Major Pentecostal Media Plan to Boost Church Visibility

By Audrey Barrick, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, May 31, 2007

The Assemblies of God, the nation's largest Pentecostal group, has an all new media campaign to bring thousands to Christ over the next two years.

Launched Tuesday, the campaign plasters "Nothing's too hard for God" all over local communities, in the streets, and on airwaves. It's a practical yet relevant tool to help Assemblies of God churches across the country become more visible and effective in sharing the message of Jesus Christ.

"This media plan is so much more than advertising," says project director Rick Griepp, according to Assemblies of God News Service. "[I]t's a platform for the local church to share the gospel and get their message out.

"Just imagine the impact of telling all the people in your community that nothing's too hard for God, and letting them see what God has done and is doing in the lives of others who call on Him. It opens the door to those who are searching for answers."

The plan is to advertise on some of the most visible forms of media, including billboards, television and radio. Churches and local churchgoers can also spread awareness through fliers, banners, yard signs, car window stickers and tracks, all of which direct people to the newly launched website nothingstoohardforGod.org.

There, visitors can view powerful testimonies from believers who have experienced some of the toughest struggles and the life-changing power of God. The campaign leads people to resources on accepting and following Christ and to a national directory of Assemblies of God churches that will help them find a local church.

"Without question, this is a great ministry for increasing visibility, for sharing the good news with the lost and for reaching many who are looking for an answer to life," says Juleen Turnage, communications director for the Assemblies of God, according to the denomination's news service.

The two-year media plan revolves around eight sub-themes: "No person is beyond forgiveness," "No form of loneliness is too overwhelming," "No relationship is too broken," "No illness is too difficult," "No fear is too great," "No financial need is too large," "No loss is too devastating," and "No addiction is too strong." Each of the themes has a testimony to go along with it. The first four video testimonies are posted on the website and the final four will be up over the next few weeks.

Realizing the value of marketing, the Assemblies of God has continued to develop media campaigns to get the gospel message out in the public square. Last Thanksgiving, the Pentecostal group flashed 480 spots of "God Gives Hope" ads on the News Astrovision Screen in Times Square over a period of two weeks. Organizers said the campaign was a success with nearly 100,000 booklets distributed and some 1,000 calls a day to the group's prayer centers.