Now to be fair, let me turn the tables and say something to today’s “hip” young pastors: It’s time to stop wearing those striped shirts with the shirttails out when you preach. Wearing jeans and open collar shirts is fine. But styles change and it’s time to change with it. Hundreds of young contemporary pastors all look alike today — jeans, striped shirts, tails out. And while you’re tossing out those shirts, dump anything with big designs on it. You know what I’m talking about — the t-shirts with the big printed crosses, or the torn up sport coats with stuff written on them.
The point is — people change, trends change and fashion changes. When every pastor in America looks alike, nothing is distinctive anymore.
OFFENDER #3: If you use the phrases “Shake the Nations,” “Transform Your Life” or “Touch the World” more than once in a 30-minute TV or radio program. Yes — I admit being guilty of these offenses in my day, but I went into treatment and I’m better now.
The point is about hype. There’s just too much of it in religious media. When every CD set, book or sermon from every preacher will change your life, then nothing will. The audience gets numb when the superlatives come in a continual flood. I always coach actors that during a dramatic scene, speaking in a loud voice all the time actually lessens the impact of the scene. When someone talks loudly continually, after awhile the audience simply filters it out.
Talking loudly has impact only after you’ve been speaking in a softer voice. Contrast matters. Stop the hype. Yes, God can do amazing things. He can transform people’s lives. He can shake nations. But be realistic about your products and your ministry. Let other people say nice things about you. Modesty is a virtue. You’ll be amazed at the credibility you’ll gain with the audience.
OFFENDER #4: If the audience notices the furniture more than you. I was once asked for my thoughts on a particular Sunday morning program, and when I viewed the DVD, the first thing I noticed was the set design must have cost an absolute fortune. Not because it was creatively designed, but because it looked so expensive. It was almost all white, very elaborate, had a few gold touches and generally looked like the inside of a palace. For some reason I can’t figure out, we’ve come to think that we’ll gain more respect as Christian broadcasters if we create the illusion of a really expensive set. I made two comments to the pastor. First — why should I financially support your media ministry? Your set makes it appear like you have all the money you’ll ever need. Second — this environment is so far removed from my daily life; I can’t really relate to you or your message. He didn’t take my advice, and his audience continues to drop. (Well — what did you expect?)
I love a great setting for a program, and our company has designed and built some amazing sets for our media clients. When it’s appropriate, it can make a huge impact because it places your message in a complimentary setting. Sets are important. But the program is about your message — not about you or your set. Keep that in perspective.
OFFENDER #5: If you’re still doing a talk show format with a monologue, a live band and interviews. The comedy greats like Carson, Leno, Letterman and others have taken control of that territory, and plenty of others — especially in late night programming — are following in their footsteps. So let’s look at another approach. For some mysterious reason, certain Christian broadcasters think this format is sacred, and have tried it over and over and still haven’t succeeded. But by contrast, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Glenn Beck and plenty of others have all done successful interview programs without the need of a live band, monologue or the other trappings of late night TV.
Be bold. Be innovative. Stop copying other people and explore the right format that will showcase your gifts and talents — not make you look like someone else.
