Friday, November 7, 2025
From the very beginning, CedarCreek Church has never been
afraid to get a little creative — even a little controversial — in the pursuit
of reaching people for Jesus. The phrase "anything short of sin" has
long captured the heart of that mission: doing whatever it takes to help people
find and follow Christ.
Founding Pastor Lee Powell had a professional background in
marketing before planting the church in Perrysburg. That experience shaped the
way CedarCreek communicated with the community. Whether through bold
advertising, humor, or unexpected campaigns, the goal was always the same — to
make church approachable, relatable, and honest.
Creative Campaigns that Caught Attention
Over the years, CedarCreek's marketing has turned heads and
sparked conversation. Campaigns like "It's NOT Your Mother's Church"
and "God Made Sex" reflected a willingness to address real-life
topics in honest ways that connected with people outside traditional church
walls.
Perhaps one of the most talked-about campaigns came in 2007,
when CedarCreek launched a series of billboards "from Satan." The
tongue-in-cheek ads featured messages supposedly written by the devil —
sarcastic remarks warning people to stay away from church — which, of
course, made people want to check it out. Local media picked up the story,
describing how the billboards "got attention for a huge church" and
helped generate curiosity and conversations across the region. (Record Online, April 5, 2007)
In 2010, another campaign targeting teens' abstinence
messages drew local news coverage for its boldness and honesty. The church's
aim wasn't to shock for the sake of shocking, but to start meaningful
conversations in a culture where those topics are often ignored. (WTOL,
April 21, 2010)
Not every campaign was edgy — some were simply clever and
inviting. One mailer featured a picture of a sleeping baby with the tagline
inviting people to "sleep in" and attend Saturday night services,
which launched in 1999. It was creative, lighthearted, and effective in
reaching families who wanted flexibility in their weekend worship schedule.
Humor, Heart, and a Clear Mission
That blend of humor and heart has always defined CedarCreek.
Even a fun April Fool's Day prank video, introducing attendees to a CedarCreek
"Brew Well Do Well" stating they were pushing the envelope in
communities by introducing "Lime City Brewing" (watch it here),
showcased the church's playful side — never taking itself too seriously, but
always taking the mission seriously. Brew Matters, and You Matter!
Through all the bold ideas, CedarCreek has stayed anchored
in its purpose: meeting people where they are, breaking down barriers, and
helping them encounter the life-changing adventure Jesus invites us into.
Take a look back at CedarCreek's story and hear more about the anything short of sin approach in the 30-Year Documentary — a
reminder that creativity, courage, and conviction can come together to make a
lasting impact. (watch it here)
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Links and Sources:
“‘Satan’ billboards get attention for a huge church.” Record Online, April 5, 2007. https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2007/04/05/satan-billboards-get-attention/52934795007/
“CedarCreek abstinence campaign raising some eyebrows.” WTOL 11 News, April 21, 2010. https://www.wtol.com/article/news/cedar-creek-abstinence-campaign-raising-some-eyebrows/512-50c855f3-ae67-4a7a-8d64-70bdb25b7554
Brew Well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvrJ8WfjA8Q
30 Year Documentary: https://www.cedarcreek.tv/?id=30-year-documentary-TWVkaWFDb250ZW50SXRlbS0wMDhlMmRiZC05ZWE0LTQwNDQtYWU5OC1hOGY4ZDBmNTI3M2Y=