Advertising your church

This radio spot from St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL, is starting to make the rounds among episco-geeks. I'll give you a second to go listen to it...

Okay, so what was your reaction? I'll say up front that I absolutely love it. And many of my friends are having a great time with it as well.

There are, however, some negative reactions to it. My friend JJ says the following:

"First, if I understand the "where" of this piece, it's in Birmingham, Alabama. If so, then this could very well be a wonderful example of "contextualizing and inculturating theology." To invite people to church by using the style of monster truck events -- with which presumably the audience is very well familiar -- is an interesting way to get their attention and it might even persuade them to make some better connections between their life of faith and their daily grind at work.

"Second, well, I'm appalled. Phrases like "see sin crushed beneath monster loaves of bread" or whatever that phrase was, and "giant vats of wine" just strikes me as over the top in some way that I can't quite put my finger on. I do, however, have a fairly negative gut reaction to it. I'm not so sure that caricaturing the Holy Mysteries is the best way to get people to take them more seriously. In fact, it may do just the opposite by simply strengthening the idea that going to church is not so different from going to a monster truck rally -- both are just two possible options on a menu of activities from which one might choose to pass the time. And really, if that's all they are, then why in the world would anyone choose to go to a liturgy rather than a sporting event? But if they are fundamentally different types of activity then it's not a matter of choosing between two similar thing but fixing one's priorities. I fear this ad does not help anyone see the important distinction between the kinds of activity."

Okay, so I don't think that this ad is meant as catechesis, it is a way to catch people's attention. I bet it does just that. I'd love to hear the anecdotal observations from the folks at St. Andrew's whether this actually brings people in the doors or not. As to whether or not it confuses people's concept of the Holy Mysteries, well that's depends on how well the follow-up goes. In my mind, this is not very different than the ads develped by the Minnesota Ad Project back in the '80s. They were funny ways to get people to question their assumptions. One of the assumptions that I think people have about TEC is that we are stuffy and take ourselves way too seriously. Well, maybe this radio ad will help people think that at least some episcopalians have a sense of humor.

Then there's the point that Jesus used some pretty over-the-top ways to get people's attention. "The Kingdom of God is like a what???!!!"

According to Nan Ross at the Episcopal Media Center, the ad has not yet run, but is planned for local radio soon. I'll try to follow up and keep you posted.

Comments

[Marshall Scott]

Well, having grown up in the South, I think it's just the kind of ad that Episcopalians would find memorable because it makes them laugh - well, chuckle, anyway. As to whether it would actually reach the unchurched? I don't know. "Feats of liturgical skill" raises big questions of how many would understand the language. "Sin-crushing bread" is a nice touch, but "vats of wine" would call for a congregation larger than almost any Episcopal parish. I would also like to hear whether this works. I do think it would get attention.

[Mike McKenzie]

Greetings and peace. Thank you for taking the time to listen to that "train wreck" I so aptly titled "Monster Truck Liturgy."

First off, let me say how touched, moved, and-even inspired by the debate and comments from everyone, including those who are not amused. But because of their love of Christ, the Liturgy, corporate worship, and the spirit of agape, have taken the time to diplomatically state their discomfort.

That's beautiful! That's why I love being an Episcopalian. Color me naieve, however I'd like to think that Episcopalians aren't so much like-minded as they are willing to either agree to disagree, or at least hear each other out.

This is also affirmation to me that God has planted me with the right group of people for corporate worship.

My motives, or creation of this thing wasn't for attention or personal gain.

I was simply hit by "the goofy muse."

I write and produce radio ad campaigns for a living. When I have down time in my studio, I will blow off a little creative steam. When I go back and look at other pieces I have done, I notice that most of them base their humor, or punch line, on polarity.

"Monster Truck Liturgy" is not just a source of amusement for me. It is inspired by the overwhelming joy I receive from the Eucharist. It is an abstract way of showing the endless fascination I have with the paradoxical nature of our Liturgy.

Maybe it's because I am a creative person. Maybe it's human nature. But, I am attracted to paradox the way a moth is attracted to a bug zapper.

I was "corn bread and fed" in a Baptist Church. For the first 11 years of my school career, I was educated in Baptist Schools. I was reared by a God-fearing, loving southern Mother and a loving, progressive-minded atheist Father. (I know you're asking how did that happen-they met at Halloween weiny roast in south Alabama and the weekly cow-tipping olympics had been canceled so there was nothing else to do that night)

But, you can see why my whole existence has been about contrasts.

Mom had my sister and I in church every day the doors were opened. And even then some, as she being church seceratary had her own set of keys.

Having grown up in the - (pardon my baggage here, okay?) -the "fire and brimstone modus operundi" where you are fed by the fear of God, and really have no spiritual, let alone intellectual concept of the love of God. I was about fed up by the time I was old enough to not have to go to church.

The day after my 19th birthday, August 30, 1983, I walked away from the church for what I figured would be forever.

Over the next 22 years, I might, every-once-in-a-while, attend a service at a church here or there. But, only because I had a crush on the girl who invited me, or for some other alterior motive. I was always up-front about my motives and objection with what I called "organized and institutionalized religion."

Then came Easter Sunday of 2005.

By invitation of my cousin, I attended Easter Mass at St. Andrew's. (no, I didn't have a crush on him-I know this is Alabama-but gee whiz)

St. Andrew's is what folks here in the south will call "high church." Depending on how far south you go, the word "high" can have more than one sylable. For instance, a proper southerner, like my cousin would say "HIIIIIIIIIIIIGH church."

So, Easter Sunday, I dawned a coat and tie and went two blocks from my house to "HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH church."

Even though I held no affiliation, nor fondness of the Baptist church, it was-after all, all I knew about church. And, the particular congregations I grew up in were real bad about the "we're right and everyone else is wrong" kind of thing. So, I was not without my own pre-concieved notions regarding "HIIIIIIIIIIIIGH church."

Maybe that was a good thing. Becaue, after all, sometimes you learn better when you find out things aren't always what you thought they were.

I expected the chanting. I expecting the "smaells and bells." But, what I didn't expect was how all of that came togehter and worked for a reason.

The moments of being quiet, truly quiet with a blank slate mind, let to a moment of crystal clarity. Then came a sudden feeling of sweet relief, not unlike the one you feel after having hauled your washer and dryer up three-stories of apartment building stairs.

Wait a minute. This isn't routine ritual. Despite all the flowery descriptive names for everything Episcopalian; the vestments, the ornate fixturesl, the incense, and pavlovian nature of standing and rising on cue. This is the royal protocol of welcoming The Holy Spirit as God manifests himself in that bread and wine.

Woah, what's that? Great HG Wells! I just stepped into a time machine. Christ himself, with an ever-so-sweet, assuring smile just handed me a piece of broken bread and has placed a chalice next to my lips.

This is truly an epiphany-or at least my personal definition of one; that being a simultaneous realization of both heart and mind.

This isn't just to honor Christ. This isn't just "do in rememberance of me." Christ is here with me. I am here with him. He's not at all unhappy with me. As a matter of fact, he's real happy I am here. And, he really seems to like this goofy, white boy just the way I am.

Well, needless to say, I became a junkie, hankering for my next bread and wine fix.

Let me say too, that had it not been the fact that the man behind the pulpit was Fr. Marc Burnette, I don't think it would have been that moving an experience. No, he's not a prophet, per se. But, he's not a preacher. He's a FABULOUS TEACHER! He is also someone that I can identify with. He's not some out-of-touch, stodgy, self-important wind bag. This is a guy who has walked in my shoes. And I his. He has a profound sense of humor.

And he really digs the same kind of music, movies and books I do, too!

I can't begin to tell you just how much my quality of life has improved because my renewed faith, and loving relationship with God, through Christ.

And I am so thankful to, and for, all of you for being able to share that.

It is not my intent to be the least bit irreverant when it comes to God. After all "....I am fearfully and wonderfully made...."

The Lord's Peace, my friends, and keep laughing

Warmest Regards
-Mike McKenzie

[Harold Warren]

I am Mike's current Senior warden at St. Andrew's. We are glad to have him.

I was not a part of the making of the bits Mike has done as faux ads for St. Andrew's, but I share his passion for being at this holy place.

I'm the one who has, for several years now, carried in the cross on Good Friday, intoning notes from ancient chants, during this most dark of our liturgies. This, of all days in the year, is one that speaks deeply to my soul.

Does it sound to you like I should condemn what Mike has done? There are reasons to support both arguments.

Even so, Mike has given us a gift. Not only has he come to live among us, he has reminded me, by his creative efforts, to take God seriously, but not myself so seroiusly.

At St. Andrew's, our liturgy is ancient and high-church...we like it that way. However, to some people's consternation, we also offer the welcome that Christ carried from the Father, to ALL people.

Perhaps a monster truck ad is not the way of choice for some people...in truth, it is not the format I would have chosen myself. That said, I still think it IS right for us, as Christians, to say that not all of us believe ourselves to be the "frozen chosen." Unfortunately, no matter the denomination, "frozen" is the message all too many of us have to give.

It is my hope that whether it is at St. Andrew's or one of the countless other homes of the family of God, people who might have otherwise believed we were too stuck up on ourselves to WELCOME the masses, will at least give us ONE attempt to show the love of God.

My most ernest prayer is that whether it is my own parish, or some other, that WE do not fail in showing the love of Christ.

In His service,
Harold

[Mike McKenzie]

And the above comment, ladies and gentlemen, is one of MANY resaons why Harold Warren is our Senior Warden. The guy LIVES not just speaks Christ's #1 mandate: "Love God, thy Father with all thine heart and soul. And love thy neighbor as thyself." ( how many times do we all need a reminder of that key element) In addition, he looks rather dapper dawned in choir robes. The guy has it going on. He is representative of the entire congregation at St. Andrew's Parrish....THE GREATEST PLACE FOR CORPORATE WORSHIP, THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[Harold Warren]

To Mike and all other readers:

I am humbled by such kind words, and it is true that because of St. Andrew's, I TRY to take the altar out into the streets as do many of our brothers and sisters, though sometimes I guess I DO fall flat on my face in the attempt. But without taking a few risks here and there, even if we do sometimes stumble, there is little chance of showing those who are not already walking through our doors, that God's people have much love to share...HIS love as well as our own.

My question for those other Christians who are reading this is "how much are you willing to risk in order to reach even one of God's children who neds us and HIM?" There is not one right answer that is right for all of us. But as Mike has rightly said, indirectly, I believe all Christians are called to get outside of our comfort zones to carry God to the rest of his children AND to bring them back home with us to be planted in the tended garden of our Lord.

This is far greater than quoting scripture at people, though I have the deepest respect for our faith traditions which have been handed down through these sacred texts. Taking up Christ's cross, as I see it, is not just about following the route to the cruel place where God's created people nailed him to a piece of wood. To me, taking up that cross means taking risks to at least have the CHANCE to show those who are NOT knocking down our doors, that God has made a way for ALL of his children to come to him...not just the wealthy or well drssed.

I'm not saying that Mike's ad, as an "ad" does that. It DOES, however, open new doors to allow the people of God to have more curuios seekers. It is up to us Christians, no matter where we far on the interpretation scale, to use this rare chance to tell those who are asking what we believe about GOD, rather than slam each other for being different.

There is plenty of room at the table...it is OUR job to bring in the masses...not to get money for the budget, but to share in all things holy.

Again, what I ask is not that you see everything through my eyes, but to be careful to not waste God's time by side-stepping this chance to pass on the faith to some who otherwise might never be open to listen.

Thank's Mike for the kind words...I don't know that I deserve them, but I'm doing the best I can, with lots of help from upstairs.

Harold

[Mathis]

Greetings,

As I read the postings, it is clear that this ad has not been aired. Will it ever be aired? Is it under consideration? ("...is planned for local radio soon").
Or was it only a capricious creation from a creative mind?

thank you

[Leung Chi Lam]

Hello. I'm a christian frm Singapore. Recently, I'm doing a bookmark to invite some non-christian to my church, and need a interesting phrases to catch their attention. Any ideas? Thank you.