Monday Morning Insights

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    Alarming and Scaring Church Leaders Into Action (and Out of $99!)

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    Here’s the email.  Read it and give me your first impressions…

    Christianity in America won’t survive another decade… unless we do something now.

    This generation of teens is the largest in history—and current trends show that only 4% will be evangelical believers by the time they become adults. Compare this with 34% of adults today who are evangelicals. We are on the verge of a catastrophe.

    Imagine an America at 4%:

    Church attendance dwindles… Tithes and offerings are at an all time low… New church buildings sit empty… Life giving sermons go unheard… The role of a church leader becomes irrelevant.

    We can’t let this happen! Churches cannot sit idle and allow this trend to take its course. We must take action NOW!

    The Wake Up Call coming to your area is a high-level briefing for you and your church leaders. At the event, you will be advised on the status of teenage America and what must be done to rescue them. You will also be given tools and resources to protect the future of your church and to educate parents about the attack on their children. Top voices in the Christian community, including Ted Haggard, Jack Hayford, Tommy Barnett, I.V. Hillard, and Jerry Falwell, will present the hard facts facing our culture and what we must do to reverse the 4% trend.

    Alarm and outrage are not enough. We must fight back!

    Space is extremely limited at each of these events, so be sure to register right away. We want to make it as affordable for you and your entire leadership staff. So, if you register now, you can bring up to five of your church leaders for only $99.00 (space is limited and limits apply).

    Register online for the event near you, or call us toll-free at 866-XXX-XXXX for more information.

    Still consumed,

    Ron Luce

    P.S. Don’t forget to register online now and bring your entire church leadership for just $99.00 (while space permits).

    --

    Here are my problems with this email as I look at it closer.  Please tell me if I’m just being nit picky:

    1.  I think Jesus’ message will survive even if I don’t do anything now.  Jesus doesn’t need me; but he’d sure like to have my help in spreading his message.  But to say that Christianity in America won’t survive just isn’t true, is it?!

    2.  Did you catch the job security thing… if I don’t act now, the role of a church leader will become irrelevant!  (not that it is relevant now in thousands of peoples lives).  But really, in a decade, we all might be out of a job!

    3.  So the answer is a ‘high-level briefing’?  Yeah, you know, to ‘protect the future of your church’. 

    4.  Alarmed and outraged?  OK… but that’s not enough… you’ve got to fight back.  How?  By paying $99 to hear their high-level briefing.  (It could, after all, save your job and your church, right!)

    5.  OK… I’m convinced.  This is a huge problem.  I need this high-level briefing.  But I’d better hurry because ‘space is extremely limited.’ (Not just limited… EXTREMELY limited!) Now I’m outraged!  Space is extremely limited?  Why can’t they find a bigger hall?  My job and my church is on the line (along with reversing the 4% trend); and you might not be able to find a seat for me?  You’d really turn me away from your high-level briefing?  That’s cold, dude.

    6.  Finally, they need to make this affordable not just for me but for my entire staff… that’s why it’s only $99.  Why does it have to cost $99?  If a thousand people show up, that’s $100k.  What in the world could this briefing include that could cost Ron $100k in each location he’s doing this?  That’s probably why he’s limited it to five attendees from each church.

    I know, I know… ‘Todd, you’re being really a dork about all this’ (and I very well may be).  But I have a degree in marketing; and this is a classic piece designed to get you to do one thing… take action (actually, to spend $99).  I’m sure Ron Luce has a great ministry; and maybe I shouldn’t dog him too much if I haven’t attended; but the information and tone of his email instantly turned me off.

    I don’t like to be manipulated, especially in Kingdom work.  That’s why slick marketing ploys like this really tend to tick me off a little.

    I’m interested… what’s your first response?  Please tell me I’m over-reacting just a little…

    Todd

    I guess we all respond to messages differently. In my last post, I talked about the urgency with which we should view evangelism. Then last night, I received this email urging me to join the fight. I don't really know anything about Ron Luce or his ministry; but I know that the approach he uses in his email is a real turn off to me. Others might respond well, but for some reason, I didn't...

    Comments

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    1. michael on Thu, June 29, 2006

      you are right on with your analysis.  as a youth pastor for many years, i’m familar with this ministry and Ron Luce.  While I appreciate the work He’s doing, I never liked the in your face e-mails or the cold calls.  It’s over the top.  I hate the bleak picture of Christianity painted, with the saving grace of a $99 conference attached.

      I’ve been guilty of using some of these tactics at times, but I try to repent.http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif

       

    2. Jason H on Thu, June 29, 2006

      “Church attendance dwindles… Tithes and offerings are at an all time low… New church buildings sit empty… Life giving sermons go unheard… The role of a church leader becomes irrelevant. “

      When I read something like that, I immediately think, “Maybe that would be the best thing that could happen.”  I think it would be better for Christians to spend time with other Christians learning, serving, and growing together outside the walls of a church. 

       


      Instead of focusing on the number of people coming to a building, what if the focus was on Christians connecting to each other in their neighborhood.

       

      Instead of focusing on giving tithes and offerings, what about putting that to use in practical hands on serving, and actually tithe your time, energy and abilities

       

      Instead of focusing on life giving sermons, what if you focused on developing life giving relationships to those around you.

       

      I definately admit this is biased against the “corporate” church.  But don’t read too much into that.  There are huge benefits to the corporate thing.  I just think that if you want to win this “battle” the things listed above are what will influence people to live their lives with Christ.  

       


      Anyway, I think i pretty much agree with your points too Todd.  Hope this was close to on topic.

       

    3. J L on Thu, June 29, 2006

      Hey Todd,


      I agree with you on this on.  Marketing in Christian venues has lost much of its integrity.  Every book is a “must read”, every conference is a “must attend” etc. In an effort to stand out from the other advertisements, we are using language that is exaggerated at best, and outright lying at its worst.

      Hollywood has caught on and is now marketing their films as “must see” or the “evangelistic opportunity of a lifetime.” I can understand having convictions about the work you are doing, but come on, is everything so urgent that we have to stop whatever we are doing just for this next seminar, workshop or conference?


      That being said, could you do a piece title “People Don’t Agree on Anything.”  Is everything debatable.  Is everything up for disagreement.  It seems like every post draws pros and cons as if nothing can be taken at face value and everything needs to be challenged.

       

      It will be interesting to see how people will respond to my last paragraph:)

       

    4. JHPW on Thu, June 29, 2006

      A couple of things - The tone of the email is unfortunate.  I don’t like the attempt at manipulating me into getting worked up over something.  I have respect for Jack Hayford.  I wish I hadn’t seen his name associated with this.


      I would also be curious as to the source of the statitstics.  Really, 34% of the current population are evangelicals?  Maybe so here in my little corner of the Bible belt.  Sure didn’t seem like that when I lived in Southern California or Western Pennsylvania.  I have a feeling these number may be loosely interpreted, but can’t say that with certainty.

      As to J L’s comment about everything needing to be challenged.  I don’t get the feeling on this blog that people are just argumentative for the sake of being agumentative.  I have really enjoyed reading all of the various positions and insights from others in the ministry.  It often gives me new perspectives on things, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

       

    5. MusicMan on Thu, June 29, 2006

      Ron Luce is behind Acquire the Fire.  A wonderful ministry to teens.  I would imagine in this conference he is attempting a wake up call to churches that are still operating like it was 1960 (especially concerning the youth).  I’m sure there will be very valuable information at this event.  Hopefully there will be clear plans for plugging this into the churches.  Personally, I like the invite 5 idea.  Often a conference is attended by a pastor, but the rest of the leaders don’t get the full effect of the message brought back home.  This may help gather some steam. 

      George Barna’s book “Revolution” is another take on what will (and is) happening in the church.

       

    6. Jeff on Thu, June 29, 2006

      Been there, heard that. 


      When the (over) hype is over… the gates of Hell will not prevail against the church… I can’t remember exactly where I heard that, I’m guessing it was at a $399 conference…

      Ron is a great motivator, he is passionate, and definately follows Christ and his perceived personal calling at 1bazillion miles per hour…


      UNfortunately, I too have quit reading his e-mails or taking calls from his interns… In the end, they (Teen Mania and ATF) are programatic, (and about BIG PROGRAMS at that) and when the hype is over, the church exists in accountable relationships and living out our faith in communities that struggle together to follow God.


      I just don’t believe the answer to the American church’s lethargy is to DRIVE A BIGGER BUS ... FASTER THAN EVER ... TO A BIGGER EVENT…

       

      All of that said, (vented) Ron is reaching the world as best he can for Jesus…  There is always a line of caution when it comes to charging fees for “ministry” events.  Most of us cross it too many times.


      So, was that middle of the road enough?  I am embarrassed by this type of marketing, and I pray I’m not guilty of the same in my ministry efforts.

       

    7. REH on Thu, June 29, 2006

      It seems to me that Ron Luce’s concern for the future of America and teens is misplaced.  What about being concerned about their relationship with Jesus Christ? 

      “Church attendance dwindles… Tithes and offerings are at an all time low… New church buildings sit empty… Life giving sermons go unheard… The role of a church leader becomes irrelevant. “


      I’m all for the importance of the church, but it’s sad that his list of scary things that could happen if you don’t attend his conference is focused on church attendance, tithes, church buildings, church leaders’ jobs, etc.  If he really wanted to scare me, he could have said something about teenagers not knowing Jesus Christ. Now THAT is sad!

       

    8. Leonard on Thu, June 29, 2006

      Okay, so the marketing is not what we want to see but what are we doing about reaching people for Christ?  Think back in the past 6 months, how many people have we actually shared Christ with in such a way as to lead them to a faith friendship with God?  Okay now multiply your answer by those in your church you suspect are actively sharing Christ in this way.  Divide that by the number of people in your zip code and you will see we are not doing much more than talking about a crisis.  The real questions might be; why are we not bringing more people to Christ?  And what do we do as leaders to equip people to share Christ in their everyday world? 

      At least, tactics aside, Ron Luse is trying to motivate people to share the only message that can keep someone from a Christless eternity.  In my church I have said I sometimes care more about the gift my neighbors dog left in my front lawn than the fact they will spend eternity separated from Christ.  So let me attempt to explain Ron’s technique without agreeing with it. 


      He is passionate about something the church has lost its passion for.  So he shows how the loss of passion for the lost will impact our comfort as we know it in church.  He is frustrated by the churches apparent willingness to watch people perish while sitting on nice chairs.  As for the 99 bucks, more people will be inclined to attend a conference for 99 than for free.   Simple observation, people today associate free with cheaply done.

       

      Last word and I’m out.  What if we all committed together to reach one person for Christ in the next 6 months and built a friendship, on purpose for that reason.  Then through prayer, Spirit led boldness and a gentle heart of love lets share Christ with that person.  For sake of argument are any of us that strategic about giving our faith away?

       

    9. Jeff on Thu, June 29, 2006

      Leonard,


              “What if we all committed together to reach one person for Christ in the next 6 months and built a friendship, on purpose for that reason….”

      IF those friendships led to conversions, and those disciples then did the same… the entire world population could be reached “one at a time” in less than 20 years.  For less than $99.


      Thanks for the word.

       

    10. Jonathan on Thu, June 29, 2006

      Let me be the devil’s advocate here:

      Sounds like you’re hyped up over METHODOLOGY - the very thing you’ve defended in this space when it comes to critiques of mega-churches…  Isn’t that a bit hypocritical?

       

    11. bishopdave on Thu, June 29, 2006

      I just got off the phone with a Christian telemarketer who informed me that we are short-changing the children in our various ministries by not purchasing their dvd-based curriculum.


      We had a real negative experience with Acquire the Fire, and despite requesting them to not call us anymore, the phone calls from them continued. Because of the rudeness of Ron Luce’s organization, we automatically hang up when they call sense they refused to remove us from their list. 

      I agree, Todd, this hits me the wrong way (can you tell?). How in fact has the Kingdom of Jesus survived so many centuries without Ron’s help? What did Paul do without dvd-based curriculum? Are those children all in Hell now? Had Corinth had a good spiritual-gift assessment tool, could the church there have avoided many of their problems?  Every seminar/workshop/training event I have been to basically is a sales event—buy our product, double your attendance.


      Is it going to be the Holy Spirit, methodology, passionate briefings—what’s going to bring revival? I think methodology is very important, we must understand who we are trying to reach and be relevant with our message (Jesus makes a difference today and forever). But will it really be because I used your 13-week course on hospitality? Ok, blood pressure is going down now.

       

    12. Len on Thu, June 29, 2006

      What do you get when you mix youth ministry, word-faith theology, and high pressure marketing?  Ron Luce leading Aquire the Fire! 


      Don’t agree with the methods or tactics but to his defense, Marko (http://ysmarko.com) has disagreed with him but after meeting with him has found a new appreciation for his heart and love for Jesus.

    13. Dan Moore on Thu, June 29, 2006

      Frankly, I have had enough of seminars and workbooks.  In my early years I went to similar conferences, received all sorts of training (CWT, EE, FAITH) and most of it sits on the shelf.  It is not the product but the people.  There are two modes of evangelism in my humble opinion:


      - One on One.  The best means is the person who reaches family, friends, and co-workers.  In my experience in my present ministry people reach people they know.  It takes time but when a person is truly transformed, those in that person’s network will know. 

      - Corporate.  Jesus said that the church should be a city on a hill.  There is still something about having a visible place where people drive by.  A friendly sign, members excited about their church, and doing things in the community as a church will gain attention.  Some people who do not respond to a one-on-one event often are moved by the Spirit to attend church.   In my experience with our church VBS is our biggest corporate witness that has produced the best results.  Every year this event results in families joining our church without fail. 

       

      Christ promised to build His church.  I am so glad He invited me along!


      “And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap…” (Gal. 6:9)

       

    14. Todd Rhoades on Thu, June 29, 2006

      I’m not sure what you’re trying to get at Jonathan… I never mentioned megachurches in this post; and I don’t ever recall any megachurch saying that without them, Christianity would disappear.  I’m not sure how you’re connecting this email’s methodology with any methodology that I’ve agreed with here in the past.  Please explain.

      I don’t have anything against Conferences or Christian books.  I push them on this website as well (and will in the future).  I’ve learned much at some great conferences, and really enjoyed some super books; but I have never marketed them as the best thing since sliced bread; or ever said that the future of the church depended upon attending or reading them.


      So… I’m not quite sure what you’re trying to say. 

       

      Sorry.


      Todd

       

    15. Jonathan on Thu, June 29, 2006

      Hey Todd -


      No harm, no foul.  I get where you’re coming from.  Just thinking out loud that we (and I include myself in this!) get ticked when someone critiques the methodology of other ministries (not their orthodoxy/beliefs, but their orthopraxy/method of practicing those beliefs) - and then we turn around and do the exact same thing here? 

      For example, if someone knocks the seeker-sensitive movement because of the clothes they wear, that’s critiquing their methods.  Isn’t that what we’re doing here with Luce’s email?


      Not looking to debate or anything, just an observation about critiquing the methods we employ in ministry.

       

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