Topic: Church leaders who rely on "image" consultants to form their opinions and their action plans.
First thought: To me this just smacks of pandering to the masses regardless of where it leads. People need to be given clear direction from the word of God, not be spoon-fed feel-good drivel just to keep them coming back to the church so that the money needed to fund the salaries and the bills (including the enormous mortgage) can be collected. Image consultants promote a phony approach that necessarily relies on style over substance. It feels to me like a crutch for the insecure and Godless. Not to mention that these snake charmers don't come cheaply.
On the other hand: Just like there are good lawyers in addition to the ambulance chasers, and honest, hard-working politicians in addition to the sex-crazed, corrupt, power-hungry rats, there are honest and Godly image consultants out there as well. If an experienced servant of God can pass on wisdom to make a church atmosphere more welcoming, more inviting, and more alive, why shouldn't we at least consider this type of service? Sometimes an outsider who has seen what works and what does not, can make suggestions that really do tear down walls and remove roadblocks for people to get to know God, especially when a church finds that something in their approach just is not working. Furthermore, church leaders who prayerfully and humbly elicit suggestions and advice for improving their work should be commended, not beaten down for trying to make their church one that brings people in and helps them get to know God.
So, I think that I have provided a few things that bear serious consideration. Hopefully now that I have planted some positive seeds, I won't immediately jump to a negative conclusion when I hear of churches that rely on such image consultants. What do you think?
10 comments:
First thought: fine line. Very fine line. while excellence should be one of the goals of any church, it can be taken too far. A church should strive to be a good representative when someone visits, but to be a white-washed tomb is also wrong. There. I have added fuel to your fire. LOL
Wait. So you are telling me that I could have this as a job? I had no idea. Where do I sign up? I kid, I kid.
i think there is def a fine line walked in this one...i think we should always pursue excellence and feedback in all that we do...we just have to make sure of our motives...
I did not know about these sorts of consultants until the last few years. That is when I started to grumble to myself.
Actually I think the best approach is to define the line, then make sure that you are a mile away from it in all that you do.
From: bill (cycleguy)First thought: fine line. Very fine line. while excellence should be one of the goals of any church, it can be taken too far. A church should strive to be a good representative when someone visits, but to be a white-washed tomb is also wrong. There. I have added fuel to your fire. LOL
I would stay far away from this line. The best decision that could be made is to be purposeful and aware. This can help prevent unintentional drifting.
I've been a pastor for 20 years and have never heard of an image consultant for pastors. Are you talking about coaches? Consultants? Public Relations people? What is this thing of which you speak?
"Actually I think the best approach is to define the line, then make sure that you are a mile away from it in all that you do."
Be careful, this is what the Pharisees did. And Jesus reserved his harshest words for them because they did this.
Paul thank for responding. The specific image consultants that I am referring to are consultants that churches higher when they are considering growth. This can include multi-site consultants. They specifically provide input to church leaders on how to design and develop their churches to being in more people.
As for your statement regarding the Pharisees, your point is taken well. My point was to be wary of where you step. More from urging caution.
I would stay far away from this line. The best decision that could be made is to be purposeful and aware. This can help prevent unintentional drifting.
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