Ecclesiastes 9:4 “A live dog is better off than a dead lion.”
So many see a mega church production and are overwhelmed by the technology. Admittedly most of them do have a very high GWF (gee-whiz factor). I must confess, even as jaded as I am, they impress me.
Sometimes though, a small church who is trying, who is doing their best –even though the technical quality is not as high—impresses me even more.
Perhaps God looks at things the same way. Perhaps that is why we were told of the widow’s mite and why we were told that “Man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart.”
You know what, even if you don’t have a great site, get on the web. Even if you don’t have the best cameras, technicians, or software, make a video. Have you seen the stuff on youtube…not exactly Oscar-caliber stuff. There will be time for excellence. Learn your craft. Get in the game.
Too many churches are so afraid of looking like a ‘dog’ that they end up as ineffective as a ‘dead lion.’
I recently stumbled across my old radio air-checks. I was 15 years old when I first keyed a mic. MAN, were they awful! I can’t believe that anyone hired me after hearing those. But at the time, I thought they were good. Now, two broadcaster of the year titles later, I recognize them for what they were. They were dogs…but they were live dogs! Because of that, the live dog (or pup) grew up, got better..and became a lion.
Similarly, my first films were BAD! I cannot begin to tell you how bad they were. I can tell you that I was so short on B-roll that I used the same shot so many times that I eventually resorted to flipping it with software and made the tractor run left to right, just so people would think it was different! Now, though, I make videos that people want to see and companies are willing to pay for.
I’m quite sure that comparatively I am still a dog. That is okay. I am learning, growing and getting better. All God expects of us is this, “Whatever your hands find to do, do all to the glory of God.” As Keith Green once sang, “Give it your best, pray that it’s blessed, and He’ll take care of the rest.”
The attached video was created using some very simple, off the rack software on a home computer in my garage. Is it the best thing in the world, no. Does it communicate the gospel in a compelling way, yes. The first part of it was created using pictures that I glommed off the web, most of them from google images. The later portion was created using film that I ripped off of my DVD. More on those techniques in a future post.
The point is, tell a story. Keep it simple. Communicate. The day will come when you will be the one with the elaborate productions.
Until then, hop off the porch, throw your head back and howl. You’ll be better off than a dead lion. I promise.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
What Churches Can Learn From Barack Obama
You may have been offended by the title of this article; perhaps intrigued. Regardless, you read on looking for the pay-off. So here goes. No matter what you think of the President-elect, he is a brilliant strategist and marketer.
The church has long been uncomfortable with the term ‘marketing’ due to misconceptions. While the church may blanch at terms like marketing, the Apostle Paul didn’t. “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” To be successful at the great commission we must become better at “compelling them to come in.”
What does this have to do with Obama? Consider this. Less than two years after our nation was attacked by Muslim extremists, a bi-racial man named Barack Hussein Obama ran for the US Senate. And Won.
Now, four years later, he is soon to assume the highest position in the US. That means that half of the time he served as Senator he was campaigning for President. Look at his resume. He’s not even a full-term Senator, never been a Mayor or Governor, never led a large cause, group or organization, never been a CEO of a major corporation and has no significant legislation to his credit. Add to that, he has admitted to using illegal drugs.
Even with all of that, or maybe because of all of that there is much we can learn from this modern marketing master.
Lesson #1: Don’t Give in to the Power of Perceptions
Many pastors, ministers, and lay-persons hold themselves back because of their own belief that they are not qualified or that someone else is ‘better’ at their particular area of giftedness. Think of the biblical account of the spies sent into the Promised Land. Ten said “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes.” They were throttled by their perceptions about themselves.
While you do need to have basic competencies, you do not have to be the BIGGEST, the BEST, the BEST LOCATED, or have the BEST CREDENTIALS. You do, however, have to find YOUR message and communicate that message in a very effective way where you are. As my dad always told me, “Bloom where you are planted.”
Would you take marriage/relationship advice from a former celibate monk who renounced his vows only to marry and then divorce? Yet, with those credentials, John Gray sold millions of copies of his book, “Men are from Mars Women are from Venus.” People were hungry for the message not the man.
Same with Obama, same with the Church. People are hungry for hope.
Do not let a hole in your programming and facilities or a flaw in your ‘expertise’ or resume stop you from telling someone that there is hope in the gospel; that the church, your church, can meet their needs.
Lesson #2: Stick to the Story: Become a Master at Telling Your Story
In John chapter 9 we are introduced to a blind man whom Jesus heals by placing mud on his eyes. The Pharisees became incensed that Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. So they began to question the man, seeking to bring charges against Jesus. In response to their questions he simply responded. “About such things, I do not know. This one thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.”
People are not looking for your expertise as much as they are looking for answers. They want to see, in you, glimpses of themselves that allow them to see that Jesus is indeed an answer for them.
Nighttime infomercials are full of this type of storytelling. We believe that a product can help us lose 15 inches in two weeks, help us live weed-free, or prepare dinner in 30 minutes because of the personal testimonies that accompany their pitch-man promises.
When Obama sought to write his first book, it was to be a book about race relations. However, he found the stats and figures were more palatable when consumed as part of a narrative. His points became more relevant because they were in the context of his story.
Are you making the most of your "before" and "after" story? Theology can be debated; “I once was blind” cannot.
Lesson #3: Enlarge your Circle: Establish Contacts and Build Relationships
The more contacts your church has, the more people it can impact with its message. This is true of business selling a product or a congregation trying to grow.
When I sold advertising in Louisville I learned quickly that my ‘list was everything.’ I knew I would get a certain number of rejections. I knew some would leave through attrition. So, I made my list as big as possible then worked that list. Similarly, the bible tells us that many will reject our message. It also says that of those who initially buy in, that some will “leave us because they are not of us.” Make your list; work the list.
Once your list is complete, you have a targeted group to whom you can deliver a compelling message in an efficient manner. But to reach them, to keep them, still requires face to face interaction.
People will be drawn by your story, but they will be impacted by your life. That is only possible in the context of relationship.
In the run-up to the campaign, Obama knew this.
The year was 1995, according to a New York Times article on the rise of Obama. Unknown and looking to build his name, Obama contacted a Chicago magazine and asked if he could stop by.
Why? He wanted the publicity of a free book review. He knew the value of relationship.
Some might say he failed. After all, the editor DID NOT review the book. However, later, that same publisher was the first to announce his campaign and ran a cover story on the man.
That is the type of ‘conversion’ that happens when you stand out and push past the daily barrage that editors endure from people trying to get their attention.
Involve yourselves in the lives of the people you visit. If you just stop by during Tuesday night visitation you can be easily ignored. But if you engage them, address needs, and help them they will realize that you want more than ‘nickels and noses’ for your church.
Lesson #4: Let Technology Augment Your Efforts
Obama needed an effective and efficient manner in which he could share his message. He wanted to build grass roots support, increase funding channels, and develop a list of potential contacts. He turned to technology with amazing results.
Instead of holding the usual press conference, he used e-mail and text messaging to announce his choice of a running mate. He did this by promising that those on a special list would be the first to know of his choice when it was made. By giving a compelling reason to sign up, he generated thousands of interested supporters.
How can our churches mirror this tactic? Six weeks after joining a local church I started a Facebook group. I, now, receive daily requests to join. I use it for prayer concerns, to advertise events, to build interest in targeted bible studies, and to blog about spiritual issues. Facebook can create a ‘club atmosphere’ to reach unchurched friends of members, grow a Sunday school class, or build support for a new initiative.
Likewise, YouTube offers the opportunity, even on a small budget, to broadcast your sermons even your Sunday school classes. The power of YouTube is not in its stellar quality but in its ability to put video storytelling, for the first time, in the hands of the people. Without overstating it, I feel comfortable saying that YouTube has done for video what Gutenberg did for the written word.
It is no wonder that Paul always sought out the synagogues and the agora when he entered a new town. He knew this is where people would congregate; he went there to meet them rather than waiting on them to find him.
Look to where people are gathering and what technology they are using. Then make plans to meet them there.
Lesson #5: Develop The Art of Pleasant Persistence
Nine years before his Senatorial Election, thirteen before his Presidential bid, Barack Obama was relatively unknown and trying to get whatever publicity he could.
He was not considered a pest because he was pleasant, even friendly. He stayed in touch, constantly providing a new slant, some new piece of information, to benefit those from who he was seeking help.
This goes beyond reaching people with the gospel.
On a large scale, develop relationships with the local media and with civic organizations. Offer real help. They may not bite the first time, but eventually you will have a breakthrough. One news story, away from the ‘Religion’ section, can do more to increase credibility to potential church members than a hundred ads or mentions in the ‘church directory’ section.
Successful churches are the ones who are committed to the task at hand. They do not move until God leads. Then they never back up, they never back down.
Lesson #6: Listen to Your Listeners
Most churches, if they have a marketing plan at all, begin the strategy and say, "I'm finished."
But that's not what Obama did. He did what successful churches do. He knew the real work began after the draft was finished.
When preparing his second book "The Audacity of Hope", he sent advanced copies to contacts and followed up with them for feedback. More importantly, he listened to what they had to say and made changes based on their feedback.
Obama wanted to sell books; You want to a thriving, vibrant community of believers. Both objectives require that you create something that connects with people’s hearts and lives.
When was the last time you solicited the opinions of rank-and-file church members? Yet, this too, is part of marketing. If your church is like most, as many people leave each year as join. Have you ever asked in a systematic manner, “Where did we let you down? Why did you leave?” Most churches simply assume low-commitment level and leave it at that. Then they move to the next person on the list and never fix the leak near the back door.
If you want a church that others will recommend to their friends, listen and adapt. Never compromise the gospel but leave everything else on the table. Service times are not scriptural edicts. Music forms are not biblically mandated. Nor are translations used from the pulpit, dresses vs. pants, or how often we are allowed to have a potluck dinner.
No wonder Obama's message of "Change" resonates with potential voters. He listened and adapted his message where he felt he could, based on his guiding principles, to address the feedback.
Many will dismiss these comments based solely on the fact that Obama was used as the example and held up as something for the church to emulate, in strategy, if not in messaging.
Balaam and his donkey are a wise story for today. God spoke through the donkey with wisdom for Balaam. In fact, had Balaam not followed the Donkey, the angel said “I would have killed you.” The truth for today is that God still speaks through donkeys; through unexpected and even unappreciated sources.
If you are really serious about making a difference, you have to realize that you are not just in the ‘church’ game. You are in the marketing game. Barack Obama understands this…do you?
Lesson #1: Don’t Give in to the Power of Perceptions
Many pastors, ministers, and lay-persons hold themselves back because of their own belief that they are not qualified or that someone else is ‘better’ at their particular area of giftedness. Think of the biblical account of the spies sent into the Promised Land. Ten said “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes.” They were throttled by their perceptions about themselves.
While you do need to have basic competencies, you do not have to be the BIGGEST, the BEST, the BEST LOCATED, or have the BEST CREDENTIALS. You do, however, have to find YOUR message and communicate that message in a very effective way where you are. As my dad always told me, “Bloom where you are planted.”
Would you take marriage/relationship advice from a former celibate monk who renounced his vows only to marry and then divorce? Yet, with those credentials, John Gray sold millions of copies of his book, “Men are from Mars Women are from Venus.” People were hungry for the message not the man.
Same with Obama, same with the Church. People are hungry for hope.
Do not let a hole in your programming and facilities or a flaw in your ‘expertise’ or resume stop you from telling someone that there is hope in the gospel; that the church, your church, can meet their needs.
Lesson #2: Stick to the Story: Become a Master at Telling Your Story
In John chapter 9 we are introduced to a blind man whom Jesus heals by placing mud on his eyes. The Pharisees became incensed that Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. So they began to question the man, seeking to bring charges against Jesus. In response to their questions he simply responded. “About such things, I do not know. This one thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.”
People are not looking for your expertise as much as they are looking for answers. They want to see, in you, glimpses of themselves that allow them to see that Jesus is indeed an answer for them.
Nighttime infomercials are full of this type of storytelling. We believe that a product can help us lose 15 inches in two weeks, help us live weed-free, or prepare dinner in 30 minutes because of the personal testimonies that accompany their pitch-man promises.
When Obama sought to write his first book, it was to be a book about race relations. However, he found the stats and figures were more palatable when consumed as part of a narrative. His points became more relevant because they were in the context of his story.
Are you making the most of your "before" and "after" story? Theology can be debated; “I once was blind” cannot.
Lesson #3: Enlarge your Circle: Establish Contacts and Build Relationships
The more contacts your church has, the more people it can impact with its message. This is true of business selling a product or a congregation trying to grow.
When I sold advertising in Louisville I learned quickly that my ‘list was everything.’ I knew I would get a certain number of rejections. I knew some would leave through attrition. So, I made my list as big as possible then worked that list. Similarly, the bible tells us that many will reject our message. It also says that of those who initially buy in, that some will “leave us because they are not of us.” Make your list; work the list.
Once your list is complete, you have a targeted group to whom you can deliver a compelling message in an efficient manner. But to reach them, to keep them, still requires face to face interaction.
People will be drawn by your story, but they will be impacted by your life. That is only possible in the context of relationship.
In the run-up to the campaign, Obama knew this.
The year was 1995, according to a New York Times article on the rise of Obama. Unknown and looking to build his name, Obama contacted a Chicago magazine and asked if he could stop by.
Why? He wanted the publicity of a free book review. He knew the value of relationship.
Some might say he failed. After all, the editor DID NOT review the book. However, later, that same publisher was the first to announce his campaign and ran a cover story on the man.
That is the type of ‘conversion’ that happens when you stand out and push past the daily barrage that editors endure from people trying to get their attention.
Involve yourselves in the lives of the people you visit. If you just stop by during Tuesday night visitation you can be easily ignored. But if you engage them, address needs, and help them they will realize that you want more than ‘nickels and noses’ for your church.
Lesson #4: Let Technology Augment Your Efforts
Obama needed an effective and efficient manner in which he could share his message. He wanted to build grass roots support, increase funding channels, and develop a list of potential contacts. He turned to technology with amazing results.
Instead of holding the usual press conference, he used e-mail and text messaging to announce his choice of a running mate. He did this by promising that those on a special list would be the first to know of his choice when it was made. By giving a compelling reason to sign up, he generated thousands of interested supporters.
How can our churches mirror this tactic? Six weeks after joining a local church I started a Facebook group. I, now, receive daily requests to join. I use it for prayer concerns, to advertise events, to build interest in targeted bible studies, and to blog about spiritual issues. Facebook can create a ‘club atmosphere’ to reach unchurched friends of members, grow a Sunday school class, or build support for a new initiative.
Likewise, YouTube offers the opportunity, even on a small budget, to broadcast your sermons even your Sunday school classes. The power of YouTube is not in its stellar quality but in its ability to put video storytelling, for the first time, in the hands of the people. Without overstating it, I feel comfortable saying that YouTube has done for video what Gutenberg did for the written word.
It is no wonder that Paul always sought out the synagogues and the agora when he entered a new town. He knew this is where people would congregate; he went there to meet them rather than waiting on them to find him.
Look to where people are gathering and what technology they are using. Then make plans to meet them there.
Lesson #5: Develop The Art of Pleasant Persistence
Nine years before his Senatorial Election, thirteen before his Presidential bid, Barack Obama was relatively unknown and trying to get whatever publicity he could.
He was not considered a pest because he was pleasant, even friendly. He stayed in touch, constantly providing a new slant, some new piece of information, to benefit those from who he was seeking help.
This goes beyond reaching people with the gospel.
On a large scale, develop relationships with the local media and with civic organizations. Offer real help. They may not bite the first time, but eventually you will have a breakthrough. One news story, away from the ‘Religion’ section, can do more to increase credibility to potential church members than a hundred ads or mentions in the ‘church directory’ section.
Successful churches are the ones who are committed to the task at hand. They do not move until God leads. Then they never back up, they never back down.
Lesson #6: Listen to Your Listeners
Most churches, if they have a marketing plan at all, begin the strategy and say, "I'm finished."
But that's not what Obama did. He did what successful churches do. He knew the real work began after the draft was finished.
When preparing his second book "The Audacity of Hope", he sent advanced copies to contacts and followed up with them for feedback. More importantly, he listened to what they had to say and made changes based on their feedback.
Obama wanted to sell books; You want to a thriving, vibrant community of believers. Both objectives require that you create something that connects with people’s hearts and lives.
When was the last time you solicited the opinions of rank-and-file church members? Yet, this too, is part of marketing. If your church is like most, as many people leave each year as join. Have you ever asked in a systematic manner, “Where did we let you down? Why did you leave?” Most churches simply assume low-commitment level and leave it at that. Then they move to the next person on the list and never fix the leak near the back door.
If you want a church that others will recommend to their friends, listen and adapt. Never compromise the gospel but leave everything else on the table. Service times are not scriptural edicts. Music forms are not biblically mandated. Nor are translations used from the pulpit, dresses vs. pants, or how often we are allowed to have a potluck dinner.
No wonder Obama's message of "Change" resonates with potential voters. He listened and adapted his message where he felt he could, based on his guiding principles, to address the feedback.
Many will dismiss these comments based solely on the fact that Obama was used as the example and held up as something for the church to emulate, in strategy, if not in messaging.
Balaam and his donkey are a wise story for today. God spoke through the donkey with wisdom for Balaam. In fact, had Balaam not followed the Donkey, the angel said “I would have killed you.” The truth for today is that God still speaks through donkeys; through unexpected and even unappreciated sources.
If you are really serious about making a difference, you have to realize that you are not just in the ‘church’ game. You are in the marketing game. Barack Obama understands this…do you?
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