I’m sure we’ve all seen our fair share of terrible logos in our days, and each one is just as cringe-worthy as the last.
For me, though, it hurts even more when I see a church that has a logo that’s borderline atrocious, because to me, a logo is the first thing seekers may see when they hear about the church through modern outreach mediums like a web site, social media, or advertisements, brochures and other print material.
Church logos should be inviting – and leave people wanting to know more about this place they’re hearing about. Just like a business works to perfect it’s brand or corporate identity, a church’s logo should also be synonymous with what the church stands for, and should make people feel invited as much as a handshake on Sunday Morning does.
Here are a few things to consider, which can help make sure your church logo isn’t abysmal:
Don’t Be Generic
A good logo is something that’s worth the investment to make sure it’s done right. Don’t cheap out and download a template or a cookie-cutter logo from a web site that offers ‘Free church logos’ or ‘Discounted logos to fit your church or ministry now 20% off.’
If you don’t have someone on staff or a volunteer in your church that can give you a professional logo, then find someone who can, that will cater the logo to fit your church and your community. Your church logo shouldn’t be able to fit any other church – it should be unique to you and you alone.
Even if you’re a small church and don’t have a huge budget, in comparison to things like a major web site development or a video production set-up, a logo is at the bottom of the ladder when it comes to major expenditures.
Usability
Even if you have a professional design your brand, you can’t put your sole trust in them to give you the best product possible. Just like a mechanic is going to try and milk you for extras when you get your oil changed, some designers may end up doing the same. That’s why it’s important you know how your logo will be used, and what will work best for you.
Have a logo that can be used in all different forms of marketing and media. Your logo should be plastered everywhere from your Powerpoint announcements, to your roadside sign. That’s why it’s important to have a logo that will work in all applications and scenarios.
Go for something simple, yet noticeable, and keep in mind that colour printing could be expensive in some cases, so a logo that works in all colour schemes is probably the best idea.
Theology
I have a battle with this one often.
Where do we find the balance between presenting a theological message in an inviting way, while at the same time not commercializing or cheapening the message we’re trying to convey?
I’ve seen far too many stylized crosses in every shape, form, colour and scenario and every time I see it, I can’t help but wonder if we aren’t doing a disservice to what that symbol actually means, by putting a drop shadow or a catchy outer glow all around it?
Many probably have no problem with it, but for me personally, I tend to shy away from churches who like to show over animated theological elements in their brand logos. I’m sure they thought it was clever to use the cross at the letter ‘T’ in their name, but can we all agree that it’s been done, and move on?
Don’t be afraid to branch out a bit with your brand identity. Give people something they weren’t expecting – it may end up being more appealing in the end.
What are some of the best church logos you’ve seen?
[Image via Loren Sztajer via Compfight cc]
Marcus Williamson says
Ah church logos. Gotta love them
Elevation has a pretty cool logo
Eric Dye says
Yes they do.
Mark Robinson says
indeed!
Jason Delgado says
I love Desiring God’s logo,… mostly because it took me forever to realize that it wasn’t just a cross but arrows pointing to a cross (which is central to their message, Christ the center, etc…). Simple yet brilliant!
Eric Dye says
That’s so cool! (I just went to look at it again.)
Jason Delgado says
Also love Fighter Verses,… it is a F and a V but makes a shield and a cross: http://fighterverses.com
Chris Huff says
We have one of those stereotypical cross logos. Check it out on our website. The idea being conveyed is “grace through the cross.” We had the logo put on the face of our building that faces the street about a year and a half ago, and we still get compliments from the communtiy on how nice and inviting it looks.
I think crosses in logos are fine, but I do agree that it needs to purposeful as to not lose the meaning of the cross.
Eric Dye says
I took a look at your church logo. It’s really good! 😀
Brian Gingles says
I am completely biased, but I love my church’s logo (www.rescuechurch.org)
Eric Dye says
Solid logo. I like it.
Eric Dye says
Great thoughts, Rudy, a MUST READ for those looking at doing a church logo!
Craig McConnell says
We rebranded as a church recently. We are called UTbelfast, and our colours are green and charcoal grey.
If you check out our logo, the ‘UT’ element can easily be used as a social media avatar and we also have 3 alternative identities stemming off the main brand where the ‘UT’ element changes from green to another colour. They are UTworship (yellow), UTkids (purple), UTyouth (light blue), UTmen (dark blue).
Our website is a work in progress, but you can see the logo for now at utbelfast.org
Rudy says
Excellent example of solid branding. I love how the branding of the sub-ministries throw back to the main brand of the church. It shows unity, almost – rather than having separate brands for each ministry, it shows that everyone is part of the same body of believers. Great stuff.
Mark Robinson says
Really great work that – beautifully executed artwork and branding.
Mark Robinson says
I’ve been going through a brand development with our church over the last year and we’re almost there. It’s all now tied in to a massive website rebuild that’s currently trying to get done. A definite sat/sun share contribution when done.
We’ve been using the leaf for the past 6 years: http://www.oaktree.org.uk/oak_media//2008/12/Oaktree-Logo-Full-Transparent.png
Now we’re simplifying down to just the text – http://www.oaktree.org.uk/oak_media//2013/01/TextLogoFullRed-590×140.png
Eric Dye says
Can’t wait to see the finished project, Mark. Lookin’ good!
Charles Specht says
We went simple but fresh for our church logo.
http://www.faithbaptiststrathmore.com/
Eric Dye says
I like this.
Mark Robinson says
I also like this!
Chris Marsh says
With regard to the use of the cross, too right.
I did incorporate a cross in a logo for one church, but in such a way that it became a stylistic element that added to the wider design (through the use of negative space, additional elements became aparrent).
In an attempt to move away from crosses, doves, praising people, and swooshes, for one church I created an icon from a tile found in the church sanctuary, which worked well as an identifier for the church’s brand.
Obee says
I love our logo. It’s simple and it can published in different colors. Our church name is Fuego Church. Fuego is fire in Spanish. http://Www.fuegochurch.com
Paul says
While not actually a church logo, this is the logo for our youth ministry. I’m biased (I designed some of the logo), so fair warning; but I love that the cross is made out of flaming bones. It challenges the local youth’s preconceptions of what the church is and who Christ was — shocking and different, but not without a sense of fun.
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/529756_134948573347501_1655813691_n.png
Stelian says
A nice collection of church logos I put together myself, you can see here:
http://pinterest.com/cssreligion/great-church-logos/