Why Marketing Isn’t Evil: 3 Reasons

Photo: Scott Webb (edited)

Sometimes “marketing” is thought of as a four-letter word. This may be especially true in the context of Christian ministry.

When we preach Christ, we don’t want to seem like we’re selling something, because that can come across as somehow seeking our own good over the good of the hearer—just as a salesperson, in the mind of some, is only out to make money.

So when Christians are “pitching” Christ, they must also have some selfish motive, right? A few thoughts:

1. Marketing isn’t (necessarily) only about money.

A good salesperson is not “only out to make money,” but is also trying to meet a real need and even build a genuine relationship.

So, while plenty of salespeople are deserving of suspicion, not all of them are, and sales and marketing are not bad in and of themselves. The problem isn’t the game, it’s just how some bad players play.

2. Marketing can be motivated by love.

If Christians (and salespeople) start from a place of love and concern—both for the glory of God and for the welfare of the other person—and if they’re intentional about expressing that love and concern, then it can quell suspicions.

That’s not because you’re tricking them into letting their guard down, but it’s because their suspicions really are misplaced. Your integrity is intact.

3. Marketing is included in “all means” (1 Cor. 9:22).

Apostle Paul wrote, “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:22‬ ‭ESV‬‬).

Notice he said “all means.” As long as something is not sinful (deceptive, underhanded, etc.), it’s not off-limits as a means to use for bringing people to Christ.

Does that include sales and marketing techniques? You bet. Marketing is persuasion, and we want to persuade people to believe in Christ (e.g., Acts 18:4; 19:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; etc.) so they will be saved from the punishment of their sins and have eternal life, peace with God forever.

Not all marketing is honest, but insofar as it is, it’s completely acceptable for the Christian, both in business and in evangelism…

Evangelistic Copywriting?

In that spirit, I wrote the previous post on this blog—an article that shares the gospel—in the form of copy. In other words, I used copywriting techniques that are usually used for marketing a product or service, except in this case the “product or service” is salvation in Jesus Christ.

These copywriting techniques are just some of the tools in my tool bag for what I seek to do: help organizations and businesses expand their impact through engaging written content that provides value to their audience and eliminates barriers to sales and donations.

If your audience has room to grow, I can help you identify points of friction and create content that addresses those issues. See what I can do for you: