Here is a small excerpt from a recent blog from Seth Godin:

50 churchgoers switch to a new congregation because of a boring or uncaring leader for every one that leaves because she was offended by a new way of thinking.

For the most part, I think that Seth has nailed it. As ministers, we should be excited about God’s message… we should care about our congregations. What happens, though, when your pastor no longer cares… is dreadfully boring… and has no clue about how to challenge a person?

I have often confessed to wishing that KLOVE (radio station) would go beyond their marketing niche exemplified in their slogan… “Positive, encouraging.” I wish that they would be positive, encouraging, challenging, controversial, loving, and relevant… not just some music to get you from “point A to point B” without risking the possibility of changing someone’s life by challenging the status quo (though I do realize that this can certainly happen by being positive and/or encouraging). However, “Challenging” and “Controversial” are not necessarily the best way to marketing your Christian-based business… “Positive” and “Encouraging” probably are. So, I understand KLOVE’s rationale… I just wish that it didn’t have to come down to the financial gains versus the losses.

I know that there are “big holes” all in this posting… so, I don’t mind if you would like to fill in my gaps or punch some bigger ones. Bring it!

[tags]Seth Godin, KLOVE, positive, encouraging, challenging, church, congregation, Christian[/tags]