Expression Packages

While the centerpiece of the "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." media campaign is national television advertising, the campaign encompasses far more than 30-second television spots. A substantial array of comprehensive resources is available to help the nearly 36,000 United Methodist congregations connect their local efforts with the national campaign.

The newest series of resources to be offered are "expression packages," collections of ready-to-use advertising materials which can be utilized by local churches to reach out to people in their own communities.

Each "Open Hearts" television commercial for The United Methodist Church carries a unique biblical, emotional and strategic theme or "expression" designed to appeal to thoughtful, intentional spiritual "seekers" who are ages 25-54. All of the coordinated advertising pieces associated with a specific theme have been grouped together into a set of marketing tools which are available to churches for local use.

The materials, which can be customized with the name of an individual church, include a television commercial and radio spot, billboard, newspaper, cinema, web and direct mail advertising materials, a video for worship or small groups, training materials, worship graphics, and other information. Tips and guidelines on how to strategically implement the advertising are also included.

The first expression package in this new series is associated with the newest United Methodist commercial which begins airing the week of August 29--"The Journey" theme, which offers The United Methodist Church as a spiritual home where everyone can find their path and share the journey. Also currently available is "The Gift", a message that invites viewers to put aside their fears and embrace the idea of giving of themselves to others. Two new expression packages, Prayer and Faith, are coming this fall. The packages are priced at $59.95.

To supplement the national campaign, $1 million in matching grants are made available annually to local churches, districts and conferences to enable local and regional placement of the spots on broadcast television, as well as radio, cinema, and outdoor advertising. There were more local grant recipients than ever before this year, including 23 new first-time applicants for the back to school season.