Do we find Christ attractive?


I work part time at a large church designing a lot of creative elements for worship gatherings and the promotion of various ministries. The rest of the time, I design communications for my clients. I appreciate the chance to use my talents on behalf of the church, but it always raises a question for me: as Christians, do we find Christ attractive?

What fuels the demand for my services at the church is the underlying assumption that a very simple presentation of Jesus as given by His Word is somewhat lacking. We need more programs, more ministry that meets peoples felt needs, and more attractive promotional communications so that everyone knows what we offer. After all, who could possibly be interested in a simple unadorned presentation of Jesus after watching something like Avatar, or having every "felt need" indulged at the local mall?

In support of more attractive programming and communications, some argue that people aren't tired of Jesus, or the Gospel, they're simply tired of old-school presentations. We need to spice it up a bit in the church. Give people an experience that will move them—hopefully towards Christ. We need to understand all of the complex needs that drive these consumers and meet them. Marketing pros do that, and it sure looks effective.

I once had a leader whom I respect greatly offer me an analogy in defense of intentionally attractive programming. He described how he and his wife would prepare to receive guests for dinner. They would clean the house, carefully plan a wonderful evening that included their guests' favorite foods, and they would cater to every need as attentive hosts. The story made me crave an invitation to dinner from them, but it left me unconvinced.

The church isn't a home we invite guest to for dinner. It's a living incarnation of Jesus Christ. It is attractive, or not, as Christ is attractive, or not. The church gathers to worship Christ, and be equipped to do the work of ministry, so when it disperses again into the surrounding community it is a living proclamation of Christ. It is not a dinner party. Or at least it shouldn't be.

Can our gatherings be celebratory? Yes. Is it reasonable for large church with many resources to provide for social needs? Of course, in fact it's required. But all of these a secondary to the purpose written above. I think we have it backwards. We don't need to make church attractive.

The work of evangelizing a community happens best out in the community. The fact that market research shows that many people come to Christ after coming to church is often used as an argument for making church more attractive and seeker-sensitive. But is it compelling? How many more would come to the Cross if we invited others into our lives instead of simply inviting them to church? What if we saw the church as "out there" instead of "in here".

What if we really trusted the Holy Spirit offering Christ through us as the most attractive presentation? What if we really believed He is the most beautiful one in all creation?

Comments

nicklas said…
Well said, Steve. As a co-laborer in that large church, I find myself asking the same questions. If our communication is about the medium, we have no message. If our communication is about the message, then the medium is helpful only insofar as it provides clarity as we reach into different cultures and generations. The Bible is the simplest place from which to receive the direct revelation of God by His Spirit. But people do not read the Word - even many Christians do not, except for light samplings. The church dealt with illiteracy in the Middle Ages by communicating through art, music, stained glass and liturgy. The church is now learning to deal with post-literacy, and we are still learning what shapes that will take.

You rightly frame it when you ask about the message - is Jesus attractive? Are his people attractive? Sharing the simplicity of the life of Christ - full of grace and truth - providing people with the clearest picture of God, His Gospel, to their hearts - a form of genuine beauty from which to respond - is not based on advertising, but the move of the Holy Spirit through His church.
9:18 AM
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