I've never believed this kind of "advertising" really works for real estate agents. Better you make personal connections with fellow parishioners and build trust and relationshops that way and then add them to your mailing lists.

When you go to church, you can pray for  more business.

Brenda Mayette said what I would have said...build relationships first and foremost, business is not the prime directive.  A

 I had looked into that and found it "crazy expensive"!  Since you're an involved member, leave it at that and be sure that people know what you do for a living -- you'll find a way to let them know that fits with your personality.  Real estate is about relationships and you have them....  That's the best marketing there is.  ;)

I would personally skip the church bulletin (haven't personally belonged to a church myself that had ads in the bulletin). I would think that since you are very active, you should be making the connections...especially in the woman's groups. Perhaps your message isn't resonating for some reason??

Continue with the fellowship, gracefully ask if they would know of anyone who could use some real estate assistance or simply state that you are in the real estate field... and of course do this after you've known them for awhile, for best results.

Gather up a woman's business group in your church for networking (if it's a large congregation)...or have coffee with somebody in a similar type of situation in your church, than brainstorm on how you could effectively network outwards among the congregation.

Most importantly, pray about it first. 

I'd focus on personal one on one conversions rather than advertising there

My reputation precedes me by Buyers who are members.  I would not advertise or wear my logo shirts to Church.  I have a fear of Jesus throwing my tables over and tellig me to get out...

I think you need to come from contribution and put yourself out there on committees and activities - then casually talk about your career and your passion for real estate when others talk about their careers.  If people see you as a contributing member of the church who happens to be very professional and a realtor, the leads will come

Diane, there are so many great answers here to advise you!

Our pastor truly had wisdom and I will never forget what he advised the congregation concerning doing business with other Christians in the church.

He said, "Hire the contractor because he/she offers a great service at a fair price not because they go to your church or you may be very disappointed."

As so many have said it is the relationships you develop by serving others in the church and community that will get your foot through the door for future business within your church.  God will bless you beyond measure if you then give back to your church to further God's Kingdom.

Get to know other families in your church, let them know what you do and ask for it.  No need to advertise.  

I think advertising in a church is beyond tacky.  Build those relationships with people and the business will come.  

I have never promoted myself at church--just my opinion.

I remember years ago placing a very small ad in the Sunday bulletin that was passed out at every Mass at St. Mary's Church in Franklin.... it was noticed.... I got feedback from it.... but no calls.... it was outrageously expensive, but that's the Catholic Church!!! 

For us it's about relationships. We active in the church and have many friends. The business will come.

PEOPLE USE RELIGOUS SOURCE FOR NETWORKING AND FOUND THE PASTOR'S WIFE HANDED YOU A BROKER CARD. ONE CHURCH IN OUR AREA HAS OVER 40 REALTORS, 15 INSURANCE, 20 LOAN OFFICERS, AMWAY, CAR SALESMAN, EVEN A FEW TITLE ESCROW FOLKS, LOTS OF FINANCIAL PLANNERS EVEN HAVE AN EMBALMER.

NOT A GOOD IDEA...

I would not advertise because people need to know you first. Connect and network in smaller groups and before long word of mouth will help make you known and you will start getting business. 

It is a captive audience and a small one at that. People know what you do after a while and those that need help will approach methinks

I would not advertise in the bulletin; however I would continue networking, ask for business and ask for referrals.

I have tried this ages ago & it was very costly & not a lick of business came from it. I'm not sure people read the things.

My advice would be to make those personal connections in the church and to remind them often what you do for a living.

Melissa Jackson nailed this one!

Parked and reading.

Offer to conduct home buyer seminars for the membership.

Stay active - maybe step that up a bit and build relationships.  I would not advertise in the bulletin.  

I attend a relatively small church and everyone has a mailbox. It is no longer allowed but I used to put cards in people's boxes. I have received a lot of business just because of my involvement there.

I don't think that I would feel comfortable marketing in church, never have, yet I do appreciate those who contribute to helping keep the bulletins printed.

I know a handful of agents who advertised in church bulletins but didn't receive any calls from it. I heard that some church members thought it was tacky. All you can do is test, test, test, with different places to advertise. I just ordered an ad for a 6 month period in a local paper. My experience is that it  takes ads being seen over and over before it will generate calls, minimun of 4 months.

Since you are active in your church, I'm thinking whatever group(s) you are part of, will work out well, because those people will know what you do for a job, as they are also working, and people always talk about more than just the church activity or club.  If they do not know you, they will not associate your name with your face, is what I have seen Diane Skurat - Good Luck!  Just having a business card and info available will not be enough, because there is no personal connection. 

Pete has good advice.

Better off joining groups in the church and making friends there.  I can't say I've ever done business with someone simply because they belonged to a church/gym/country club/shooting range.  Just because someone goes to church on sunday, doesn't mean they can sell a house (or are someone I'd do business with).  Have to know the person first.

 Hi Diane.  Just as you would do with any new marketing experiment, try it.  Run an ad in the the bulletin for a few weeks and see what happens.  If that doesn't work, try something else.  

I don't have any experience in a church-like environment but as others have answered - I'd say concentrate on building personal relationships.  Good luck.

Go the personal route as Nina Hollander recommends

Face-to-Face with parishioners is the best advertising you have available. The printed ad, merely shows support for the congregation and be consistent.

I'd suggest simply to talk to other members ( same as any networks). If you are very active and they know what you do for living, they will gladly work with you and refer on. 

Offer a free talk on something of real value to home owners or buyers. 

Meeting members of your church is a wonderful idea.  Mingle and let them know what you do.  Go to bible study and continue to market yourself.  Advertising in the church bullention is not the greateast idea.

Get involved in your church, go to all services, small groups, get to know everyone's names, their kids names, and their sick aunt's names too. Friend them on Facebook, and they will see that you are a Realtor when you post your latest listing etc. They will then talk to you about it rather than you even needing to talk to them. Also figure out who is the most influential, most friends, etc, and make sure to build a relationship there.

Have something on your car when you go to church and park where people will see it.

Many people will use someone they don't know.  they don't like people they know know about their financial situation

You would be surprised just how many people know you're a Realtor due to your efforts.  Be your own promotion, interact and mention that you're profession is real estate.  Church is a sensitive place to farm so be aware that this is a place of religion not business.  Act accordingly and move slowly at appropriate times.

Diana,

The church that I have attended since 1988, the pastor's wife is a Realtor.

Every time I think about leaving a business card on the table I think about the verse below. I have come to the conclusion that if I respect God's house of worship, he will supply all my needs and He has. I believe God will bless yours as well.

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. Matthew 21:12

Diane Skurat - I am not a big fan of PRING advertising. I'd rather build relationship and ask for referral. Thanks to Buffini & Company .

Advertise your open houses on the church bulletin board (for after church of course.) I had lots of people from church attend. 

Marketing takes time, The bulleting is inexpensive and gets your name out there.