This is part three in a three-part series about church marketing lessons learned from my recent trip to Haiti.
Preach the Word, Not the Problem
In a post earlier this year, I wrote about getting what you preach for. I was so grateful to learn that pastors in Haiti–at least the ones we were with–are all about preaching the Bible. In a country where the poverty is overwhelming, I thought I’d hear a lot about the physical needs in their messages. Quite the contrary. These pastors are preaching the Word passionately and boldly. The earth is just a temporary landing pad–they know eternity is what matters. And they want to make sure Heaven is crowded! I struggle with how easy it is for me to slip into the mode that says the Bible is all about me and solving my problems when it’s really a lot less about me and a whole lot more about God.
Production-Heavy Services Are Overrated
In the midst of often chaotic and long church services in Haiti, I found myself really wanting structure and order. Some sort of run sheet for the service would have been nice. But I quickly learned that this would be to their demise. If their services become more pre-packaged, pre-scripted, or pre-planned, the pastors will lose their enthusiasm, joy and anticipation for what God might do. The Haitian people want environments that make room for God’s agenda, not theirs. I wonder if this might be a bigger problem than we’re willing to admit for churches here.
Worship Without Lyrics is Mean
Hymnals or projectors would be really nice to have in Haiti. If you don’t know the songs, it is very frustrating. I think for the most part churches outside the third-world have this figured out, but it is something to keep in mind, especially in environments where outsiders and newcomers abound.
Scott
February 7, 2008
I totally agree with the Production-Heavy Services being overrated. As easter is rolling around the church I work at is focusing heavily on the Easter worship service. Part of me wonders why isn’t every service given this much attention? Isn’t every service important?
I often struggle with services that don’t go exactly as planned causing the pastor to speed through his talk or worship to end sooner so that the service ends on time. Sure it is nice to be out at the same time every Sunday because then you could plan your day around church. But would it kill your congregation to stay a few minutes here or there if the Spirit is leading you or if the pastor is just on a roll?
I guess the real question is…should church be convenient?
Tequila Minsky
July 17, 2008
Utility marketing with the Church…
If churches want to help with either no strings attached or better yet accountability…work fare, collective ownership, something related to the “market”
that’s good. But, giving whatever–food, housing, education… in exchange
for control of the soul…that’s downright spiritual/individual manipulation…
Belong to this church and we will feed you…
plenty of Haitians know the drill and buy in.
The alternative of starvation is not an option.
Tequila Minsky
July 17, 2008
Utility marketing with the Church…
If churches want to help with either no strings attached or better yet accountability…work fare, collective ownership, something related to the “market”
that’s good. But, giving whatever–food, housing, education… in exchange
for control of the soul…that’s downright spiritual/individual manipulation…
Belong to this church and we will feed you…
plenty of Haitians know the drill and buy in.
The alternative of starvation is not an option.
Tequila Minsky
July 17, 2008
Utility marketing with the Church…
If churches want to help with either no strings attached or better yet accountability…work fare, collective ownership, something related to the “market”
that’s good. But, giving whatever–food, housing, education… in exchange
for control of the soul…that’s downright spiritual/individual manipulation…
Belong to this church and we will feed you…
plenty of Haitians know the drill and buy in.
The alternative of starvation is not an option.
Tequila Minsky
July 17, 2008
Utility marketing with the Church…
If churches want to help with either no strings attached or better yet accountability…work fare, collective ownership, something related to the “market”
that’s good. But, giving whatever–food, housing, education… in exchange
for control of the soul…that’s downright spiritual/individual manipulation…
Belong to this church and we will feed you…
plenty of Haitians know the drill and buy in.
The alternative of starvation is not an option.
Tequila Minsky
July 17, 2008
Utility marketing with the Church…
If churches want to help with either no strings attached or better yet accountability…work fare, collective ownership, something related to the “market”
that’s good. But, giving whatever–food, housing, education… in exchange
for control of the soul…that’s downright spiritual/individual manipulation…
Belong to this church and we will feed you…
plenty of Haitians know the drill and buy in.
The alternative of starvation is not an option.
Tequila Minsky
July 17, 2008
Utility marketing with the Church…
If churches want to help with either no strings attached or better yet accountability…work fare, collective ownership, something related to the “market”
that’s good. But, giving whatever–food, housing, education… in exchange
for control of the soul…that’s downright spiritual/individual manipulation…
Belong to this church and we will feed you…
plenty of Haitians know the drill and buy in.
The alternative of starvation is not an option.