Controversial "We Hate Church" Billboard Design
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of going to the UK’s annual Christian-based GrapeVine Celebration. Bishop Tony Miller of the Cathedral Church in Oklahoma City was there preaching in the evening. At one point, he talked on the desperation in getting his Church noticed by the media. He felt that many people who lived around the Church thought that it was boring and irrelevant.
After trying to get peoples’ attention in the past, he boldly attempted some shock-tactics—and needless to say it worked:
The Cathedral Church in Oklahoma City says they’re glad folks are taking notice as they try to challenge the mindset of a new generation of churchgoers. Bishop Tony Miller said, “I know there’s a shock factor especially to religious people & some may think we were being offensive. Our desire isn’t to offend anybody, but to do what it did – to say what it is about church that upset or offends you.” Bishop Tony Miller says he said it in a sermon and the church marketing department devised a plan to get peoples’ attention… And ultimately get them in church doors to change their minds.
Miller said, “We’ll take the risk in order to awaken people to the toughts of something different is possible. It’s not about a building, a Sunday morning. It’s about people encountering the heart of God.” Taken from KFOR News
Apparently, after the billboard design was erected and shown to the public, four separate news channels were contacting the Church about the controversial nature of the project for an interview.
What do you think of this design? Do you agree with the notion of using such tactics to advertise Church? I’d like to read your comments on the matter below…
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5 Inspiring Comments, Comment or Ping
Jeff Maystruck
From a marketing stand point and a “used-to-be” avid church goer I think this is great, the longest running stereotype is that church is boring and people hate going. Taking an unconventional approach would sell me on this church. Why can’t church be fun and cater to the younger generation? It’s going have to change eventually if they want to keep their numbers up. If I met Bishop Tony Miller I’d shake his hand and support his church, I think he gets it.
Jeff Maystruck´s last blog ..
Sep 1st, 2009
CreativeNotice
Wow, so Christians should sell out to marketing to prove that Jesus isn’t lame? I’ve been a follower of Christ for 20 years now, and this is a constant bewilderment I face… Why do Christians think they have to make Christ relevant when He already is and they should just stop getting in His way?
Do I don’t think so. The reason people, especially the younger generation don’t attend church or even have a general positive view of Christianity is because of “Christians”. It’s now a common adage to hear someone say, “Never do business with Christians, you’ll get screwed.” Or, “why go to church, I get drama at work all week.”
Problem is the un-authenticity of people who act like jerks all week, then dress up and put on an aire of enlightenment Sunday morning and look down their noses at everyone they pass on the drive to church.
Check out UN-Christian http://www.unchristian.com/, absolutely an amazing book about just this topic. It will blow your mind. Give it to your pastor and watch it blow him a way. lol
CreativeNotice´s last blog ..Using Flash Pro Encoder 8 on Vista
Sep 2nd, 2009
Andrew Kelsall
@Jeff → I can see your point there. After all, when Paul visited Athens (in Acts), he used something from their culture to reach them (the statue to “an unknown god”). I wonder, though, if this is on the same lines…using a shock-tactic from the secular culture of advertising?
@CreativeNotice → I see your point too, and I wonder what Jesus would say if Tony Miller was to show it to Him face-to-face. I have also a niggle on the design..we hate church means “we hate the church people” in effect. I’ve checked out the link, looks interesting.
Thanks both of you for your insights…
Sep 7th, 2009
Matt Reed
I don’t know about churches in the UK, but it bothers me when a church has gotten to the point where it has a marketing department. In my opinion, the church should’ve split and started another church before reaching that size. In their defense, I don’t know the size of this church, nor am I saying they can’t do great things at that size, it’s just one of the first things I picked up on.
It looks like the church is doing what it can to reach out using all forms of media, they have a dynamic website, they do a podcast, they tried a billboard. I can’t fault them for trying to use these tools effectively. A common response in America is “I like Jesus, but I don’t like the church.” And I think this is trying to address that.
Matt Reed´s last blog ..5 Ways the iPad Is Going To Rock the World of Design and Art
Jan 30th, 2010
pixelsaint
GO TONY! GO TONY! YO! YO! GO TONY! GO TONY!
Yeah i agree with Matt, it’s sad that congregations should go that far to get people to make a turn at the local meeting on sundays.I believe the Spirit will draw people to where He is allowed to work and if the leaders hearts and lives are totally sold out for God. But being a LOUD CHILD i like Bishop Tony’s idea. Love to get peoples attention for God, not that He cant…
May 13th, 2010
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