Some people are shamelessly self-promoting. Others are not so much. Matthias Heusel is one of the not so much category. He hates "cheese", initially refused to advertise and still cringes at the idea of commercializing the Gospel. He is the planting pastor of The City Community Church, and has been plowing up the rough, rocky terrain of the urban core of Austin. He has discovered that most unchurched people in his mission focus group are a) not thinking they need to get back to church. They never went in the first place. b) not looking for ways to improve their family life. Most are single. c) not going to be attracted by really great speaking or really great music.
One key to reaching any group is by sending the clear message: we care about what you care about. We care about the city. We care about you really connecting with the "DIvine Nature" as Paul described the God who created the earth, and placed us in the exact places where we should live, so that men would seek him. (Acts 17)
So here's the results of an anti-advertising, not so much of a shameless promoter: they get free press from the Statesman, and from several of the local television news shows (they even showed up on the Today Show's crawler.)
Check out the spot from Fox (paste and enjoy): http://tinyurl.com/fox070509
Very cool, I love the way God opens doors- esp. in the media.
Btw, the link didn't work for me. Here's a new shortcut to the article/video on Fox: http://tinyurl.com/fox070509
Posted by: Allison D | July 05, 2009 at 11:43 PM
a great example of ministry adjusting to its culture yet never compromising the truth of the gospel.
Posted by: seth kniep | July 11, 2009 at 10:18 AM