According to their Facebook page, St Matthew in the City is, "working to be a church Jesus would belong to without embarrassment: Inclusive, welcoming, compassionate and fearless."
The progressive New Zealand church means it.
Just before Christmas 2009, the Auckland church posted an outdoor advertisement intended to lampoon literalism and get people thinking about the tenets of their faith, challenge stereotypes and and get people talking.
It worked.
The billboard is one of several of the progressive church’s humorous looks at religion.
CREDITS:
Advertising Agency: M&C Saatchi, Auckland, New Zealand
Art Director: James Bowman
Copywriter: Nicci Doak
Illustrator: Dean Proudfoot
Group Account Director: James Johnston
Account Director: Jo Harwood
Scandalous Church Billboards
St. Matthew in the City Anglican Church Stirs Controversy With Ad
Trend Themes
1. Progressive Church Advertising - Opportunity for church organizations to use creative and thought-provoking advertisements to challenge stereotypes and engage with the community.
2. Humorous Religious Marketing - Trend of utilizing humor to spark conversations and get people thinking about religious beliefs and tenets.
3. Inclusive and Fearless Churches - Demand for churches that prioritize inclusivity, compassion, and fearlessness to create a welcoming environment for individuals seeking a progressive faith community.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - Disruptive innovation opportunities for advertising agencies to create impactful and controversial campaigns that challenge societal norms and promote discussion.
2. Religion - Opportunity for religious institutions to adapt and adopt creative marketing strategies to engage modern audiences and reshape public perceptions of faith.
3. Community Engagement - Potential for community organizations to utilize unconventional marketing tactics, like humor-driven billboards, to start conversations and build connections with diverse groups of people.