Changing the story
Seth Godin has an excellent post on marketing in a recession. His point is this:
When the mass psychology changes and times are seen as not so good, the story we tell ourselves changes as well. Now, we buy out of defense, to avoid trouble. Or we buy because something will never be as cheap again. Or we buy smaller items for the same sense of reward.
Of course, the two different extremes can lead you to buy the very same thing. It's not the thing so much as it's the story." -- Seth Godin
What does this have to do with church? We're in the story business. We need to tell the story of God so those who hear it change the story they tell themselves about God. Dan Kimball's book, They Like Jesus But Not The Church, has some clues for us. But here are some examples of how we can help others change the story they tell themselves:
- Their story: "The church doesn't respect other points of view." Change this story by actually getting to know some non-church people, not to get them to come to church, but just to be their friend. Listen to them, treat them with respect, back off on the hard-sell, and hear what they are saying. You don't have to agree, but you do have to listen until you can understand their viewpoint.
- Their story: "The church is only interested in me for my money, time, etc." We are guilty of this often. We see people as prospects, potential church members. What if we saw and related to them as people? Period. What if we served with no thought of anything that might benefit us or our ministry?
- Their story: "I don't need God. I can handle life on my own." Here I would tell my story. I'm glad they can handle life, but I find God's direction, guidance, and purpose to be essential to living my life. No argument, no debate -- just two people telling their stories to each other.
The old approach to evangelism was a sales pitch -- present the gospel, ask for a commitment, overcome objections, close the deal. A better way is for the other person to change the story they tell themselves; then, they're open to finding a new story. Maybe the one you've found. What do you think? Is this too indirect? Any experiences to share with helping people change the story they tell themselves?
