Apparently it’s church billboard week. First it was “Satan “ in the copy, and now it’s “Sucks.” GracePoint Church in Wichita, Kan. has launched a billboard campaign that’s drawing criticism, thanks to the headline, “Church Doesn’t Suck.”
“We wanted to speak directly to the people who have maybe given up on the church, maybe they’ve given up on god,” says pastor Bryson Butts. “I believe the church has got to get in the game and to speak a message that will be relevant to this culture. The message doesn’t change but the methods have to change.”
That’s a familiar refrain we’re happy to see spreading. Of course not everybody is happy completely on board with the campaign. (link via CT’s Weblog)
Update: Kirk Longhofer (of the ‘not everybody’ link above) wants to correct us: “I in no way say I’m not happy about it. In fact, my post says I hope they’re successful. I simply question whether they’re going to be effective. I agree entirely that we have to ‘get in the game’ as Bryson says. I don’t think this is a very effective way to do that.”
Todd
March 16, 2007
So do you think this will be an effective campaign?
I’m in complete agreement with Butts’ rationale. I believe we’ve got to get in the game. I just fear that this off-the-bench effort is going to be ineffectual due to the “show me” rather than “tell me” attitude many have about the church.
I guess my overall point is saying that you’re relevant doesn’t make it true – or in this case, saying Church doesn’t suck doesn’t make it true.
Sarah
March 16, 2007
I’m with Todd on this one.
It would make me take a closer look at this particular church though; and give them a chance to “show me”.
Kirk Longhofer
March 16, 2007
Hey… let’s be ACCURATE here.
This post states I’m not happy with this campaign. WRONG.
I just don’t think it’s going to be very effective with folks who aren’t connected to church.
Much as Todd and Sarah have said… just saying it doesn’t make it true.
A post-modern, “not hostile to, but not engaged with the church” person is going to look at that billboard and do what? Will they check out the web site.
I’m not sure.
I do think that STORY is a LOT more effective. Take a look at http://www.wannaknowwhy.com for an example of the same kind of campaign (billboard driving traffic to web site) that uses compelling story.
Much more effective. Tell me who you are. Don’t tell me (or imply) that others suck.
Brandon
March 17, 2007
If I think church sucks, you telling me it doesn’t, doesn’t change my mind. In fact, the very idea that you acknowledge it probably confirms my feelings.
Show me why you are great, why God is great, and why I’m missing out by not being there. Maybe then I’ll give you a chance.
Plus, using a really sucky billboard design doesn’t help much either. yuck.
Drew
March 17, 2007
At least they are trying to reach the people and change their mind… and maybe it wouldnt change your mind, but then again, i wouldnt know, so maybe it would.
Its a campaign; maybe its a series of different signs some to make you hink, but that gets your attention.
Jason McCoy
March 20, 2007
I’m not against the idea of what these billboard campaigns are trying to do (in engaging people to think differently about the church)but I think that the way they are doing it is very ineffective.
The fact is, people DO think the church sucks…and there are actually some pretty valid reasons they think that. There is a great writing saying of “show, don’t tell” that I think applies here.
Here is what I would consider a really great example of that…check it out and see what you all think?
(this is for a new church plant in NYC)
http://www.askseekclick.com/
Paul McGillivary
March 27, 2007
i guess it all depends on whether that billboard is all hype…what if the church doing the marketing really does suck? it would be a good discussion to find out what they mean by “not sucking”…i have no idea what GracePoint is like. but i like the fact that they’re doing something.
John
March 28, 2007
I am a person who thinks church sucks, but I keep going. I was driving in Wichita last week and saw the sign. I was skeptical, but it did prompt me to check out their website, listen to an online sermon, and I now would consider going to the church if I lived there. So good job Gracepoint
andrew walker
April 9, 2007
churches do suck all your money and you get nothing back you are paying for a lie the is no after life frustrate
Andrea
November 12, 2007
I know I am WAY past when this conversation was taking place, but I feel I should respond.
When I saw the billboard it was amusing to me. I didn’t take the billboard to mean that other churches sucked, what I took it to mean was, Church doesn’t suck in general and this church was reaching out to people who don’t like church.
Their marketing worked. They not only had the billboard and publicity in the paper, but they also had marketing materials they passed out to their members to give to others. Everywhere I went I saw something about this church.
I am now a member.
free church bulletin templates
August 14, 2009
Chances are this is not going to help much. The first thing I would think if I believed church sucked would be “Yeah right”.
Raymond James
September 24, 2010
Dear Grace Point,
Church may not suck – but you website does! Seriously? If you are going to go on a limb with the “we don’t suck concept” them make sure you don’t suck. Pay some bucks and have your site redesigned.