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Last week one of our weekend design team members sent us this link to (believe it or not) one of the churches in Rochester. They were promoting a new message series, and their purpose was to draw people in by offering teaching on a very relevant topic. (relevant is an understatement) Needless to say – it sparked an energetic exchange among our design team members. :-)

Here are a few of their comments:
"I wonder about this type of "marketing"?? Is it necessary or truly does it actually win people to Christ? Is the Sunday morning environment the place for a straight forward discussion on the topic? Are you ready for a church that actually presents relevant everyday topics about life? Is this type "posturing" the best tact to take? Does the gospel need gimmicks?"

One of our worship leaders had some particularly insightful thoughts. Here's what Marli wrote:

"I am not sure how I feel about any of the "church" approaches to bringing people into God's house, but I have lots of questions. I know that we have to either get them to church or meet them where they live or they may never know Him. I know that once we are given the opportunity to share with them it must be real, blessed and coming straight from God's word. Therefore, the Gospel absolutely, does not need gimmicks. It is real, true and stands on its own. The Bible contains all of the answers to today's questions but people need to know this.

How do we bring people to a place where they want to hear it? What of the people out there that don't believe in God or don't feel "God" is relevant in their lives? Those that don't have a need for Him, or think Jesus is only for the weak? Why would they go to church if they are not looking for anything?

Then if people come to church, where will they have the opportunity to hear the "everyday" things that they can relate to if they are not done in a service? The Bible covers all that we need to live a life that strives to be more like Jesus. It seems that biblical ways to live in today's society could help people start that journey the minute they walk out the door. I feel pretty sure in saying that there are many people that have never gone to the Sunday school class, which is where you might typically get deeper into the "straight forward" stuff. I am also comfortable saying that the typical "off the street, don't know God, first time church go'er" probably won't be going to the Sunday school class either.

Main Entry: mar·ket·ingFunction: noun1 a : the act or process of selling or purchasing in a market b : the process or technique of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service 2 : an aggregate of functions involved in moving goods from producer to consumer

By definition, I don't think "marketing" will bring anyone to God. I believe marketing is used as a tool to make people curious, bring attention to or even shock or make uncomfortable. A lot like the Gospel can do when or if read or spoken. Key words being "when or if." And effective marketing that speaks the truth is a way to bring people in the doors. As is the "word of mouth." After they are there is what, in my opinion, either justifies the marketing or can potentially push people away even further. The church needs to "walk the walk" and back up the marketing with real substance and God's truth in order to even consider marketing of this type.

Relevancy... After hundreds and hundreds of hours of conversation regarding sex with young people, etc… I am looked at as if I have two heads and they see my convictions based on the bible as "too conservative," "unrealistic," "not in the real world"... I have to admit, I would love to be able to have them "get it" somehow. I know we are not to live "in" the world but we do live here. And there are lots of people who aren't going to get it unless we speak of the struggles we have today, how there were similar situations in the bible, how they were handled and explain through these illustrations how our God was, is, and will always be for us and with us.

I think it all comes down to this:
1. A church needs to teach and live the truth from God's word. Keep It Real.
2. Once that is real, there are so many out there that need to be witnessed to and will all be drawn to Him in different ways. So there is a place for many types of style churches.
3. To me, the next step is determining what type of church has God lead each church to be. What is the Win?

And finally, one more comment from someone who actually attended the service advertized above:

"I thought it was a totally cool way to get people to come to church. I think if the church is going to be relevant and risky – COOL. It’s a bonus. It’s not… “the way.” But it adds to it. The thing is with that…. I drove an hour in the car there and back to hear what was advertised as a really cool relevant thing. But. …Ya gotta be able to live up to your advertising."

Regardless of where you land on the "marketing of religion" debate - it was a great catalyst for thought and discussion. Got an opinion? I'll bet you do.