HomeMediaGraphicsDesigning an Inspiring Church Logo in 5 Steps

Designing an Inspiring Church Logo in 5 Steps

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Why is a church logo so important? Because logos capture and communicate the identity of your church. And in a world bombarded by advertisements at every turn, this is more important than ever.

Merriam-Webster defines a logo as “an identifying symbol.” In his book, Logo Design Love, designer David Airey explains, “For thousands of years, humans have needed and desired social identification. Think of the farmer who brands his cattle to mark his ownership or the stonemason who chisels his trademark.”

Even though the digital age we're living in has decreased the need for printed materials, if you have a website, are active on social media, use church bulletins, or do any kind of physical advertising, your church needs a logo in order to be noticed, remembered, and recognized.

Think of it as making a first impression.

Most people will see your church's logo long before meeting your congregation in person. Whether your logo is featured on your website, your Facebook page, printed materials, or signage, it is introducing your church to potential members.

With that explanation behind us, what are some of the basics of good, inspiring logo design?

Designing an Inspiring Church Logo in 5 Steps

Every logo should convey a clear, concise, and memorable message. A good logo should strive for both simplicity and originality. Your logo should communicate one message, and communicate it well.

Additionally, a church logo must inspire a spiritual connection with your audience.

Here are five steps to building a logo that embodies your message and begins a conversation with potential church visitors.

1. Tell Your Story

Take time to reflect on your message. You want to tell your church's particular story, focusing on what makes your church unique. Your logo should be distinct.

Ask yourself questions like, “What is the mission of our church? What values do we want to promote?”

Don't try to say everything with your logo. Remember, think of it as an introduction. Keep it simple and to the point.

The Ark Church's logo below (designed by Kyle Kutter)  is a good example of a logo that keeps a single focus and tells the unique story of the church it belongs to very well:

The Ark Church's Logo

Remember to choose colors, fonts, and symbols that embody the uniqueness of your church!

2. Decide on Style

Who do you want to inspire to join your congregation?

Does your church cater to a younger generation? Are your services more traditional? Does your church have a denominational focus that will appeal to some more than others?

Your audience can determine the style of your church logo.

If you want to appeal to younger people, use current design trends and popular colors in your logo. The logo below, belonging to Commission Church, is a good example of a logo that features modern design.

Commission Church's Logo

A traditional congregation will want to use classic symbols of faith and religion in familiar configurations, like the logo below, belonging to Grace Fellowship Church.

Grace Fellowship Church's Logo

A modern church logo may be abstract. A traditional church logo is literal.

It's important to decide on the style you want to represent your church before you begin the logo design process.

A modern, traditional or abstract style will help you determine the colors, graphics, and fonts.

Whatever style you choose, make sure it matches the characteristics of your ministry so people know what to expect.

3. Use Meaningful Symbols

The beauty of symbols is that they are packed with meaning.

Images of a church, steeple, or the cross have come to represent Christianity.

Don't be afraid to use traditional symbols in a new way. A classic image rendered in a fresh perspective can portray your one-of-a-kind church.

For example, a modern congregation might use an abstract stained glass window in neon colors for their church logo.

McCoy Memorial Baptist Church's Logo, designed by Luke Anspach, makes good use of a stained glass window in its design.

McCoy Memorial Baptist Church's Logo

4. Apply Color Theory

The colors you choose will add clarity to your message. Like a symbol, color can accentuate and clarify a message.

Pay attention to the meaning of different colors. Every color evokes a different reaction.

Do you want to convey energy or calm? Classic or modern thinking? Past traditions or future possibilities?

The logo below, which belongs to Calvary Memorial Church, (and was designed by Belief Agency) makes good use of vibrant colors.

Calvary Memorial Church's Logo

Color can tell people a lot about your church. Use it wisely, and have fun with it!

5. Visualize Your Completed Logo

Once you consider all the elements, it's time to visualize your completed logo.

Try to think of all of the ways that you will use your logo. It should be appealing in every size from a business card to a billboard. Your logo should look good in color as well as black and white.

Consider how it will look on your website and signage. Keep it clean and simple and it will display well on shirts, hats, bags, brochures, pens, and much more.

To help you visualize your finished logo, you might consider using a logo mockup generator.

Conclusion

Ready to create your unique church logo? All that's left to decide is whether or not you'll design it yourself or hire your logo design job out to a professional designer. Having access to a professional designer is ideal, but modern technology has made it very easy for non-designers to create church logos and other graphics.

Below are some resources to help you decide on the best option for designing your church logo.

Ryan Haught
Ryan Haughthttps://www.ministryvoice.com/
Ryan is the Co-Founder of Ministry Voice and enjoys sharing resources and tools to help churches and Christian nonprofits have a greater outreach.

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