I had a great talk with a very creative friend who owns a very successful business. His company works with not only some of the biggest names in the Christian circle, but also some of the largest companies in the world.
As we were talking we brought up a conversation we had previously about how churches seem to focus on all the wrong things. As we were talking this thought donned on me:
“Why are churches so concerned with creating ‘original’ content?”
We put so much time and money behind original content that church people quite frankly just don’t care about. I believe they love the excellence and appreciate the finished product of what we do. But, I don’t think they care about where it comes from or if the church they attend create it.
Then I thought about all that money we put into creativity and programming that could go into meeting real, tangible needs. Or, that money could go towards another pastor who could fill a spiritual formation need in the church.
I love that churches create things. I’m one of the biggest local church advocates there is. Not too many organizations can compete with what Lifechurch.tv or Church on the Move produce.
What if we spent less money with some of the “cookie-cutter” resources that are out there? Do you think congregants would really notice? Do you think they would really care? And, do you think it would slow the growth of your church?
I wonder if the reason we create “original” content isn’t more for us and impressing our fellow ministry friends. I wonder if we enjoy the accolades of our peers, because quite frankly I don’t think the people we are ministering to care.
What say you?
PJ
