A week or so ago, I posted an article from Church Marketing Sucks about churches who do not innovate and instead repeat cliches from modern / pop culture. At first, I read the article and whole-heartedly agreed with it. Over the past week, I've pondered it deeper; and I'm not sure I'm 100% on board with everything it said.

Gary Lamb has some good points in his response to the article (be sure to read my comments there). In the end, I feel that churches should keep "the main thing the main thing." The purpose of our church is to see people reach their full potential in Jesus Christ.

As much as I love creative design, my goal with my work is to see lives changed. Yes, sometimes that means I can innovate and create something never seen before, something that's incredible by the world's standards. Excellence is prized at my church (we're speaking on that soon, you should come). BUT, ultimately, if there's a hook that we can employ that will attract people, we're going to use it. If they come, they'll hear the gospel preached unashamedly. If they hear that, they just may accept Jesus Christ and their lives will change.

But, if we pull off a parody or pop culture reference poorly, then it may do just the opposite. Can you hear it? "Oh, is that just another one of THOSE churches doing something cheesy." We have a responsibility to give our 110% in everything we do. If it will be done, it must be done well.

One successful series we did in the Spring of 2005 is an example of a parody that went over really well. Visit www.ihatemymarriage.com to see it. The result: marriages changed, interest in church stirred (relationship series tend to do that), Godly advice on Christian living was preached and truth was revealed. Can THAT be bad?

I contend that it cannot.

AVed at 8/03/2005 11:47:00 AM | LINK |