COMMUNITY TAKING STRATEGIES: Your Image Is Your Community

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches…” – Proverbs 22:1 To be a high-impact, kingdom-driven church in your community, you must not take your public image for granted. Every local assembly must intentionally reflect Christ-like character if it is to leave a lasting and positive influence in the land where God has planted it.

Our Lord Jesus Christ understood the importance of image and reputation. That’s why He asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I the Son of Man am?” (Matthew 16:13–17). He was aware of what the people around Him thought and said about Him. Jesus moved among people—whether in cities, towns, or villages—demonstrating love, truth, and godly character.

Even though He was holy and never sinned, Jesus earned the title, “Friend of sinners and tax collectors” (Matthew 9:10; 11:19), because of His approachable spirit and compassion. He cared for the sick (Matthew 8:1–3), wept with the grieving (John 11:35–36), and connected deeply with people. His relational grace and humility opened hearts to receive His message.

As churches today, if we want to be relevant and impactful, we must not settle for less.

A. UNDERSTANDING IMAGE AND ITS FOUNDATION

(Matthew 5:13–16; 1 Timothy 3:7; Acts 6:3)

Your image is how the general public perceives your church. It may be formed intentionally through your outreach, or unintentionally through your actions or even inactions. Events, messages, leadership behavior, and community involvement all shape the image of your church.

The Church, as the body of Christ and a spiritual lighthouse, is being watched. Every local church must ask this soul-searching question:

“What do people in our neighborhood say or think about our church?”

You’ll likely fall into one of three categories:

They think well of your church (positive impression)
They think poorly of your church (negative impression)
They don’t think about your church at all (no presence or relevance)

What are you known for in your community?
Are you known at all?
What stories, testimonies, or scandals have shaped your reputation?

A poor image will push people away, but a Christ-centered image will draw souls toward the light.

People form opinions based on first encounters
People observe what happens during services
People judge based on the lifestyles of the pastor, leaders, and members
People listen to rumors, testimonies, or gossip

B. GENERAL PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE CHURCH

(1 Timothy 3:7)

Sadly, many outside the Church have a negative perception due to the failings of some pastors and ministries. Here are common complaints:

“The church is now just a business center.”
“Pastors are more interested in milking the sheep than feeding them.”
“Many pastors are fake and self-centered.”
“Truth is no longer preached in many churches.”
“Church leadership is bought with money.”
“Religion is just a way to deceive people.”
“Prosperity messages only benefit the preachers, not the members.”

These negative images are often the result of:

Greedy and manipulative preachers
Leaders living in luxury and pride, disconnected from the people
Occultic practices among supposed “prophets”

If your church wants to stand out, you must prove through character, truth, and love that your ministry is different. Only then will you attract faithful, mature, and kingdom-minded people.

C. HOW CHURCHES GET A BAD NAME IN THE COMMUNITY

Many local churches fail to grow because they have projected a bad image in one way or another. These are some of the major causes:

Church founded on lies, division, and power struggles
Unlawful acquisition of people’s land or property
Scandals, immorality, and sinful conduct
Pastors who are fake, carnal, or openly ungodly
Associates who are rebellious or not truly saved
Members who are hypocrites or nominal Christians
Unruly family members of the pastor causing embarrassment
Rumors of demonic or immoral activities in the church
The church is unfriendly or even hostile to the host community
Leaders who misuse church funds and operate with oppression

Don’t be deceived—what happens inside the church always reaches the community. And what people say outside the church affects your image deeply.

📖 “Let your light so shine before men…” (Matthew 5:16)

Real-Life Examples:

A barber once preached to the pastor about the poor reputation of his own church.
A church where the pastor slept with 30 women—the community banned attendance.
Another was shut down by authorities because of the pastor’s immorality.
One unbeliever recommended a better church to another sinner, saying, “That one still preaches truth.”
A community tore down church posters because they knew the pastor was morally corrupt.

These stories show that even sinners know what is right. Church leaders must never underestimate the spiritual awareness of the unsaved—they are watching closely.

D. TEN WAYS TO BUILD A GODLY IMAGE & GOODWILL

(Acts 6:3)

If your church desires to grow and win the community, you must be intentional about building trust, honor, and integrity. Here are 11 practical steps:

The pastor and leaders must be godly, humble, and well-trained.
Members must be discipled, sincere, and committed to Christ.
Promote genuine love and unity within the church (John 13:35).
Be friendly and respectful—greet your neighbors and be approachable.
Avoid disturbing the peace with excessive noise or chaotic services.
Keep the church free from immorality, scandal, and crisis.
Pray regularly for the community and reach out in love.
Join hands with community projects (e.g., water, roads, power).
Be known for something tangible—whether it’s deep prayer, sound teaching, prophetic accuracy, or deliverance ministry.
Reach out to widows, orphans, and the elderly with support and care.
Use excellent, professional-looking materials for publicity and signage.

If you do these faithfully, your light will shine in your neighborhood. People will speak well of your church, and your image will become a bridge to win souls for Christ—which is the ultimate goal of ministry.

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

Lord, we repent for any negative image our church has created in this community.
Father, erase every wrong impression people have about our church.
Lord, help us to rebuild and reflect a Christlike image in our neighborhood.
Repair the broken reputation of our church, O Lord.
Cause the people in this community to speak well of Your church.
Wash us, Lord, from the stains of past sins and failures.
I receive wisdom, grace, and boldness to create goodwill for the church, in Jesus’ name.

Let your church shine the light of Christ, both inside and outside the walls of the sanctuary. Your community is watching. Let them see Jesus in you.