An elevator speech is a short, compelling way to introduce your church—who you are, what you’re about, and why it matters—in about 30–60 seconds, or roughly the time it takes to ride an elevator. It should be memorable, repeatable, and ideally shared by all church leaders.

1 | CLARIFY YOUR IDENTITY
Look for keywords like welcoming, multigenerational, service-minded, creative, rooted in tradition, contemporary, diverse, etc. Ask: 

• What makes our church unique?
• What are we known for in the community?
• What do newcomers notice or appreciate most?

2: DEFINE YOUR "WHY"
Simon Sinek says, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” Ask:

• Why do we gather?
• Why do we serve?
• Why do we care about our neighbors?

3 | LIST WAYS YOU'RE TRANSFORMING PEOPLE'S LIVES
Rather than just listing programs, share how your church changes lives. Ask:

• How are people’s lives better because they’re part of our church?
• How do we help people grow spiritually, relationally, emotionally?

4 | WRITE YOUR FIRST DRAFT. KEEP IT SHORT & CONVERSATIONAL
Aim for 2–4 sentences, no more than 75 words. Imagine saying it to a neighbor at the mailbox or someone at a coffee shop. Consider using a "fill in the blank template" to help your leaders flesh your key messages such as: “At [Church Name], we [what you do] so that [why it matters]. We’re a community of [who you are] who [how you live it out]. You’re always welcome to join us as we [vision for impact].”

5 | WRITE SECOND DRAFT, MAKING IT MEMORABLE & REPEATABLE
Use phrases that stick. Practice saying it out loud. Ask:

• Would a teenager or a guest understand this?
• Would a church member feel proud to say it?
• Could someone repeat it after hearing it once?

6 | ASK LEADERS & MEMBERS FOR FEEDBACK 
Invite feedback from staff and members. Get feedback from at least 25 within and beyond the church.

• Is it clear and simple?
•  Does it communicate your heart and vision?
•  Would a visitor feel welcomed by it?
•  Could a member easily repeat it to a friend?
•  Does it reflect what you actually do?

7 | PRACTICE IT & START USING IT!
Pair up and practice your speech. Say it to a partner as if they’re a curious neighbor. Listen to theirs. Offer kind, constructive feedback. Refine your speech and try again. Once you've settled on the "working" elevator speech:

• Post it on your website or in your bulletin.
• Train greeters, leaders, and members to use it.
• Use it in social media bios and intro videos.

A Small Urban Church
“We’re a small, welcoming church in the heart of the city where people of all backgrounds find belonging. We serve our neighbors, ask big questions, and follow Jesus together.”

A Suburban Family Church
“At GracePoint Church, we help families grow in faith and find support for real life. Whether you're a lifelong believer or just exploring, there’s a place for you here.”

A Church Focused on Community Service
“We’re The Table—a church that meets people where they are and serves our city with compassion. We believe faith comes alive when we break bread, build relationships, and work for justice.”

A Multicultural, Multilingual Church
“We’re a multicultural, multilingual church where everyone has a place at the table. Worship is vibrant, community is deep, and we live out our faith across cultures and languages.”

A Traditional + Contemporary Blend Church
“St. Andrew’s blends ancient traditions with modern faith practices. We’re rooted in scripture, open to questions, and committed to loving our community like Jesus does.”