A QR code (which stands for quick response) is a two dimensional bar code that looks like a black and white patterned square. It can be encoded with information of various kinds, like a website, e-mail address, coupon, map location, movie trailers, simple text or phone number.
QR codes have the capacity to store much more data than traditional bar codes. To decipher them, a QR reader is needed. This can be downloaded to smart phones with a free app, of which many are available. Right now, QR items are really hot in the United States, and becoming more so. They are even more popular in parts of Asia.
While it seems as if it might be complex to create a QR code, it is actually very simple and can take just a few minutes. Like the QR reader app, a QR code generator is usually free. Here are just a few: http://www.beqrious.com/generator, http://www.qrstuff.com, http://azonmedia.com/qrcode-generator, http://zxing.appspot.com/generator. When you select a QR generator, look for one that is easy to use and intuitive. Choose one that is flexible enough to help you use it easily to display many kinds of information. You may want to choose one that allows you to download codes in pdf format so that it works when enlarged for things like signs and t-shirts as well as when just an inch or so square.
You may also want the option to store and manage codes so that different ones can be used for different purposes and retrieved again as needed. There is no limit to the number of free QR codes you can create. Here are a few ways to use QR codes in church planting. I borrowed these ideas from various QR code users:
- Create bumper stickers with QR codes that lead to your church information.
- Place codes on promo posters prompting people to “like” your facebook page, place them on clothing to drive people to your website, on your business card to provide contacts with a short video of your church, or ask shopkeepers for permission to post your website QR Codes on windows or bulletin boards.
- Add a them to your church’s prospectus so that potential partner churches can hear a podcast of you talking about your vision for a new church.
- Include them in brochures that direct people to a video that shows a worship team rehearsing.
Here’s my favorite – Widespread gospel seed sowing is key to church planting movements. Create all kinds of codes with evangelistic Bible verses, questions, videos and gospel presentations. Plaster them all over town in multiple languages.
How have you used QR codes in church planting? What are some ideas you’re willing to share here?
