What Is a Funnel (Really)? A Faithful Explanation
Let's be honest — the word "funnel" can sound… intimidating.
If you've ever heard marketers talk about upsells, tripwires, lead magnets, automations, opt-ins, and conversion metrics — and felt your brain slowly melt — you're not alone.
But what if I told you that a funnel is simply a path?
A thoughtful, guided journey you create to help someone go from curious to connected… from interested to served… from visitor to transformed.
And more importantly, what if I told you that building one can be a profoundly spiritual experience?
Because when done with the right heart, a funnel doesn't manipulate — it ministers.
It's not a pressure tactic. It's a purpose path.
Let's break it down — faithfully and simply.
What Is a Funnel in Online Business?
At its core, a funnel is just a sequence.
It's the intentional series of steps someone takes from the moment they discover you… to the moment they receive your solution.
Think of it like this:
- Top of Funnel (TOFU): Awareness
- → They find you (a blog post, pin, or video).
- Middle of Funnel (MOFU): Engagement
- → They sign up for your freebie or read more of your content.
- Bottom of Funnel (BOFU): Decision
- → They say "yes" to your offer — whether that's buying, joining, subscribing, or applying.
That's it.
A funnel isn't about forcing someone down a sales chute. It's about serving them step by step, giving them precisely what they need — when they need it — with love, clarity, and purpose.
The Biblical Parallel: A Shepherd's Path
Jesus often led with stories. And while He didn't use the word "funnel," the heart behind it is all over Scripture.
A funnel is like a shepherd guiding sheep. Not pushing. Not shouting. Just walking ahead — making the way clear, safe, and nourishing.
- You give your audience an invitation (come and see).
- You offer value (truth, wisdom, tools).
- You help them take the next right step (buy, apply, join, respond).
Just like Jesus fed the crowds before He taught, met needs before asking for faith, and called disciples through conversation — your funnel should feel like an invitation, not a pitch.
Why Christian Women Need Funnels (Yes, Even You)
I know what some of you might be thinking:
- "I'm not techy enough for this."
- "I don't want to feel salesy."
- "I'm just trying to serve, not sell."
But here's the truth:
If God has given you a message, a mission, or a product, you need a way to deliver it with clarity.
Funnels aren't about money.
They're about ministry + message meeting structure.
Without one:
- You may confuse your audience (and confused people don't take action).
- You miss opportunities to build relationships and trust.
- You work harder trying to reinvent the wheel every time.
With a simple, faith-led funnel:
- You welcome people into your space.
- You nurture them with truth and value.
- You offer them transformation — in a way that honours both them and God.
What a Simple Funnel Might Look Like
Let's take an example. You're a Christian mindset coach or content creator.
Here's what a very basic funnel could look like:
- Lead Magnet (Freebie)
- A free devotional PDF: "7 Prayers to Start Your Day with Confidence"
- Landing Page
- A simple webpage that introduces the freebie and collects an email.
- Thank You Page
- A message thanking them — and offering a low-cost resource or invite to your Facebook group.
- Email Sequence
- 3–5 pre-written emails that:
- Deliver the freebie
- Introduce your story
- Offer encouragement and value
- Present your paid offer or next step
That's a funnel.
No sleaze. No tricks. Just love, clarity, and invitation.
How Faith and Funnels Work Together
So… can you really mix strategy and spirituality?
Absolutely — when you lead with honesty, humility, and Holy Spirit wisdom.
Here's what that might look like in practice:
- You pray before you publish.
- You build systems that serve, not pressure.
- You measure success not just in sales, but in impact.
- You trust God with the outcome — and show up faithfully with the input.
You're not building a funnel alone. You're building it with God.
He's not just Lord over your life. He's Lord over your email list. 😉
And when you bring Him into your business strategy, He brings peace into the process.
What Funnels Are NOT (Let's Clear the Air)
🛑 Funnels are NOT evil.
🛑 Funnels are NOT manipulation.
🛑 Funnels are NOT only for marketers.
They are a tool. A structure. A delivery system.
It's what you put in the funnel that matters — and the heart behind why you build it.
So, Where Do You Start?
If you're brand new, start with this:
- Create a simple freebie (guide, prayer, checklist, quiz).
- Build a landing page (Groove, ConvertKit, or Canva sites are great places to start).
- Write 3 welcome emails (introduce, encourage, and offer something valuable).
- Pray over every piece — invite God into your process.
Please don't wait for it to be perfect. Start simple. Start small. Just start.
Your people are out there — and your funnel is how you gently guide them home.
A Final Encouragement
You don't need to be an expert. You just need to be faithful.
Funnels are not about formulas. They're about flowing in obedience.
Let your message meet structure. Let your purpose meet clarity. Let your business reflect the God who called you to build.
You've got this. And even more importantly — God's got you.
Stay Blessed,
Deborah 💛
Devotional: "Guided by Grace"
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way."
— Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)
Reflection:
Funnels help us order our business steps, but God is the one who orders our path. As we lay down structure, we must also lay down pride. When we invite Him into the process, we find that the systems we build don't replace faith… they reflect it.
When your heart is to serve and your strategy is rooted in truth, your funnel becomes more than a marketing tool — it becomes a mission vehicle.
Prayer:
Lord, help me structure my business with wisdom, clarity, and integrity. Let every page, email, and offer reflect Your heart. Keep me from striving — and teach me to serve with grace. Order my steps as I build.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
