Does your church advertise? What?

After our date on Valentine's day, Michelle and I went to see "A Night At the Museum" which was funny and creative and worth the $. Before the show a church add came up on the screen. I see that thing every time I go to the theater. The add is well done, speaks to relationships and is largely attracting people to the church! I often wonder how advertising fits with what we are doing.

Now that I'm in a new paradigm of disciple driven DNA I view advertising through a new lens. What do we have to advertise since we don't have buildings, budgets, better programs or butts in pews (we own no pews or chairs). Advertise what? Then I think, the only thing we have to advertise is Jesus! That's a new idea!

I am intrigued by the massive advertising schemes used to pull people into our churches on Sunday mornings. One guy did a treasure hunt. You have to be in church to get the clue to find the coin at a specific location in order to win the prize. You don't even want to know what the present gig is.

Here's another one and believe me there are many more. The Los Angeles Garment & Citizen ran the following ad. The ad reads:

Are these problems affecting you?
Check the problems that you are facing:

• Bad luck
• Loneliness
• Unemployment
• Depression
• Nightmares
• Addiction
• Fear
• Constant headaches
• Curses
• Sickness
• Other ___________

Bring your name
Name: ____________________

Come this Sunday at 10AM to participate in a service of strong prayer.
Receive free of charge THE MIRACLE CLOTH.

Cut out this coupon and bring it with you Sunday morning to receive the Miracle Cloth free.

The ad is topped off with a passage from Acts that appears to support their free miracle cloth offer.

The Planter: What do you think about all of this. What does your church advertise and why?