The Best Church Marketing

Read an update on Facebook where a pastor was frustrated ...

His post went something like this:  Schedule a fellowship and everyone, including a guest, shows up.  Schedule prayer meeting and only a few are present.

I typed a few responses to his thread.  And deleted each one.  I didn't want my response to be misunderstood.

I get what he was saying.  But at the same time I wanted to point out the golden opportunity he had been given.

"Fellowship" can't be scheduled.  A pot luck dinner can be scheduled.  But fellowship (relationship, community) should be a constant in a healthy church.  If you're not relating to people, you're not reaching people. 

I am talking about the word fellowship.  (A noun): a community of interest; a feeling; companionship

The church should revolve around relationship.  Our's with Him.  And our's with each other.

Prayer is a part of MY relationship with Him.  My most precious, intimate, life-changing prayers were spoken in solitude.  Just me and Him.  Maybe God wanted to speak intimately to the select few that showed up that night?  Just a thought.

I remember the day we got the news that something was wrong with the little one who had yet to make her appearance.  Our sweet baby girl had a "spot on her heart".  Instant panic, dread.  Every parent's worst fear.  And this was our first child.  The one we weren't supposed to have.  Our little miracle needs a miracle.

We shared with a select few and and their prayers were immediate and bold and drenched with genuine concern. Instantly Holy Spirit peace hovered. A divine hush filled the air. In that moment, we knew God was with us, right there, in that little room. We knew this because we KNOW Him. Their hands were on me, and skin to skin, I remember that peace.  It was tangible and thick and it whispered that everything was going to be ok.  And it was.

They were there for me when I needed them the most.  In that moment, the church promoted itself.  Not in a planned prayer meeting, but in relationship.

By word of mouth, by hands in the mud, by telling the dirty part of our stories, THAT is how the true church should be known. Through grace and truth.

The way we act out Sunday Church, that culture can run deep – the suits, the talk, the fancy fonts, the trendy music; all of us do it in one way or another.

But isn’t it always and only the presence of God that we're all looking for? A real relationship, the voice to hear and the uncondemning eyes?

The reason so many people showed up to just hang out?  No expectation.  No pressure.  They seek relationship.  Meet them where they are.  Allow them the space to grow.  Encourage them.  Love them.  You might be surprised at the results.