It’s not whether or not you will do marketing, its how you will do it. Every church has a brand, its how will you brand your church or will you let others brand it for you.

People who think marketing is okay are the ones that haven’t looked into the eyes of the men, women, and children who daily struggle to find clean water and a bite of food.

Our American, western culture has unfortunately been mixed in with our pursuit of Christ. The American church is the rich man in the bible who loves Jesus, but refuses to sell all he has.

a couple of thoughts:

your work – on this blog or in your church – is inseparable from marketing, which is fine. but that fact requires a distinction between the good marketing you’re doing and the evil marketing you’re denouncing. without a clarification of what you mean by “marketing,” this sounds a bit gimmicky – like you’re trying to get a rise out of readers.

second, not exactly related to the first, lame pastors can’t grow vibrant churches. marketability is directly linked to one’s cool factor; to one’s charisma and charm and eloquence and humor. you said people visit newspring because friends invite, but i’m guessing they stay – at least in part – because you (if you’re the up front “face” to the congregation) market well with a high cool factor. the gospel is compelling, but not as compelling as being in the right club.

i’ll try to stop back again. take care.