A Norwich church has launched a series of local radio adverts which could reach 167,000 Norfolk listeners over Christmas.

 

Using free, professionally-produced audio from the Churches’ Advertising Network, Christians at Holy Trinity Parish Church, just off Unthank Road, dug into their own pockets to pay the £500 for the airtime on Radio Broadland in the week before Christmas.

 

“We did it because we believe the message is relevant to everyone,” said campaign organiser Chris Smith, “and because we want to change the media image of the church. It’s a misnomer to think that churches are dead and numbers falling. Many congregations are bursting at the seams!   Try yours this Christmas – you could get a pleasant surprise!”

 

The ads are part of a national campaign being used by churches on local commercial radio stations across the country, and feature different characters talking to family, friends or people with whom they’ve lost touch – all on the theme of having a “second chance at life”. Listeners are invited to “try” their local Christian church – or visit a website, www.secondlifechance.co.uk, which offers more information about Christianity.

 

Tony Kinch, of the Churches’ Advertising Network, commented: “We are delighted that Holy Trinity has decided to join the many churches across the UK involved in this year’s campaign. We hope it will do much to make people aware that the Christian message offers real hope of a “second chance at life.”

 

And Steve Martin, Programme Controller for Radio Broadland added: “The ads are very honest and extremely creative. I’m sure our target 20-40 year old listener will notice and perhaps even be motivated by them.”