"Church doesn't suck"?

Question

Recently, a church near me has changed their church slogan and put billboards around the city saying "Church doesn't suck". In this advertising, they changed their outreach for people to come to church as they are, and not worry about what they have done in the past. They want to knock down the thoughts that non-christians have about the church, and rather than "doing" church, they want to "be" the church.

I am a christian, and dont' think this is a good way to market a church. What do other christians think about this?

Article:
http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/archives/2007/03/church_doesnt_s.html

Answer 1

I think you are absolutely right when you use the word marketing. They are trying to market their church like any other consumer product.

It’s not really such a difficult concept. If you call yourself a Christian church, teach the words of Christ. Live the teachings of Christ. Love all! If more churches would actually try this approach the churches would be so full you couldn’t shut the doors.

Answer 2

It might not be the way that you or I would choose, but as a marketing strategy goes it seems like it's been an effective way to get the conversation going and perhaps raise some eyebrows. Churches do need to show themselves to be places where all are welcome, where religion comes second and people come first. This approach seems pretty targeted at youth and has the potential to alienate some, but it doesn't have to be for everyone. People will make the choice to go or not based on any number of things. Whether this new approach on its own will successfully bring people in to investigate church for themselves remains to be seen. People might react positively to the idea that there's a real effort being made to invite them in just as they are, that the church isn't afraid to take unusual steps to do so, but it's likely not enough. I do think that a personal invitation is still best and most meaningful, but Christians aren't doing that often enough for any number of reasons. Maybe the church has to resort to ad tactics like these because the regular attendees aren't doing enough to show through their lives and actions that church -- indeed, the Christian life -- does not "suck". Wouldn't that make a much better ad?

Answer 3

Well, you probably aren't going to like my answer but I want to be honest...

Churches are man made institutions. (Yes I am a Christian). They do what they need to do to get people in the door so they can teach them "religion" Yesterday, I went to my local church and finally realized why I have been so uncomfortable there since becoming born again. It is because they preach religion, not the personal relationship with God/Jesus. Churches should not have to be marketed at all. If they are telling the true story that God/Jesus loves all people and desires to be a blessing to all believers, that should be sufficient. However, the churches are often trying to lure the young people in by trying to act cool. Thus the statement about "church doesn't suck". It is pretty hard to tell someone about the love of God/Jesus if you can't get them in the door so I would assume that is the reason for the marketing even though I personally do not agree with it.

Answer 4

the strategy is to get non-believers into church. However the ends do not always justify the means. Using the word suck is not something that Jesus, or his disciples/apostles would have used, do you think? Even though times have changed, Jesus has not. You are right this is not a good way to "get people to come back to God and church". Young people think that church is boring, because they do not see the people's lives really changed, that is internal, that needs to change, not the marketing tactics- we are the blood bought family of God, not a business trying to sell our wares.

Answer 5

Perhaps their choice of wording was not the best, but they are trying to reach the younger group probably, and figured that is what they would respond to. You shouldn't worry about what you have done in the past, the church is right about that. When you accept the Lord as your personal savior, you ask him for forgiveness and He forgives ALL your sins. Sin is sin- one is not worse or less in the Lord's eyes. If more people would understand this, I think they too would open their heart to Jesus. God does not care if you are all dressed up on Sunday for church. Once a person starts going to church though, if they really accept Jesus as their savior, then they start to show visible signs of change. I have seen women come to my church who were dressed sort of inappropriately. After they were saved, there was such a change in them! They wanted to be more modest, more pleasing to the Lord. That doesn't mean you have to cover yourself all up. It just means be respectful! So, yes I do think its a good way to advertise, if it gets through to the younger people who maybe haven't heard the message, and also to some of the other people who are intimidated about going to church because they think they might be judged, or are ashamed of their past. Our church is what you would call a Mega church. On any weekend, approx. 10,000 people go in an out. Many are regulars, but many are just curious as well. The message never changes though- it is strictly a Bible based church. Interestingly too, they NEVER ask for money, but the funds are always there for whatever the need is.

Answer 6

Wether church ‘sucks’ or not depends largely upon your attitude. If you go to church with an open heart ready to receive the word of god and the fellowship of your congregation you will enjoy going to church. However if you have a closed heart you may not find church to be enjoyable.

In response to your question of what is the best way for a church to market itself. I feel that word of mouth recommendations from genuinely satisfied parishioners are better than any ad campaign that money can buy.

Answer 7

Sometimes it depends on the hierarchy of the church & their attitude. I've seen some where the young are as welcome as the older, and some that don't want to be bothered with the littles. You have those that are happy if you put $1 in the basket & then the onesthat want to know yearly income of household & issue tithe envelopes telling how much your share is. Attitude is everything, look for a happy & open place or talk to God the way you want where you want

Answer 8

Human beings make up a church and human's lie. They say, "Come as you are" and then preach that you must love your neighbor as yourself. If the human beings presently in the church could do it, they wouldn't need to advertize, people would flock to the church in droves, but they can't do it. Neither can anyone else. Church does suck when they lay on a burden they can't do themselves.

Answer 9

I think, 'Church doesnt suck' is not a good way to put it. the word suck just kind ruins it all. but if they are going for people like teenagers....or young people trying to get them to turn to God....then it woud be more suitable. but if its for adults...or adults and kids...it shouldnt be used. it sounds like joke. at first i thought this question was gonna be a joke before i read the thingy. I went to church yesterday.....and in the worship part...we were singing a song...it was for people to come to Jesus as they are. Your church has the right thing in mind, but they are going about it the wrong way. I think the people who are trying to get these people to come to church and see that it doesnt suck...well many people have in mind that Christians and God are all about rules and regulations and never wanna do anything fun. many Christians say it isnt true....but they have never proved it to the people. so maybe some people from ur church could maybe do something at the church that makes God seem fun....instead of kneeling in prayer all the time. i mean thats what church is...but thats not what ALL of church is. i dont know...maybe for young people, have a party their...but still have the Word of God their. show people that u dont surround ur life around the church ..i mean ur supposed to surround ur life with God....but that doesnt mean u have to be at church 24/7 right? do some fun stuff...show them God in a new way thats not so 'boring' im in the 7th grade...and i think the adults church is boring...so i have a youth group for 7th and 8th graders. its not so boring...because we dont sit around acting like adults. we are free to be 7th and 8th graders....but at the same time be Christians....we can have fun learning about God doing things for Him. show some people fun.


ur churchneeds to change the slogan....cuz thats just making people laugh. its making me laugh a little....but how can people take them seriously like that? they cant, i cant. so yeah.




i hope i helpedd!!! =]

Answer 10

because not all people goes to church regularly that what's supposed to be...

so the church people maybe changed the slogan into that...

im a christian too.. but its not right to put sloan like that just to get a christians attention