Friday, June 1, 2007
I just started reading a book recommended by friend of mine who started a church in Tampa. His name is Hal Mayer and the name of the book is 'The 22 immutable laws of marketing'.
One of the chapters is on perception. To the consumer, perception of a good or service carries more weight than the truth. In other words, what we believe about that product of service will determine our actions, even if we have not had a personal experience ourselves; or whether it is based on truth or not.
That idea made me think about the church. What is the perception out there about the church? Chances are, for the most part, the perception is probably not what we would hope. If that is true, then my job is all about working to change that perception. So, how does that happen?
After attending service, I love to ask first time visitors this question: How was your experience with us today? I often here it was nothing like what they expected. This past weekend this experience become more real than I have ever seen, when two families I have been inviting for two years came for the very first time. My relationship with them was a direct result of being involved in the community through the Relay for Life event in the City of Doral where I live.
Here's what I've learned so far:
Use every means possible to shorten the distance between their perception and the truth. At the Doral campus, I do this by engaging the community through service.
Here's an example:
Starbucks events… several times a year, especially during the Christmas holiday.
Community events… Relay for Life, 4th of July celebration, Trunk or Treat (Halloween alternative).
Servant evangelism… at schools, water distribution, other opportunities.
Doing life with those around you means doing life with those around you, in and out of the church. Don’t give up changing the perception of the church in your community. Look for opportunities to shorten the gap between what people think of the church and the live-change that we get to experience. I have to go now for a 4th of July city planning meeting.
Until next time,
One of the chapters is on perception. To the consumer, perception of a good or service carries more weight than the truth. In other words, what we believe about that product of service will determine our actions, even if we have not had a personal experience ourselves; or whether it is based on truth or not.
That idea made me think about the church. What is the perception out there about the church? Chances are, for the most part, the perception is probably not what we would hope. If that is true, then my job is all about working to change that perception. So, how does that happen?
After attending service, I love to ask first time visitors this question: How was your experience with us today? I often here it was nothing like what they expected. This past weekend this experience become more real than I have ever seen, when two families I have been inviting for two years came for the very first time. My relationship with them was a direct result of being involved in the community through the Relay for Life event in the City of Doral where I live.
Here's what I've learned so far:
Use every means possible to shorten the distance between their perception and the truth. At the Doral campus, I do this by engaging the community through service.
Here's an example:
Starbucks events… several times a year, especially during the Christmas holiday.
Community events… Relay for Life, 4th of July celebration, Trunk or Treat (Halloween alternative).
Servant evangelism… at schools, water distribution, other opportunities.
Doing life with those around you means doing life with those around you, in and out of the church. Don’t give up changing the perception of the church in your community. Look for opportunities to shorten the gap between what people think of the church and the live-change that we get to experience. I have to go now for a 4th of July city planning meeting.
Until next time,
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