Church hires PR firm to get more worshippers in the pews

12 February 2009

By Mike Brooke

A CHURCH in London’s deprived East End has hired a top public relations outfit to boost its image and pack more worshippers into the pews.

The Elders of St Paul’s Anglican in Shadwell have appointed Gateway Media to run their promotions.

There was even a hard-fought competitive tender process before Gateway could seal the deal with the growing congregation of 300.

The agency, part of City Gateway social enterprise charity, beat the competition on a wing and a prayer through its local knowledge, being based in the East End itself not far from the church.

“We thought their work was creative and were impressed,” said St Paul’s curate Adam Atkinson.

“They’re a similar organisation to us, working with the people of Tower Hamlets with their social enterprise and their links with City Gateway local charity.”

The agency ran a strong media presentation put together by their graphic design, video production and web development team.

Their own publicist Rachel Claydon explained: “Our community knowledge was important for St Paul’s. They’re keen to bring down barriers around people’s experience of church and make sure their promotional materials are relevant to all of Shadwell’s diverse community.”

Gateway already has top name clients on its hymn sheet, including Canary Wharf Group, Taylor Woodrow and Tower Hamlets council.