Using the Messy Church name and logo FAQs
May I use the name ‘Messy Church?
The Messy Church name and logo are registered trade marks of BRF. We want to support churches in their ministry with families and children and so churches are welcome to use the name and logo so long as this is within certain parameters. We understand that ideas need to be contextualised and this may therefore involve adapting certain elements of Messy Church. However we want to ensure that the core values of Messy Church are maintained by anyone using the name and/or logo. We would therefore ask that before you call something ‘Messy Church’, you ensure that you’re clear what Messy Church is and that using the name is appropriate in your context.
What are the elements/core values that underpin Messy Church? It’s a church exploring the Bible through:
- creativity (including a range of craft activities)
- celebration
- eating together
- all in an all-age context
Messy Church involves the whole family – it’s not just something that is geared towards the children. Messy Church is about eating together – whether it’s a plate of sandwiches to share, or sausage and mash. Messy Church is about creativity – whether you have just one craft on offer instead of ten. If what you plan takes place in a shorter timeframe, that could still be Messy Church. If it was in a school or community hall or bandstand, that could still be Messy Church.
If what you are doing matches what we’ve described above, which is what people are coming to understand Messy Church to be at its core, then we are very happy for you to call what you are doing ‘Messy Church’. If you are doing something different, that’s just as effective in reaching families, we would ask you to use a different name to describe your ministry.
May I use the logo on things for our own Messy Church?
You’re welcome to use it free of charge on any printed material – fliers, invitations, posters, banners, t-shirts and so on – that you use exclusively in your Messy Church (and for which you make no charge). We stipulate however that you must not change the logo in any way and that you send us a copy of how you’re using it. (It’s always nice to see what good ideas different churches come up with anyway!)
What if I want to sell things with the name ‘Messy Church’ or the logo on?
If you’re planning to put the logo or use the name ‘Messy Church’ on items that you intend to sell (like postcards, keyrings, teatowels, car stickers) or in any situation where there is a commercial gain, you must talk to us first and get specific written permission.
And if I want to offer training in Messy Church to a wider group of people than my own church?
Please get in touch before you commit to it. We have a growing network of Regional Coordinators who may be better placed to serve the people in that area. However if you’re the most appropriate person to offer training in that context we can help you provide the best quality training and materials and make sure you’re up to date with all the developments within Messy Church and Fresh Expressions. This is so that the people on the receiving end are given an accurate picture of Messy Church, and so that we are aware of what training is being offered nationally.
Messy Church® is a registered word mark and the logo is a registered device mark of The Bible Reading Fellowship.