With gas approaching $3 per gallon (I just paid $2.99 in St. Paul, Minn.) Clearview Community Church in Sioux City, Iowa is offering free gas to get visitors in the door. They sent us a press release yesterday detailing the event: First time visitors get vouchers good for three gallons of gas along with a free Bible and a CD during the month of September.
“We are so confident that our worship service will be the best hour of your week,” says Pastor Shawn Raloff, “that we are willing to pay for your gas to get here and back. …
“During hard times church is the first place we need to be,” Pastor Shawn explains, “we want people to know that the economy may rise and fall, but God’s love remains the same.”
Raloff tells me it’s a work in progress, but it’s an interesting idea. The press release was a good thought (hey, we talked about it)—hopefully the local media will pick up on it and give the church some free publicity. They’re also spreading the word about free gas with signs around town, fliers at gas stations and handing out business cards to anyone who talks about gas prices.
Saving on Gas
For the rest of us who don’t live near a church doling out free gas, I’d recommend taking a look at Steve Knight’s Top 25 Ways to Save at the Pump.
Freedom
On an unrelated note, I thought the best part of the press release, hands-down, was this line:
The 10:30 a.m. service at Clearview is casual (no ties allowed) and is a blend between an Eagles concert and the freedom speech in Braveheart.
I just envision William Wallace swinging that massive sword at anyone who dare come in wearing a necktie. With “Hotel California” playing in the background.
Update: Get the verdict on how Clearview’s free gas promotion went over.
Anne Jackson
September 1, 2005
Very fun & smart :)
Greg Vennerholm
September 1, 2005
Fun: defintely.
Smart: let’s talk to the business adminstrator after the promotion ends!
;)
Betsy
September 1, 2005
I don’t know which I love more, the gas idea or the church service description. This is great. Innovative. I sure hope they see a response that sticks around the next week.
KC
September 1, 2005
That’s awesome!
Kaleobill
September 2, 2005
Free Gas at Church
I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it. Clearview Community Church in Sioux City, IA is offering free vouchers for gas for guests at their church. “We are so confident that our worship service will be the best…
Phillip Ross
September 4, 2005
Kevins post: “Freedom —
On an unrelated note, I thought the best part of the press release, hands-down, was this line:
The 10:30 a.m. service at Clearview is casual (no ties allowed) and is a blend between an Eagles concert and the freedom speech in Braveheart.
I just envision William Wallace swinging that massive sword at anyone who dare come in wearing a necktie. With ‘Hotel California’ playing in the background.”
This perspective is the exact oppostite of “Freedom” because it disallows something that is completed nonessential to the faith — neckties. Banning neckties is an expressiosn of legalism every bit as much as any other! Neckties are not important in themselves, but they are a social symbol of formaility. Thus, this church service is banning formality and/or its expression.
However, formality is very important to Christianity, as is the style of one’s garb (dress). Although I disagree with so-called Christian dress codes, there actually is some importance to how Christians dress if we are to actually take every thought captive to Christ.
We meet Jesus Christ in worship. What we wear in that meeting is important. Even common criminals wear suits to court when the meet the judge.
Phil
josh
September 23, 2005
You don’t think it might have been tongue in cheek? I do
I am 100 percent sure if you showed with a Tie it would mean nothing. They are emphasising coming as you are. You need to do more with your time if you are worrying about this seriously
Center for Church Communication
June 5, 2006
Free Gas and a Mention of CMS
Church Executive Magazine is covering a marketing campaign from Crossing Community Church in Chandler, Ariz. where they’re giving away free gas to entice visitors. Lead Pastor Mike Harper and Creative Arts Pastor Jeff Poole mention a few places where t…
Mark
August 23, 2006
And the Lord Thy God sent forth from Heaven a great flood of Petrol with a Mighty wind and the clanging of Symbols
Show7ime
May 31, 2007
I know that some of you new borns are getting a real kick out this church sell out but did you ever stop to think…if their worship is so great and the preacher is preaching Christ and Him Crucified as our only source and only way to Salvation…don’t you think they should be promoting that?
I find it alarming that any Christian would not have a problem with a Church that does not trust the Power of God’s Holy Word to bring in the Lost and have to resort to cheesy gimmicks like a used car salesman. I’m sorry my friends but Salvation is not for sale and neither is this disciple.
“My people perish for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6