JESUS Film Project: Digital Strategy for Global Ministry
TL;DR:
- Challenge: Build multiple web properties supporting distinct ministry initiatives for a global organization
- Approach: Phased website development, video integration, SEO, and marketing campaigns tailored to each audience
- Result: 24 projects spanning multiple years of strategic partnership
At a Glance
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Client | The JESUS Film Project |
| Industry | Non-Profit / Media Ministry |
| Challenge | Build multiple web properties supporting distinct ministry initiatives |
| Solution | Phased website development, video integration, SEO, and marketing campaigns |
| Scope | 24 project documents spanning multi-year partnership |
The Challenge: Digital Presence for a Global Ministry
The JESUS Film Project has a singular mission: share the story of Jesus with every person on Earth, in every language. Since 1979, the film has been translated into over 1,900 languages and viewed billions of times.
But reaching a global audience in the digital age requires more than a powerful message—it requires the infrastructure to deliver that message where people actually are: online.
The organization needed multiple web properties to support distinct initiatives. Mission865.org aimed to mobilize supporters around the goal of reaching the remaining 865 language groups without the film. My Last Day—an anime-style retelling of the crucifixion—targeted a younger demographic through an entirely different visual and narrative approach.
Each project demanded its own digital presence, yet all needed to work within the broader ministry ecosystem.
The Solution: Strategic Web Development for Ministry Initiatives
We developed a phased approach for each initiative, treating every project as a strategic marketing challenge rather than a simple website build.
Mission865.org: Supporter Mobilization Platform
- Strategic analysis to understand the target supporter demographic
- Custom site architecture designed around the call-to-action: sponsor a translation
- SEO optimization targeting faith-based audiences actively searching for mission opportunities
- National press release distribution through PR Newswire to amplify launch
- Marketing campaign implementation to sustain engagement beyond the initial launch
My Last Day: Youth-Focused Video Experience
- Six-page web experience built around the anime short film
- Brightcove video player integration for reliable, high-quality playback across devices
- Design approach that matched the anime aesthetic while maintaining ministry credibility
- Cross-browser compatibility ensuring the experience worked on mobile, desktop, and tablet
Ongoing Strategic Partnership
Twenty-four documents across multiple years tell the story: this wasn't a single project, but an ongoing strategic partnership. Website launches, refinements, new initiatives, and marketing support evolved as the ministry's digital needs grew.
The Results
- Multiple successful launches including Mission865.org and My Last Day web properties, each tailored to distinct audiences while supporting the unified organizational mission
- Measurable marketing outcomes through coordinated SEO, press outreach, and ongoing campaign management—moving beyond "build and forget" to sustained audience engagement
Key Takeaway
Non-profit digital strategy isn't about building a brochure online. It's about understanding who you're trying to reach, what action you want them to take, and engineering every element of the experience toward that goal. A ministry reaching billions needs the same strategic rigor as any enterprise—the stakes are just different.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is digital strategy for non-profit organizations?
Digital strategy for non-profit organizations involves aligning website development, content marketing, SEO, and online campaigns with specific organizational goals—whether fundraising, volunteer recruitment, or awareness building. Unlike corporate digital marketing focused on revenue, non-profit digital strategy measures success through mission-related outcomes like donations, sign-ups, and engagement with cause-related content.
How do you build a website for a religious organization?
Building a website for a religious organization requires understanding the specific audience and desired actions—donation, event attendance, membership, or spiritual engagement. Key elements include clear calls-to-action aligned with ministry goals, video integration for sermon or mission content, mobile-responsive design for accessibility, and SEO targeting faith-based search terms. The design should reflect the organization's identity while maintaining credibility and trust.
What is the best platform for ministry website development?
The best platform for ministry website development depends on organizational needs. Custom solutions offer maximum flexibility for unique initiatives, while WordPress provides cost-effective content management for smaller ministries. Key features to prioritize include video hosting integration, donation processing, email marketing connectivity, and mobile responsiveness. For ministries with multiple initiatives (like The JESUS Film Project), architecture that supports distinct microsites under a unified brand is essential.
How do non-profits measure digital marketing success?
Non-profits measure digital marketing success through mission-aligned metrics rather than pure revenue. Key performance indicators include donation conversion rates, email list growth, volunteer sign-ups, content engagement (video views, article reads), and search visibility for mission-related terms. Analytics should track the complete supporter journey from initial awareness through ongoing engagement and action.
Technologies Used
- Custom website development (HTML/CSS)
- Brightcove video player integration
- SEO and keyword optimization
- PR Newswire press distribution
- Cross-browser compatibility testing
- Marketing campaign management