Had a Gideon get up an talk before our sermon today. In addition to his piece, he discussed them putting Bibles in hotel rooms, et. al., which I feel is one of the greatest Bible marketing schemes ever devised.

 

Got me to thinking about lots of things related to church "marketing," "programs," church advertising, and all the things that we do to entice and sometimes even seduce people to come to our churches. Megachurches have made a business of what they do.

 

What about this? Is the church just another business now? Should it be? Does it water down His message? Is it effective? What does the Bible have to say about it?

When I read stories about churches that have gift shops, yeah. Definitely looks like God is taking a back seat to the bottom line.

This may not be a comment in response to the question,but I once read (and maybe I read it right here on BGP) that if money is the root of all evil, why do churches spend so much time begging for it?

Minor correction MC, "The love of money is the root of all evil."

 

Money itself is not the problem, greed is.:thumb:

 

Fortunately/unfortunately there are greedy people in churches just as much as on Wall Street. On one hand I can't think of a better place for a sinner to be spending his time... on the other, I really wish that greedy people were not in postitions of power within the church.

Different marketing techniques, are seen as different ways of ministry. You goto SouthEast in Lousiville, and they have the whole nine yards. Food Court, Barber Shop, many basketball courts, etc. Different people are attracted to different things, and if these 'marketing ideas' are going to help people get more involved in there Church I say, go for it!:thumb:

I have a real problem with churches enticing youth with gymnasiums and then never sharing anything about the gospel with them. It's always come play ball and that's all! Now don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with churches building gyms, just in how some of them are used or misused.

I have a real problem with churches enticing youth with gymnasiums and then never sharing anything about the gospel with them. It's always come play ball and that's all! Now don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with churches building gyms, just in how some of them are used or misused.

 

Great point. Though not all events need to have the gospel outlined. Some people need to just see what Christians are like in a "normal" setting, i.e. a game of basketball. Sometimes, that is what entices people to come back. The danger is that we never get around to sharing the gospel. There is a balance and some churches do well and others do not.

I have a real problem with churches enticing youth with gymnasiums and then never sharing anything about the gospel with them. It's always come play ball and that's all! Now don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with churches building gyms, just in how some of them are used or misused.

I agree with you RL. The message needs to be the focus. I believe that in Acts when the early church was forming. People were being led by the Spirit and the bible says that God added to the church daily. We need to listen to the Spirit and obey.

I agree with you RL. The message needs to be the focus. I believe that in Acts when the early church was forming. People were being led by the Spirit and the bible says that God added to the church daily. We need to listen to the Spirit and obey.

I agree, but to discount that sporting events aren't a good tool can't be altogether truthful. In fact, the YAK and I know of 3 men who were saved from simply taking part in our church softball league. Same can be said of the church basketball leagues. Ultimately, these folks are required to attend a designated amount of services to be eligible usually, and the gospel is given to them there as well as through the actions and witness of those members who play. If we are to "Seek and to Save those who are lost" then by all means, market to get the message to them.

I agree, but to discount that sporting events aren't a good tool can't be altogether truthful. In fact, the YAK and I know of 3 men who were saved from simply taking part in our church softball league. Same can be said of the church basketball leagues. Ultimately, these folks are required to attend a designated amount of services to be eligible usually, and the gospel is given to them there as well as through the actions and witness of those members who play. If we are to "Seek and to Save those who are lost" then by all means, market to get the message to them.

I agree with that statement as well. We are "in the world, not of the world" If we as church members begin an endeavor as a ministry, we must make sure that the focus remains on GOD. We also need to be careful not to disguise an outing as a ministry when our motives are different. Hey Doc if we took an unsaved turkey hunting and witnessed while being armed he would definitely listen. Remember focus on GOD.

I agree with that statement as well. We are "in the world, not of the world" If we as church members begin an endeavor as a ministry, we must make sure that the focus remains on GOD. We also need to be careful not to disguise an outing as a ministry when our motives are different. Hey Doc if we took an unsaved turkey hunting and witnessed while being armed he would definitely listen. Remember focus on GOD.

I thought the same thing about one of our foursome Saturday, it might take being armed to get him to listen. I will say that it is sometimes difficult to maintain focus when in the heat of battle of a sporting event, and I can see where that endeavor could be more hurtful than good. Thankfully, the guys on our softball team genuinely try to separate the competiveness to allow the witness to be what it should. It has brought about some fruit each season.

I agree with that statement as well. We are "in the world, not of the world" If we as church members begin an endeavor as a ministry, we must make sure that the focus remains on GOD. We also need to be careful not to disguise an outing as a ministry when our motives are different. Hey Doc if we took an unsaved turkey hunting and witnessed while being armed he would definitely listen. Remember focus on GOD.

However, if he was also armed, we may end up martyrs.:eek:

To GOD be the glory. I agree about Saturday. I we take him hunting it will be on the Damascus Road and we will need GOD to intervene. All things are possible.

I have a real problem with churches enticing youth with gymnasiums and then never sharing anything about the gospel with them. It's always come play ball and that's all! Now don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with churches building gyms, just in how some of them are used or misused.

I don't. Sometimes before they will listen to your gospel, there has to be a relationship built. Relationships take time to develop. They are not built with teenagers in 15 minutes and then they are willing to listen to your message.

 

Jesus faith is about investing time in others. And not just spouting Gospel to hears that are not ready to listen to you because you have know clout with them.

I don't. Sometimes before they will listen to your gospel, there has to be a relationship built. Relationships take time to develop. They are not built with teenagers in 15 minutes and then they are willing to listen to your message.

 

Jesus faith is about investing time in others. And not just spouting Gospel to hears that are not ready to listen to you because you have know clout with them.

 

I am not against the kids playing ball. Anyone who knows me knows that! However, I know of some churches where mention of the gospel is rare to nonexistent in the "youth group." Like I said before, play ball and that's all.