BRAND NAME LOYALTY - By Lisa Are Wulf
Living for God
If you're like most people, you have at least a couple of brand names you really trust. Or maybe you have a lot of them - everything from cars to cornflakes. That's all fine. Brand name loyalty gives us comfort and makes the marketers happy.
But what about our faith life? Within Christianity we have literally thousands of different denominations and seemingly endless choices. On one level that's OK. Even in terms of worship style, what I enjoy might send someone else running for the exit.
On the other hand, so many churches spend endless hours defending and promoting their own "brand name" as the one true church. But if we're all following Jesus, does the brand really matter? Perhaps we're focusing our energy in the wrong direction. Is our real priority as Christians to campaign for our brand - or to devote ourselves to Christ and reflect him to the world?
What do you say?
Tags: Christian Discipleship, Spiritual Life, Living for God
Categories: Living for God, ALL LISA'S ENTRIES
Tags: Christian Discipleship Spiritual LIfe Living for God
Praise the Lord my sister - that is so correct! I love this! May God continue to bless your husband and your writings! Keep speaking the truth!! God Bless
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Hi There -
Thanks so much for visiting our blog. This is an issue that I've been thinking about for some time. So I sure appreciate that it resonates with you too. Thanks again and have a blessed day.
Lisa
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Hi Lisa! I'm one of those people that believes in branding, even within the church. Not to be used as a marketing gimmick, but as a tool that can help those outside of the church relate. We only have a split second to make a first impression on someone. If a name or a logo can connect with someone and pique their interest, then God and the gospel of Christ will of course shine.
Some take branding too far, as well as style and personalities. However, if done in a kingdom manner with all roads leading to Christ, I think branding can be a good thing. I also respect those that may choose to disagree as I know Christ didn't need a brand to see his message heard
Thanks for all that you and your wonderful husband are doing for the gospel!
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Hi There - Hey thanks for the comment. Actually, there's nothing wrong with branding. We do it for Living for God too.
I was actually talking about Christian denominations. Sometimes it seems that it's more important to identify with a particular denomination than it is to be Christian. Somehow it feels like the focus of our faith has shifted to belonging to the right sub-group rather than following the main guy - Jesus!
Thanks again for writing and for all your encouragement. I sure appreciate it.
Lisa
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The Gazette ran an article recently about people changing not only churches, but denominations. There are a couple of things that I believe cause this.
One, is politics. When the church starts getting too involved in politics, they alienate part of the population. Church should be about Christian Education, worship, prayer and spiritual development.
Two, is people's disagreements with the teachings of the church. I don't believe there is one single religious organization that completely shares my theology. Our personal theology develops through life experience, prayer and formal teachings. I am completely clear on my theology, but don't expect everyone else to conform. The secret, I think, is to find a church that comes close to all the significant things you feel and believe. Then stay there in grace, and agree to disagree on small details.
We could talk about this for days. In fact I have been kicking around this idea for a post on my site. I love this post as it is such a current and relevant subject.
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Hi Erin -
Thanks so much for commenting. I read that article in the Gazette too. They made some good points.
I totally agree that the church has gotten over-involved in politics. These days it seems like Christians assume that other Christians must think the way they do politically otherwise they aren't good Christians. This has caused a problem.
I also understand where you're coming from on theology. I think it's much better to agree on all the essentials of the faith and then allow grace on all the smaller points.
Thanks again,
Lisa
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It's an interesting topic.
My take is that if I were in the same room with people in the same domination, then brand name loyalty is a must. Otherwise, I would go conservative and be more generic.
In terms of blogging, I actually would go on the generic side, too, if I could. After all, I have several pretty good Christians who are non-Episcopalians. Rather than selling my brand to them, we would try to discuss certain differences in opinion we might have (especially in regards to Christianity views) in friendly manners. I feel that's the way it should be because it's always better to make a better friend of a Christian brother or sister rather than argue with them on some issues that might be due to denomination philosophies.
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Hi Bill -
Thanks so much for your post. Yes, I think you're right that when people of a particular denomination are together, the brand loyalty is really important.
I also like your philosophy about having a sincere and open discussion about theological differences. It's always better to understand, appreciate and respect another Christian's point of view. Makes for a better faith community all around.
Thanks again,
Lisa
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