Choosing the Right Marketing Partner for your Christian Organization

Aligning Faith & Marketing

While standing in line in a shipping store, I watched an elderly man accidentally knock over an acrylic display while struggling with his package. The display broke and the man, visibly embarrassed, quickly apologized to the clerk. Sadly, the clerk dismissed his apology and said he would need to pay for the damage.

I couldn’t help but feel unsettled when the employee showed no grace to her customer. As a marketer, I wondered how a company’s values could lead to such a cold response. The truth is—they didn’t.

It was a stark reminder that values mean nothing if they’re not lived out. Company values are critical to success. Likewise, shared values are crucial when a Christian organization partners with a marketing agency. 

How can an organization be sure to select an agency with shared values and the expertise to accomplish your brand goals?

5 Key Things to Look for in a Marketing Partner

A strong marketing agency should not only understand business and branding but should resonate with your mission and know how to communicate your brand with clarity and integrity. Here are some key things to look for when vetting your next marketing partner.

1. Shared Values and Understanding

A marketing partner should understand and embrace the mission and message of your organization. Look for an agency that shares your Christian principles, as they will more authentically communicate your values without compromise. Sharing biblical values also provides a solid foundation for collaboration and trust.

  • Check Their Website and Mission Statement –Do their values align with yours?
  • Assess Their Discovery Process –During initial conversations, do they speak your language and genuinely engage with your brand? Do they authentically invest in getting to know your team, your unique attributes, your products and services?

2. Strategy-First Approach

Marketing isn’t only about making things look good—it’s about strategic growth. A great partner will take time to understand your audience, assess your brand positioning, and develop a plan that aligns with your mission and long-term goals

  • Observe Their Approach –Do they take time to learn about your audience and mission in your initial conversations and, more significantly, before making strategic recommendations?
  • Request a Case Study –Ask for real-world examples of how they helped other organizations grow.

3. Transparency and Integrity

A marketing agency should be upfront about its strategies, costs, and expected results. Be wary of firms that rely on misleading tactics, exaggerated claims, or engagement tricks that compromise your organization’s integrity. 

  • Check Reviews and References –Speak to past clients and look for patterns of honesty, collaboration, and follow-through.
  • Ask About Pricing and Contracts –If they hesitate to provide clear answers, it may indicate hidden fees, “moving goalposts,” or unrealistic promises.

4. Creativity that Reflects Your Message

Marketing should feel authentic and resonate with your audience. Look for an agency that can create compelling visuals, messaging, and campaigns that remain true to your faith-driven purpose.

  • Review Their Work –Do their past projects reflect what you need? Is their caliber of work consistent and in line with your brand and goals for growth? 
  • Ask About Their Creative Process –Do they start with strategy and research, or do they jump straight to creative?

5. Long-Term Partnership Mentality

Marketing is an ongoing journey, not a one-time project. Choose a partner that is committed to long-term success and will continue to refine and optimize strategies to ensure sustained growth and impact.

  • Gauge Their Commitment to Your Growth –Do they seem more invested in your long-term success or in making a sale?
  • Check Client Retention Rate –Ask how long their average client stays with them.

Final Thoughts

Just as the shipping store clerk’s response contradicted the organization’s values, a marketing agency that doesn’t align with your faith and values could result in an uneasy partnership, or marketing that doesn’t resonate with target audiences and misrepresents your brand.

The right partner should do more than provide services—they should uphold your values, operate with integrity, and support your team and mission.

Are you ready to work with a marketing partner who truly understands your mission? We are an award-winning, Christ-centered organization that uses a strategic, faith-driven approach to grow our clients’ business—while staying true to our purpose to bring honor and glory to God.

Let’s connect and create a lasting, God-honoring partnership.

With blessing,
Melissa McGath, 
Founder & CEO

Voom Creative
p: 612.296.6675

P.S. We’ve created a downloadable checklist for you to use when selecting your next partner.
P.P.S. Learn more about Voom’s journey to becoming a Christian Agency.
P.P.P.S. Get some tips about how to rule your First Hour.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
– Colossians 3:23