The Pro Church Marketing Podcast

In this episode of The Pro Church Marketing Podcast, Luke Clayton and Jono Long dive deep into the realities of ministry, entrepreneurship, and digital strategy for churches. Both Luke and Jono started in full-time ministry, felt the financial strain, and eventually built businesses that now help ministries thrive online. Together, they explore how pastors can pursue side hustles without guilt, why bivocational ministry is becoming the norm, and how ministry skills translate directly into entrepreneurship. Listeners will hear practical strategies for leveraging the Google Ad Grant ($10K per month in free ads), the importance of SEO and content creation, and why churches need to prioritize their digital presence in the age of AI. They also share candid lessons from their own journeys, including mistakes in hiring, website development, and balancing ministry with business. If you’re a pastor, creative, or church leader looking for real-world encouragement and actionable tools to expand your reach, this conversation will inspire and equip you.

Are your church’s outreach efforts falling flat—even though you’re running ads, building your website, and following best practices? In this episode, Jono Long sits down with Tyler Harden from Firm Foundations Marketing to reveal the #1 mistake most churches make in their growth strategy: not truly knowing their community. Tyler shares practical wisdom on identifying your church’s ideal audience, debunking surface-level targeting terms like “young families” and “unchurched,” and how post-COVID ministry must shift to meet people where they are. Discover the Five P’s of Church Targeting, why authenticity always wins, and why “being for everyone” usually means reaching no one. Whether you’re a rural church with 30 members or a large congregation with resources, this episode delivers fresh, hopeful clarity for engaging your mission field more effectively. Perfect for pastors, church communicators, and outreach leaders.

In this episode of The Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Jono Long interviews leadership development expert and Multiply Group founder Mac Lake. Together, they explore why leadership development continues to be the #1 struggle for churches, despite the abundance of leadership resources. Mac explains the difference between leadership placement and true leadership development, shares insights from his book The Multiplication Effect, and walks through how churches can build a sustainable leadership pipeline based on biblical principles—not cultural norms. Discover practical tools to empower volunteers, train leaders with integrity and passion, and build a church growth strategy rooted in discipleship. Whether you're a solo pastor or part of a large church team, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you multiply healthy leaders and avoid ministry burnout. 🔗 Get Mac’s free eBook at multiplygroup.org/ebook 📲 Follow Mac on Instagram: @maclake24

In this power-packed episode of The Pro Church Marketing Podcast, Jono Long chats with Pastor Ryan Vernon of 902 Church about what it really takes to grow a church in a small town. From leveraging his marketing degree and business background to creating leadership pipelines that work, Pastor Ryan breaks down how 902 Church has thrived in Kinston, NC. You’ll learn: How to identify and develop leaders in your church Why churches struggle with volunteer burnout—and how to fix it The importance of community involvement for long-term growth A biblical case for using marketing to spread the Gospel Pastor Ryan also shares real-world wins from working with Faithworks and gives encouragement to pastors who are on the fence about modern outreach strategies. Whether you're leading in a small town or a growing city, this episode is full of wisdom to help your ministry move forward.

In this episode of The Pro Church Marketing Podcast, we’re diving deep into conversion tracking—why it matters and how to do it right. Jono Long is joined by Google Ads expert John Hosko and Faithworks’s Melissa Keane to simplify the ins and outs of tracking actions like form submissions, phone calls, and donations using Google Tag Manager and GA4 Analytics. Whether you're a church using the Google Ad Grant or a nonprofit running paid ads, this episode shows how conversion tracking can be the key to unlocking performance. Learn how to stay compliant with Google’s ad grant rules, get practical steps to set up tracking without coding, and discover how to use that data to improve your website’s effectiveness and campaign results. You’ll also hear real-world examples of how small changes on your website can lead to major gains—and how not tracking your conversions could be costing you clicks, opportunities, and even your grant. ✅ Great for churches, nonprofits, and anyone managing Google Ads! #GoogleAdGrant #ConversionTracking #ChurchMarketing #FaithworksMarketing #NonprofitMarketing #GoogleTagManager #GA4 #DigitalMissions

In this episode of The Pro Church Marketing Podcast, Jono and Melissa continue their 3-part series on the 2025 Guide to the Google Ad Grant for Churches. If you've been struggling to get your ads to spend—or wondering why your click-throughs aren’t leading to engagement—this episode is for you. We’re talking all about your church website and how it can make or break your ad performance. You’ll learn: Jono and Melissa also share insights on conversion optimization, what Google considers a quality score, and why your website content plays a key role in both ad performance and SEO. 👉 Want more impact from your grant? Tune in and take action! 🔗 Learn more at faithworksmarketing.com 📩 Questions? Email us at hello@faithworksmarketing.com

This is the first episode in our multi-part series on how churches can navigate the new changes to Google Ad Grants in 2025! 👀 In this episode, we cover: ✅ The #1 mistake churches make with Google Ad Grants (and how to avoid it) ✅ Performance Max campaigns – what they are & how they help your church grow ✅ Why AI is a tool—not a replacement for smart ad management ✅ How to think about church growth beyond direct attendance 📌 Coming Next in Part 2: We’ll discuss content and landing pages—how to optimize your website so your Google Ad Grant works without cluttering your site. 👉 Join the conversation! Follow Faithworks Marketing on Facebook & Instagram and join our Pro Church Marketing Facebook Group for exclusive insights and expert advice. #ChurchMarketing #GoogleAdGrant #FaithWorksMarketing #ChurchGrowth #DigitalMinistry

How can churches use social media and digital marketing to spread the gospel more effectively? In this episode, Jono Long sits down with Pastor George Ashford of Journey Church to discuss how he’s using platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to reach more people. Pastor George shares insights from his background in marketing, the role of social media in evangelism, and practical strategies for church leaders looking to improve their outreach. Key takeaways: ✅ The importance of people telling people in evangelism ✅ Why social media is today’s mission field ✅ Overcoming criticism of church marketing ✅ The role of digital content in church growth & giving 🔗 Connect with Pastor George and Journey Church: journeycolumbiasc.org 🎧 Tune in now and learn how your church can expand its impact!

Join host Jono Long on the Pro Church Marketing Podcast as he chats with Jorgen Strycharz of Story Thread Media about the art of storytelling in the church. Discover how compelling narratives and community testimonies can bridge gaps, foster engagement, and amplify your church's mission. Jorgen shares actionable tips for pastors on identifying and sharing their congregation's stories, aligning messaging with purpose, and why storytelling is central to building impactful relationships. Perfect for church leaders, communicators, and marketers, this episode highlights the transformative potential of a well-told story.

In this episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Jono Long welcomes Doug Garasic, the passionate pastor of Rust City Church in Youngstown, Ohio. Doug talks about his two decades of ministry, including planting a thriving church in the heart of the Rust Belt. Learn how Doug’s church became a beacon of hope by meeting real community needs, the importance of being "known before needed," and why focusing on people rather than gimmicks is key to meaningful ministry. Doug also shares the highs and lows of outreach efforts, including a heartwarming story with a surprising twist that taught him invaluable lessons. Whether you're a church leader seeking to engage your community or looking for innovative ideas to transform your outreach programs, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss Doug’s advice on finding champions and coaches within and beyond your church to supercharge your vision. Plus, discover his latest book, Transformative Gospel, a guide to leading yourself and others toward true spiritual growth.

In this episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Jono Long welcomes Dustin Stout, founder of Magai, to discuss the transformative power of AI in marketing and ministry. Dustin shares his journey from running a marketing agency to creating Magai, a cutting-edge AI platform designed to enhance productivity and creativity without limiting the AI’s potential. He reveals how Magai empowers users with unique features like persona creation, webpage analysis, and content repurposing. The conversation dives into practical applications for churches, such as improving SEO with sermon-driven blog posts, creating personalized study guides, and optimizing social media outreach. Dustin also emphasizes the ethical use of AI, encouraging pastors to maintain their voice and spiritual guidance while leveraging AI as an assistant. The episode concludes with insights into the future of AI, including the rise of AI agents capable of executing complex, multi-step workflows. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to maximize the potential of AI in faith-based and professional settings.

In this episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Jono Long dives into the groundbreaking research from The Great Dechurching, exploring why millions have stopped attending church and what might inspire them to return. Discover why friendships—not just friendliness—are the key to creating a thriving church community. Jono shares actionable insights on how churches can foster authentic relationships, including interest-based small groups and creating welcoming spaces for new connections. If you're a church leader or nonprofit director looking to grow your organization by reaching people where they are, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you succeed. 💡 Ready to take your church marketing to the next level? Email jono@faithworksmarketing.com for personalized strategies!

If you’re frustrated trying to spend your church’s Google Ad Grant, you’re not alone. In this episode, Jono Long breaks down practical ways to make the most of your $10,000 Google Grant budget each month. Learn why spending the entire grant is challenging, how to set up essential tools like conversion tracking, and why having multiple ad groups per campaign can make all the difference. Jono also shares creative ideas for connecting your church’s unique offerings—like community food pantries or even a church dog park! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marketer, this episode will give you insights and inspiration to drive more online engagement for your church. Don’t miss these tips to unlock the full potential of your Google Ad Grant!

In this episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Jono Long explains why your church or nonprofit needs Google reviews and how they impact your online visibility. With over 7 million monthly searches for churches in the U.S., appearing in Google's "map pack" is essential to attracting new visitors. Jono shares proven strategies to collect high-quality reviews and avoid common issues, such as reviews not showing up. He also provides practical tips to ensure reviews contribute to your church’s online presence. Don't miss out on these key insights for improving your church's digital outreach! Tune in to learn: How Google reviews affect your church’s ranking Why some Google reviews don’t appear Tips to get consistent, positive reviews For personalized help, email Jono at jono@faithworksmarketing.com, or schedule a discovery call.

In this episode, Jono Long chats with Tiffany Kelly from The Honest Pixel about how churches can leverage spatial design to make a memorable first impression and foster community engagement. Tiffany shares her expertise in blending graphic design, architecture, and ministry to help churches and small businesses create visually appealing and functional spaces. Learn practical tips on enhancing church environments with limited budgets, the importance of wayfinding signage, and creating spaces that photograph well to boost your church’s online and offline presence. Whether you're involved in a new building project or looking to refresh your current church space, this episode provides actionable advice to help your church be more welcoming and effective in its outreach. Tune in and discover how to make your church’s physical space a powerful tool for ministry.

Join Jono Long on the Pro Church Marketing Podcast as he interviews Pastor Neal Dose from Mansfield Baptist Church. Discover how Pastor Neal is leading a small-town church in Georgia through a season of growth and revitalization. Learn about the challenges of stepping into a new pastoral role, the impact of COVID on church attendance, and the strategies being used to re-engage the community. Pastor Neal shares how Faithworks' ad campaigns on Facebook and Instagram are driving new visitors to the church and helping create a welcoming environment that keeps people coming back. This episode offers insights into effective church marketing, the power of community, and the importance of fostering genuine connections. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on church leadership and outreach!

Join Jono on the Pro Church Marketing Podcast as he explores the vital role of relationships over marketing in church growth. In this insightful episode, Jono tackles the debate surrounding church marketing, highlighting that while it can boost visibility, it cannot replace the power of personal invitations and genuine connections. Drawing from his extensive experience, Jono contrasts flashy church programs with welcoming communities, emphasizing that people stay where they feel they belong. He also addresses the recent surge in church marketing, suggesting it stems from a decline in personal engagement and invitations. Tune in to learn why creating a warm, inviting environment is crucial for fostering long-term growth and discipleship in your church.

In this episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Jono dives deep into the intricacies of the Google Ad Grant, a valuable resource providing non-profits with $10,000 in ad credits each month. Jono addresses common questions, such as the nature of the grant, compliance requirements, and best practices for managing ad campaigns. Listeners will learn how to maintain eligibility, avoid pitfalls, and maximize the grant's potential without incurring additional costs. With real-life examples and actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for any church or non-profit looking to enhance their online presence through Google Ads. For more insights, connect with Jono on social media or reach out via email. Tune in and empower your ministry to reach more people effectively!

Join Jono Long in this Pro Church Marketing Podcast episode as he explores the latest Google update that allows churches to link their social media profiles directly to their Google Business Profiles. Discover why this new feature is a game-changer for enhancing your church’s online visibility and learn how to optimize your profile to ensure your church stands out on Google Maps. Jono provides a step-by-step guide to adding your social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and TikTok, to your Google Business Profile. By leveraging these tools, you can boost your church’s digital presence and reach more people with the gospel. Tune in for practical tips and insights to maximize your church’s online outreach and connect with a broader audience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your church’s SEO and visibility on Google. Listen now!

Join host Jono Long in this insightful episode of the Pro Church Marketing podcast as he explores the differences between Facebook (Meta) ads and Google ads. Discover which platform might be the best fit for your church or nonprofit as Jono breaks down the pros and cons of each. Learn how Meta ads target users based on interests and how Google ads reach users with intent, and why combining both can amplify your outreach. Plus, find out how your church can leverage Google’s $10,000 monthly ad grant. Tune in for practical tips and strategies to enhance your online marketing efforts and reach more people in your community. For personalized guidance, contact Jono at jono@faithworksmarketing.com.