In yesterday’s post, What is a QR Code? (and 4 other things you should know about them), we discussed the basics of QR codes. Today, we look at some practical and innovative ways churches can use QR codes to communicate more effectively to their members and connect better with people in the community.
1) In the Sunday bulletin/program, put a QR code next to each item for which there’s more info on the website.
2) Some people may want to skip the print bulletin entirely. Put the bulletin on the church website and place a QR code for the bulletin in the lobby so people can bypass the print version entirely.
3) Put it in a “sermon notes” part of the Sunday bulletin and link it to the audio (podcast), video, or notes for the message.
4) Put a QR code on your sign that links to your church’s homepage or a welcome page, so those driving or walking by your church can get more information about your church.
5) If your church sends out direct mail pieces to reach people in your community, include QR codes on them.
6) If your church building has rooms for specific ministries, put a QR code on the sign outside the door that links to more info about that ministry.
7) If your church creates invitation cards for your people to use to invite their friends to church, include a QR code that links to the service or event you’re inviting people to.
8 ) If you church staff have business cards, put a QR code on back that links to the church homepage or to a profile page for that staff person.
9) For evangelism purposes, your church could create a sign that says something intriguing like “Good News!” “Want a better life?” “Sick of being let down?” and below it put a QR code to a text or video gospel presentation on the church website. This could be put on yard signs, posters, stickers, or other things that could be posted and distributed in your community.
10) Create a coffee mug for your church with a QR code on it. Give it free to first-time visitors or sell it to regular attenders. In fact, you can put a QR code on any customizable items – a T-shirts, key chains, Frisbees, mouse pads, calendars, hats, tote bags, umbrellas, post-it notes, golf balls, thumb drives, and more.
Is your church using QR codes in any of these ways? If so, how have they been received? What other ways could churches use QR codes?
Oh, and if you’re interested in helping churches make the most of mobile apps, Take the Ultimate Church Mobile App Survey

Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.
30 Comments
love the idea that you can link to a podcast.
perhaps there is a baptism and the link is to the online version of the person's story
That's a great idea Phill!
In addition a testimony to one of the church outreach programs for example : Street Ministry;Hands of compassion
Great article Paul. I want to start using QR Codes at our church.
Utterly brilliant Paul.
I will start using some of these ideas JUST A SOON as I get the church to start using the website and not wanting to change the design before they even put content in it!!!!
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Thanks for the great ideas… I would like to find ways to get more people aware of our Reading Room, and your idea of a bookmark is really great!
I've used geo QR codes for maps particularly for offsite events.
Thanks Paul for the the comment on Smallbiztechnology. For some reason I couldn't reply on our blog. Technology for you!
My pleasure, Joseph. Thanks for stopping by to comment here.
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