I came across this video via Bishop Alan’s Blog. I utterly relate to the dichotomy between how people think of Jesus and how people think of Christians. Why is there such a gap when ‘Christ’s followers’ are meant to be mimicking the love, acceptance and subversive nature of Jesus that people really like and relate to? The outrageous scandal is that Jesus loves everyone regardless of if they call themselves a Christian but don’t act that way. Including me.
I think we have to say that our PR department sucks. It sounds like everyone loves Oreos when everyone dislikes the box they come in. That makes me think. Imagine the best coffee shop with a bunch of idiots serving. We know very well that even if the product is bad – if the service is good, people will come! Like Starbucks. They have wireless, but their coffee sucks and nobody wants to say it.
What can I do about it that the maker of the most awesome coffee and owner of the most amazing shop has chosen only dumbasses to work there?
Some people will not go there, because they have been treated badly. Some people just don’t like the atmosphere. You might want to go to the owner and explain some basic marketing to him. Get some experts in, show the workers to be more customer orientated.
Sounds like a good idea, but what if the owner says: “It’s never been about the customers, but the people who work for me. – I want them to have a good boss and a good coffee.” At the same time he asks of us to keep inviting. What can I say to the person on the street? Come to the most amazing place ever? No! I have to say: “Sorry for the mess, but please come and meet the best boss ever and have a sip of the most amazing coffee!” Right? Maybe all we need is to be more honest about who we are.
Church is not a business. In fact there is nothing that I can think of that comes close to compare to church. Imagine a product that targets all generations. Just the fact that we sing songs together turns people off. Some have drawn conclusions to have church for specific age group or stop singing. But then we are stuck with a larger problem, cos that is like the most amazing packet of Oreos with no Oreos inside.
Maybe that’s too simple. I don’t understand some basic things. I don’t get it together. I try my best to love the sinner, but to hate sin. How do I approach obvious sin? I mean the stuff where the bible says clearly that God doesn’t like it. Do I ignore those things? Where do you draw the line? I think people get hurt by Christians when they come across legalism. And for sure they will come across it when ever they come to a church where people take sin seriously.
Let’s strive to get it right!