Recap:
In Part 1 of this article series we defined what a church brand is, as well as what it means for a church to do research and establish a detailed and clearly defined “expected audience.”
Today, we’ll look at VOUS Church (Miami, FL) and Epiphany Brooklyn (Brooklyn, NY). Both of these churches have incredibly dynamic ministries, with both reaching their respective cities with the Gospel of Jesus. Both are seeing lives transformed and souls saved! But they have some differences: their branding (personality and identity), their design approach, and their expected audiences. Let’s explore these two churches.
VOUS Church was founded in 2015 out of Trinity Church - what some would call a megachurch in the bustling and culturally-vibrant city of Miami. What many know today as VOUS Church (or just “VOUS”) originally began as The Rendezvous - a youth & young adult gathering at Trinity Church. The church is currently pastored by Senior Pastors Rich and DawnCheré Wilkerson.
Miami, FL might just be a city on a map, but its cultural influence expands far beyond its geographic borders as it attracts both residents and tourists from across the globe. What comes to mind when you think of the city of Miami? - Today we’ll focus on the good things… Miami is a dynamic and diverse city known for its vibrant culture, which blends influences from Latin America, the Caribbean, South America, and the United States. The city's design aesthetic is characterized by a tropical modernism that celebrates bright colors, bold patterns, and a mix of architectural styles, from Art Deco to contemporary high-rises.
Visually, Miami is a feast for the senses, filled with stunning murals, public art installations, and breathtaking landscapes. The iconic skyline, palm-lined streets, and picturesque beaches create a stunning backdrop for a city that embraces creativity and self-expression. The city's artistic and high-end brands, festivals, and cultural events further enrich its visual-first culture, making it a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation.
With this in mind, VOUS Church gets this creative and vibrant culture of the city and their brand reflects it. I’m certain they’ve figured out that in order to reach people in urban areas, their church brand has to speak the visual language.
VOUS Church has its roots in a youth and young adult gathering, and that DNA is still evident in its culture today. While the church welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities, its branding, messaging, and overall aesthetic continue to resonate most strongly with young adults—primarily millennials and Gen Z.
From a quick glance at their website, social media presence, and even their worship experiences, it’s apparent that VOUS prioritizes creativity, modern design, and cultural relevance—elements that tend to appeal to a younger demographic. Their use of high-quality visuals, engaging storytelling, and a social-media-savvy approach reinforces their ability to connect with this audience.
Additionally, their teaching style, worship atmosphere, and community initiatives reflect a deep understanding of the values and interests of young adults today. Themes of purpose, authenticity, and personal growth are often emphasized, which aligns with the aspirations of many in this demographic. Whether through small groups (VOUS Crews), leadership development, or large-scale annual events like VOUSCon, the church continues to create spaces where young adults feel seen, inspired, and empowered in their faith journey.
VOUS Church has mastered the art of visual storytelling, crafting a brand identity that is both strikingly modern and deeply intentional. Every design choice—whether in their digital presence, print materials, or environmental branding—reinforces their mission of bringing those far from God close to Him.
VOUS Church’s branding isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about speaking the language of their audience. The people most drawn to VOUS tend to be:
Ultimately, VOUS Church’s branding is a reflection of its city—modern, diverse, energetic, and unapologetically creative. By embracing a visual identity that aligns with the values of its audience, VOUS effectively bridges the gap between faith and culture, making church not just a place to attend but an experience to engage with.
Now let’s shift our attention to looking far up north - Epiphany Brooklyn.
When it comes to church branding, few do it with as much cultural awareness and authenticity as Epiphany Brooklyn. While some churches aim for sleek, polished aesthetics, Epiphany Brooklyn leans into something different—an organic, community-driven approach that feels as real as the borough it serves. Their visual identity doesn’t just represent a church; it reflects a lifestyle, an urban, hip-hop culture, and a deeply rooted sense of place.
Epiphany Brooklyn’s branding is not about perfection—it's about presence. Every visual choice feels intentional, creating an identity that mirrors the artistic and communal heartbeat of the city.
Epiphany Brooklyn’s branding isn’t designed to appeal to everyone.— Those who find meaning in community, creativity, and urban culture. By looking at their digital presence, one can see that while Epiphany is a diverse church community, they seem to be made up of majority African Americans and small percentages of other minorities.
The reason Epiphany Brooklyn’s branding is so effective is that it feels deeply embedded in Brooklyn’s culture. It’s not trying to imitate a megachurch model from another city—it’s embracing the borough’s identity and meeting people where they are.
At first glance, VOUS Church and Epiphany Brooklyn could not be more different. One is highly polished, sleek, and modern; the other is raw, organic, and textured. And yet, both are incredibly effective because they follow key principles of branding that every church planter should consider.
Neither VOUS nor Epiphany Brooklyn tries to be something they’re not. VOUS Church is distinctly Miami—its branding reflects the city’s cosmopolitan energy, creative industry, and international appeal. Epiphany Brooklyn, on the other hand, embodies the artistic, grassroots, and cultural-driven essence of Brooklyn. Context matters, and both churches excel at capturing the culture of their cities.
Both churches have intentionally defined their expected audience and designed their branding accordingly. VOUS Church knows it speaks to young professionals, creatives, and digital natives who are drawn to high-quality, modern aesthetics. Epiphany Brooklyn understands that its people are city-dwellers, urban families, and those seeking an authentic faith community that isn’t overly produced but very real and authentic. Because of this clarity, each church attracts the right people for their vision and mission.
Whether you first experience these churches through their social media, website, or in-person gatherings, the branding remains consistent. This is key to building trust and familiarity. Someone who follows VOUS on Instagram will find that the in-person experience aligns seamlessly with what they saw online. Likewise, someone who watches a sermon clip from Epiphany Brooklyn will feel the same raw authenticity when they step into a service. Branding isn’t just about visuals—it’s about creating a consistent experience.
If you’re launching or rebranding a church, here are four key takeaways from VOUS and Epiphany Brooklyn’s success:
Don’t copy what’s working somewhere else. Understand your city’s culture, values, and aesthetics. What speaks to people in Miami might not resonate in Brooklyn, and what works in Brooklyn might not fit a suburban or rural community. Let your branding reflect where you are.
Think deeply about the people you’re called to reach. Who are they? What do they value? How do they engage with content? The better you understand them, the more effectively you can design an experience that connects with them.
Don’t feel pressure to be trendy—be true. Your church’s brand should reflect your unique mission, culture, and values. If your church is more traditional, lean into that. If it’s more creative, embrace it fully. People can sense inauthenticity, so build a brand that’s a natural extension of who you are.
Branding is not just about your logo or social media—it’s about the entire experience. Keep your messaging, visuals, and overall feel aligned across every touchpoint. Whether someone visits your website, watches a sermon, or walks into your service, they should feel like it’s all part of the same story.
Ultimately, branding is not about style for style’s sake—it’s about creating a meaningful connection with people that Jesus loves and desires to reach. Both VOUS Church and Epiphany Brooklyn have succeeded because their branding is a natural extension of their mission.
Neither approach is better than the other—they’re just different. And that’s the beauty of church branding done well: it reflects the uniqueness of the community it serves.
If you’re planting a church, take these lessons to heart. Lean into your city’s culture, define your audience, stay true to your identity, and be consistent. The right people will find you—not because your branding is trendy, but because it’s authentic.
Need help crafting a compelling brand identity for your church? At Design Church, we specialize in creating professional, affordable branding that reflects your church’s vision and mission. Let’s bring your identity to life—book a Discovery Call today to get started!
