Before You Hire An Agency

SHOULD YOUR MINISTRY HIRE A MARKETING OR DESIGN AGENCY? HERE’S WHAT TO CONSIDER….

With all of the tools, trends, and tactics out there, church leaders often ask: Should we hire outside help for marketing and design? For many ministries, the answer isn’t clear-cut.

Hiring a marketing or design agency can bring needed expertise, experience, and creativity, but it can also create tension if goals and values aren’t aligned. Here’s a look at the pros and cons to consider so you can make the best decision for your ministry.

THE UPSIDE: WHAT AGENCIES CAN OFFER

  1. Access to Expertise

    Agencies liver and breathe design and marketing. Instead of figuring it out yourself (or asking a staff member to figure it out while juggling three other jobs…we all know it’s true), you tap into a team with deep skills in branding, websites, social media, and more.

  2. Creative Perspective

    It’s easy to get stuck seeing your ministry from the inside. An outside agency can offer fresh eyes and new ideas that help your message connect - especially if your outreach feels stale or flat.

  3. Time Savings

    Delegating design and strategy to professional frees up time for your team to focus on ministry. Instead of spending hours wrestling with Canva, you can focus on preaching, teaching, and building relationships.

  4. Scalability

    Big event coming up? Want to launch a campaign? Agencies can scale up support quickly without hiring more staff or overloading your team.

  5. Measurable Results

    Most agencies track metrics. That means you can see what’s working and what’s not working and make data-informed decisions moving forward.

THE DOWNSIDES: WHAT TO WATCH FOR

  1. Cost

    Hiring an agency isn’t cheap. For smaller churches and ministries, this can be a major barrier. Be sure to get clear pricing and know exactly what’s included before you commit. Don’t be afraid to shop around.

  2. Possible Value Misalignment

    Not all agencies understand ministry. If they don’t share or respect your mission, you could end up with messaging that feels off-brand, or worse….off-mission. Look for partners who “get” your church and theology.

  3. Communication Gaps

    Working with an outside team requires clear expectations, regular check-ins, and honest feedback. If communication breaks down, even the best designs won’t deliver results.

  4. Less Control

    Outsourcing can mean giving up some creative control. If you’re used to approving every word and pixel, that might be hard. You’ll need to trust the process or stay closely involved.

  5. Risk of Over-Reliance

    This is often overlooked, but it is easy to become too dependent on external experts. Over time, this can keep your team from growing their own skills.

SO…IS IT WORTH IT?

The right partner can be a powerful partner if you choose them wisely. Before you sign a contract, ask:

  • Do they understand our mission and theology?

  • Can we afford this without neglecting other priorities?

  • Are we clear on what success looks like?

  • Will our team stay involved and learn through the process?

Agencies aren’t magic, but they can be a smart part of your ministry strategy. Just make sure they’re walking with you - not ahead of of you.

Jessica Albers