Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Seth Godin said this today: “…you can claim to be better… but people just aren’t prepared to believe you. It doesn’t fit the consumer’s worldview. So, you could be the honest politician or the quality contractor or the direct marketer with no fine print and no spam, but you better be prepared to prove it over and over before we believe you.” (Read the rest of the post here)
Isn’t it the same for those entering the church for the first time? Perhaps it’s even worse for those who have become disenchanted with church somewhere along the way.
Skepticism reigns.
No matter how “different” we think we are, there is no quick fix, fancy marketing campaign, cool music, or catchy slogan that will overcome the apprehension these consumers have for the church.
Just because we package ourselves differently – dress different, talk different, worship different - people won’t believe us until we prove it – over-and-over again.
April 23, 2007 at 10:02 pm
You can set fire to the stage, shoot fireworks, boast an incredible
I always liken that verse to serving others. In the same way that God saved me while in a “messy” state of imperfection - IN the same way, I serve others, not because they have it all together, but because they don’t. I want my actions to scream Jesus Christ louder than my words do. I know I don’t always do that so well. But I know when I do, that is what John spoke of when he said “Let us not love with words or tongue, but in actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
sound system, media display, multiple services or whatever. But if you can’t answer an email, a phone call, or extend a heartfelt hand in prayer (huddled in the hallway if neccessary,) none of it matters. For that one person who is calling, if no one answers back, you may as well pack it up and go home. With the first timers, the disenchanted, the disgruntled, the hurt and hurting, and the skeptic, we have no choice but to get our hands dirty. Serving others is sometimes messy. It messes with our politics, our schedules, our hearts, our paradigms, our preconcieved notions. It messes with our to do lists, our Christmas lists, and whos who list. It messes with our hearts and minds and sometimes displaces our emotions. But in the end, the bright lights, remote preaching, and krispy kremes (however effective in reaching so many) will run their course, if we aren’t willing to answer a phone call, an email or extend a hand at just the right time, in just the right place, exactly where it is needed. “For in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:
April 24, 2007 at 9:46 am
Great points, Judy.
While the things you mention may initially attract attention, its serving others that really makes the difference.