Have you seen all of these ads everywhere? I'm a surfer, I'm a cool biker dude, I'm a hip mom, and last but not least, I'm a mormon. Every time I see one of these on tv, hear one on the radio, or see a link on Facebook I just have to chuckle. Someone should tell them this approach doesn't work, but I hope they don't.
I know it doesn't work because I've seen evangelical churches try this approach for years and statistics clearly show that it has failed.
- If we have cool music then people will give Jesus a chance
- If our pastors are hip looking then people will know we're a relevant church
- If we don't offend people with the Bible maybe they'll come back next week
- If we can look and act like the world then people will feel comfortable
- If we can avoid issues like sin and hell people won't feel like we're judging them
I've heard it said that what you win people with is what you win people to. I think there's a lot of truth in that. The Bible clearly shows that the true Church is grown by God not by man. The Holy Spirit will do the work and the gospel does not need to be improved by us. No amount of marketing can improve what is already perfect. What a blessing that Christians don't need to worry about marketing campaigns. We can focus on serving our amazing God and giving Him the glory only He deserves.
On the other hand, a false religion like mormonism should indeed try to build their brand any way they can because they don't have the truth or God on their side. So I for one hope they continue pouring their resources into the money pit of mass marketing. They might try their best to look like they have it together through these ads, but each one sadly displays another soul in need of Truth. These folks are well-intentioned but wrong. I would invite the true Church to say a prayer for those lost in mormonism each time they see an ad. Pray that the Holy Spirit would intervene in their lives with the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12)
And for my fellow believers out there I'd like to remind you that Jesus didn't call us to be cool. He called us to go into the world and make disciples. We need not be ashamed of the gospel for it has the power to save. (Romans 1:16) It is all we need.
My name is Jamie. I'm bald. I sing kids music. And I'm a Christian.
Your journal entry reminded me of a Scripture that I think neatly sums up your heart here:
"Therefore, being engaged in this service and being mindful of the mercy which has been shown us, we are not cowards. Nay, we have renounced the secrecy which marks a feeling of shame. We practice no cunning tricks, nor do we adulterate God's Message. But by a full clear statement of the truth we strive to commend ourselves in the presence of God to every human conscience." - 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (Weymouth NT)
(Also, I must admit, the last line is priceless...because it's the true transparency Christians learn from the Bible through who God chose).
Posted by: Josiah Oliver | August 19, 2011 at 09:52 AM
What a refreshing and insightful way to look at Mormonism! Thank you. And God bless you!
Latayne C Scott
www.latayne.com
Posted by: Latayne Scott | August 19, 2011 at 12:49 PM
I just discovered you recently through the blog http://blog.wantingwhatyouhave.com/. You all are so fun! I laughed aloud when I viewed your Ten Commandment Boogie on YouTube, and you said "Seven feels like Heaven but only with your husband or wife!" Then my six year old wanted to know what was so funny . . .
We've started using your Bible Book Bop to help us memorize the books of the Bible. My children already know most of them, and they love to dance with you. I love that everyone is dressed appropriately and dances appropriately.
I'm looking forward to reading more of your blog, and I hope the future finds one of your concerts in our area of TN. :-)
Rebecca Burgener
Mother * Writer * Teacher
CommunicateCreativity.com
Posted by: Rebecca Burgener | September 12, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Yes, I agree with your comment. The Mormon community is visible in our small Texas town. Time after time, they have stopped by to talk. I had the opportunity to talk to the girls about Jesus, I planted seeds,but only God can make them grow. My husband who is a minister also had the opportunity to speak to another group, they had difficulty proving their beliefs so they wanted to set up another meeting along their elders. Due to scheduling conflicts that meeting never took place. As "Bible-based" Christians are job is to share the love and truth of Jesus Christ to anyone (even those who claim to know God).
Posted by: Norma Reyna | October 13, 2011 at 09:15 AM