John Funtik

In my last post, we discussed why "being a friendly church" is the ultimate cliché. It’s a "Faded Welcome" that doesn't tell neighbors who you are or what you do. Finding your church’s unique identity—the "Poetry" (The Story & Welcome) of your mission—requires more than a brainstorming session. It requires a process. To show you how to move from a blurry "good vibe" to a clear calling, let’s walk through the Craftsman’s Roadmap  alongside our case study: Fourth Example Methodist Church. Step...

If I asked ten people in your congregation, "Why do you go here?" what would they say? Usually, I hear things like: "The pastor is great." "It’s a very Biblical church." "Everyone is just so friendly!" Those are wonderful sentiments, but here’s the truth: Those aren't identities.  They are "vibrations." While a "good vibe" might get someone through the Invisible Front Door  once, it isn't what builds a community or helps a seeker understand if they truly belong. The Cliché Trap Many churches...

Building and maintaining a church website is hard work. Over the years, you’ve likely collaborated with staff, volunteers, and maybe even a contractor or two to keep your digital presence alive. We often view this work through a "business lens"—sitting around a large desktop monitor, fawning over our freshly updated homepage like proud parents. But as a father of two wonderful kids, I know all too well that things aren't always as they seem when you step away from the big screen! The...