It’s found in the words we choose, write and say.

It’s displayed in the images we present.

It’s evident in the in-person and online experiences we create.

Ultimately, it’s a gut feeling.

As Neighborhood grows and reaches more people in Visalia, it is vitally important that our graphics, art, media, and communication create impressions that inspire people to live like Jesus.

These guidelines aren’t just a bunch of rules. They’re a set of principles and standards that help our staff, volunteers, vendors, and contractors communicate our mission clearly and consistently.

Our brand is more than a logo. It’s more than a website. It’s more than a catchy slogan on a postcard. Our brand is our reputation. So the question is what sort of reputation does Neighborhood have?

Wherever you are right now … look around you. How many different logos and brands do you see? More than five? Ten? Brands and marketing messages are constantly all around us, so why do we feel positive feelings toward one brand and negative feelings toward another? Why do we tune in to the latest product announcement from Apple and ignore the latest developments from Blackberry? It all has to do with reputation.

For every interaction you have with a company or organization, you learn a little bit more about who they are. You learn how the company works. You learn how the company thinks. You learn what’s important and what’s not. Through all of these touchpoints, a reputation begins to establish. A perception is created and/or cultivated in your heart and mind.

Now, if all this talk of branding in the church turns your stomach a little bit and you feel like you’d just rather opt-out altogether, know this – reputations happen. Whether you like it or not, you are building a positive or a negative reputation right now – you can’t stop it, so remaining neutral is impossible. The people in our community are forming positive and negative impressions of us every weekend.

• How clean is our campus and buildings?

• How warm and kind are our staff and volunteers?

• How engaging are our services?

• How clear and helpful are our sermons?

• How impactful is the work we’re doing FOR our city?

All of these are the bricks and mortar that form our reputation, whether positive or negative.

The Scriptures tell us that Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the evil one. That sounds like someone who wants to make a positive impression on people. Sure, not everyone responded positively, just as we won’t be able to control the negative reactions some have towards the work we feel like God has called us to do, but that doesn’t give us an excuse to ignore the way everyone perceives us.

So, the sooner we come to grips with it, the better. Reputations happen. The question is are we actively working to build a positive reputation or creating a negative one by ignoring it altogether?

Too Long; Didn’t Read

At Neighborhood Church, we have a unique platform to share the most important message of all — the message of God’s love, grace, and life through Jesus Christ. We want to be known for what we’re FOR, not what we’re against. We have a responsibility to share this message with warmth and clarity.

These guidelines aren’t just a bunch of rules. They’re a set of principles and standards that help us communicate our mission clearly and consistently. They help our volunteers and staff by providing a set of tools and standards. They unify our message, equip us, and it strengthens our ability to accomplish the mission of Neighborhood together.