-Up Promo
Surprise donuts in the lobby to promote an upcoming church conference? Yes, please! Everyone loves something out of the ordinary on a Sunday, and free food is one of the easiest ways to grab attention.
There are plenty of ways to pull this off. Set up a table with treats and invite cards, send your youth group out with free water bottles and flyers, or hand out popcorn after service to promote an upcoming movie night. Simple, playful touches like this stick in people’s minds long after the service ends.
12. Use Email Wisely
Church email marketing can be an incredible way to get the word out, but do everyone a favor and skip the giant wall of text. Send short, visual emails with bold graphics, three key details, and a clear call-to-action button. Keep it personal, with lines like, “We can’t wait to see you there!” and avoid anything that sounds too corporate.
Want to go deeper? Check out these church email best practices to make sure every message you send is clear, engaging, and effective.
13. Host a Pre-Event Contest or Giveaway
Everyone loves a giveaway, and it can be a great way to build buzz before your event. Offer a prize for the first 50 RSVPs, run a lighthearted social media contest, or give away event merch like t-shirts or mugs. The prize doesn’t have to be big, either. Sometimes even a $10 gift card or a reserved front-row seat is enough to get people talking!
14. Print Yard Signs
Yard signs may feel old-fashioned, but they still work like mini-billboards scattered across your city. Design a few with your event name, date, and website, then ask members to place them in their front yards or high-traffic areas (with permission).
The more signs, the more visibility. Think about it: someone may scroll past a dozen posts without remembering them, but when they drive by a bold yard sign on their way to work every morning, the date and time stick. Consistency matters, and visible reminders in the real world are often just as effective as digital ones.
15. Collaborate with Other Churches or Community Groups
Partnership can be one of the best ways to expand your reach. Team up with another local church, nonprofit, or community group to co-host or cross-promote your event. Not only does this help you reach new people, but it also shows unity and generosity to your city.
For example, a youth rally could be co-promoted by multiple churches, or a service project could be shared between your church and a local food pantry. Collaboration multiplies visibility, builds trust, and makes your event feel bigger than one church alone.
16. Use QR Codes Everywhere
QR codes make it simple for people to get more information in seconds. Add a QR code to your bulletin, lobby posters, yard signs, or even coffee cup sleeves that link directly to your event page. People are far more likely to scan than to type a long URL.
17. Create an Event on Event Platforms (Eventbrite, Facebook, etc.)
Event platforms are a simple but powerful way to spread the word. Facebook events may feel a little old-school, but they are still effective for reaching friends-of-friends. Eventbrite is another great option since it makes your event look official, easy to register for, and even discoverable in Google searches.
Set up an event page with the date, time, location, and a short, clear description. Then ask your staff, small group leaders, and volunteers to share it within their networks. The more places your event shows up online, the more likely people are to see it – and say yes to attending.
18. Invite Local Media or Bloggers
Don’t underestimate the power of local press. Reach out to community newspapers, neighborhood magazines, or local bloggers who cover events in your city. Many are happy to highlight family-friendly or community-focused gatherings at no cost.
Even if just a handful of people discover your church event through a news listing, it is worth the effort. Plus, it builds credibility. Seeing your church event featured in a local publication can make someone who is hesitant feel more comfortable attending.
19. Highlight Event Volunteers in Advance
People love seeing familiar faces. In the weeks leading up to your event, post short spotlights on volunteers who are helping make it happen: “Meet Sarah. She’s running the kids’ games at our block party!” Not only does this honor your team, but it also makes the event feel personal and welcoming to newcomers.
20. Promote Through Your Church Podcast or Livestream
If your church has a podcast or livestream service, use it! Record a short promo that shares the vision and details of your event and play it before or after the sermon. Listeners already tuned in are a captive audience, and many will share the link with friends.
Making Church Event Promotion a Breeze
Sunday announcements have their place, but they should not carry the whole load. When you promote a church event with creativity and intention, you reach people where they already are: scrolling on their phones, connecting in small groups, or grabbing coffee in town.
If you are looking for tools to make event promotion easier, Tithely can help. From text messaging and email to social media tools and church websites, Tithely gives you everything you need to spread the word and keep your congregation connected.
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Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
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