A Church That Does Exactly What It Says On The Tin?

The Ronseal, “[It] does exactly what it says on the tin” advertising campaign is a personal favourite and a big part of our lexicon. It’s not just a catchy phrase and cute TV-filler, it is also one of the simplest and most-effective ad campaigns ever. Over the past few months, whilst Church Shopping, I’ve several times thought – “I’d love a church that just does what it say on the tin/sign/promo material.”

Every church we have visted handouts nice little welcome packs with some form of card you can fill out with your contact details, so the church can “get in touch.” Like lemmings we fill these out (much to my chargrin as I hate handing out my numbers). Weeks pass and naturally, the churches never bother to follow-up. Tired of hearing about the Minister’s great dreams, then standing around icognito after the service, we would move onto the next church.

But last week, something earth-shattering happened! One church actually bothered to write us nice little note, thanking us for taking the time to fill out the card and explaining a little more about their ministries and mission. It was like a balm to our soul and after visiting with them again on Sunday, I think we have found a place to worship regularly.

This church did what it said on the tin!

There’s no new revelation here, but it was interesting how easily we became jaded with the experience. I found myself both disinterested and uninterested in the “vision-stuff” of the churches we were visiting and rather more focussed on the prospect of whether the church could meet some more mundane needs in terms of fellowship and helping the spiritual formation of my daughter.

So, if someone visits your church, don’t hype them with your grand schemes, or annonymously hand them a glossy brochure – talk to them. It really is that simple.

[tags] Church, Hospitality [/tags]