CONTENDING FOR THE TRUTH...IN CHURCH PUBLICITY
When you tell others about your church, is honesty the best policy?
Wayne Kiser
January 1, 1993
"The Lord is blessing," he assured me. The pastor in my office described the great spirit in his congregation and how well people worked together. I was an editor for the denominational magazine. When he left my office after his 20-minute glowing report, this pastor walked to the area director's office. "I'm resigning," he announced and dejectedly described the sad condition of his church. I heard the success story; the director heard the failures. Which was it? Another congregation I know boasts an attendance greater than the total population of its area-far more than the number their facility could accommodate at one time. They may believe their figures. They may be counting not only those in the main sanctuary and educational facilities but the satellite churches they've started. "Can we support the validity of this statement?" is not the test of truth when advertising church attendance. A better question to ask is, "Is the perception of the facts true?" Misleading figures can cause outsiders to doubt the church's credibility. And, if people feel misled, how can they believe us when we talk about matters of eternal consequence? Exaggeration in advertising is nothing new. Commercials with phrases like "Here's where you always save more money" and "Number 1 in service" and "You'll never get another deal like this" are common. Although consumer groups challenge deceptive claims, we've come to expect hyperbole. But your community doesn't expect hyperbole from churches. "The world's friendliest church" better be backed up with an impressive performance from your members or your credibility will plummet. Honesty's disarming power
On the other hand, when churches tell the truth, they can establish a solid reputation in the community. ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
