The trouble with friendly
We are working with a church on a new identity/logo, as part of our process “friendly” and “welcoming” came back consistently as feedback inside and outside of the church. As we talked back and forth the pastor emailed me back with some very important words I think we could all be reminded of…
The goal is not just to be friendly, but to love like Christ and lead others to Christ. Maybe a good way to say it is that we want people to see us as a warm and welcoming, friendly place to pursue Christ; not an intimidating or condemning place.
The bible tells us to be careful as we create relationships with others that we don’t fall into their sin. I also think we need to be careful that in our goal to be friendly and welcoming we don’t seem as approving or even tolerant of those things that pull us away from Christ. I think it is a great goal to be welcoming to those who walk through our church doors, but remember, always remember, to keep the end in mind. We should love our neighbor but it shouldn’t stop there…it should draw them to Christ not just make them feel good about themselves.
I love media, design, marketing and all that comes along with (okay most of it) but at the end of the day it is all about Christ.
Tags: authentic, priorities
What an excellent post! Thanks for keeping the focus on the people, not the processes. Great stuff.
Thanks Anthony…it’s easy for us, who are creatively and design focused, to look at the end result of how things look and feel. It’s all too easy to forget that the real end result of changed lives is so much more important than any marketing that will ever come out of our studio.