Kent Elliott
If there’s one thing social media users are craving—especially in a world full of filters and highlight reels—it’s realness. The best ads aren’t the most polished or professional-looking. They’re the ones that make people say, “Hey… that looks like me.”
And the research backs it up.
Remember those iconic Dove campaigns? Their studies found that only 2% of women considered themselves beautiful. When Dove started showing real women in their ads—of all shapes, colors, and ages—people connected with it. Why? Because they could finally see themselves.
The same principle applies to your church ads.
Here’s how to make your ads more relatable—and more effective:
- Keep It Informal
You don’t need a studio or a script. What you do need is heart. Film casual videos on your phone. Be warm. Be human. Let people see the real people behind your church. - Speak to Real-Life Issues
What are the people in your community struggling with? Parenting stress? Loneliness? Feeling like they’ve drifted from faith? Address those things head-on. Show that your church isn’t just for “Sunday best” people—it’s for real people living real lives. - Show Who You’re Trying to Reach
Trying to reach young families? Feature young families in your videos and photos. Want to reflect a multicultural congregation? Make sure your visuals and voices show that. People should feel like, “They’d get me” when they see your ad. - Don’t Be Afraid to Get Personal
Short testimonies, behind-the-scenes clips, or even a pastor sharing something honest about their own journey—those moments build trust and connection.
Your church doesn’t need to look “perfect” to reach people—it needs to feel real. People are far more likely to show up when they feel seen, understood, and welcomed from the moment they see your ad.
Because at the end of the day, authenticity isn’t just a strategy—it’s part of the Gospel.
Want help creating relatable church ads? That’s what we’re here for.
FaithWorks Image Consulting