Marketing vs. Evangelism
How far should we go with whatever it takes to reach folks for Christ? If the goal of Christian evangelism is to draw people to Jesus, then it makes a certain amount of sense to translate eternal Christian beliefs into the vernacular of pop culture.
Marketing the Message (Selling Jesus or Selling Jesus Out?) raises interesting questions and creates discussion on the topic of at what point might the methods to win souls obscure, cheapen, or compromise the message itself? Believers and skeptics speak out as this program takes a balanced look at marketing the message. Ministries built around NASCAR racing, pro wrestling, skateboarding and motorcycles are spotlighted along with Jesus-oriented products ranging from clothing and house wares to rock music CDs and Bibles styled like fashion magazines. A visit to The Holy Land Experience, Orlando, is also featured.
Dan Kimball’s They Like Jesus But Not The Church (Insights From Emerging Generations) is a six-session look at today’s generation. Ask them what they think of Jesus and chances are you’ll get a glowing response. Ask their opinion of organized religion and the reply probably will be less favorable. Kimball delineates six common objections people have to the church and offers a wake-up call of critical insights for both faith leaders and non-Christians.
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Web Sites
FAMILY FRIENDLY
This link to the Global Board of Discipleship provides suggestions for handling issues such as asthma, diabetes and developmental delays. Physical and mental challenges of children with disabilities push parents to face constant change. Churches also need to examine the issues families face when they are blessed with a child with special needs.
For those long dreary winter days explore this web site with lots of links for children. netministries.org/kids.html
Adults visiting their aging parents during the holidays, vacation times or other short-term visits may be in for a shocking surprise. Unopened bills might be stacked haphazardly on countertops. Mom seems unfocused, and Dad is having trouble getting around. It’s clear that help is needed, but what should family members do? The Global Board of Ministry web pages will help with those questions.
If you feel there are legal, financial and insurance questions that need discussion, go to the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging’s web site at www.eldercare.gov for a checklist of these topics.
Strengthening Your Congregation
Church leaders wear many hats -- educator, cheerleader, spiritual adviser, manager -- the list goes on and on. It’s easy to get wrapped up in these jobs and lose sight of the big picture -- making disciples. But how do you know where to focus your time and energy? How do you align the skills and talents of all the leaders in your church to deliver the greatest impact on your congregation? How do you put all the pieces together and create a strong, vital church? This Global Board of Discipleship web site offers books and other tools to help evaluate ministry in your church.
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