Verizon, IPhone, And The Church

Seth Godin has an excellent piece on his blog today about a Verizon memo advising its stores in how to criticize the coming of Apple’s IPhone Friday.  It’s suspected many people will want to cancel their Verizon plan and switch to AT & T just to have access to an IPhone (Since AT & T is the only cellphone service that will use the IPhone).

One comment in particular sums up Godin’s thoughts and got me to thinking about the church:

“If someone is going to switch carriers and you’ve done your best to
denigrate their choice, you’ve not only lost a customer, you’ve also
lost credibility and respect going forward. (Because your criticism of
the phone is also criticism of my judgment.)”

How many times have we been in a situation where churches are being discussed and we offer our professional opinion on their ministry style?  When I was in my late 20’s/early 30’s, I was probably more guilty of this than I am today.  Occasionally someone will ask me about church xyz and what I think of them.  If it’s a good friend and asked in confidence, I may share a concern or two I would have but even at that, I’ve decided (a long time ago) not to even worry about it and usually reply: “I don’t go there obviously so I can’t comment accurately and besides, I have my own church to worry about and build”

It’s easy for us to look at any other church and long for certain things they do that attract new people while we are still small and growing.  I am surrounded by not one but three large churches (one mega church) and many other good sized ones are within a 10 minute drive of the church plant I am pastoring.  From each one, I could pick a program or ministry and say “I want that” but what that does is detract me from the laser like focus I need to make THIS church plant successful.  When someone comes to our church for a time and then decides to leave to one of these churches (much like Verizon’s worrying its customers might switch to AT & T), I take the time to thank them for their time with us and pray for their decision and that they will find their place of service with the new church.  I’ve gotten to know many of the pastors of these works and try to mention the pastor by name as I talk to our soon to be departed. “Oh, you’re heading to Pastor Jon’s church.  That’s a great church…dynamic kids ministry and wonderful music to boot.  I’m sure you’ll find something there you will like.”  And I’m sincere as I do this.  Rather than long for a specific program or ministry from another church, I’ve realized they have their own headaches and problems and I wonder if I’d want all that with that one program or am I content with the people God’s given me?

I’ve told our leadership to focus on what we do best and do it better than anyone.  For us, it’s all about relationships and restorative fellowship with our church family.  Much like Godin advises in his article, when a family is struggling with a decision like a church switch, I’ve elected to point out the benefits of our church while not denigrating another.  “If you stay here, you’ll be helping build something from the ground up.  We have great people, a solid kids ministry, biblical preaching that helps build those relationships we talk about every week.  Now if you go to Pastor Mike’s church, it’s a great work but you’ll have to start over and build new foundations, relationships, and get to know people before you can really plug in and serve.  They have a lot of folks serving already and we could really use your sweet spirit here but if you choose to go, you can rest assured you’ll leave with my blessings and prayers for your spiritual future.”

It’s time for us not to worry about what the other guy offers but to focus on the selling points that make US a great church.  You don’t have to knock another church to make yours look better.  In fact, if you do, you’ll only look worse.  Instead, focus on the benefits of your congregation while sharing the realities of moving to another church.  The decision is so much more important than who your cell phone carrier is but the principle Godin espouses is one many church pastors could stand to learn from!