Merchandising the Gospel

[D4Christ]

In an article called "Selling Faith" by David White, he skillfully talks about the the mass marketing of Christian products in a thoughtful and insightful manner. I found he addressed some of the concerns I have felt when watching many ministries but wasn't able to articulate. I am still browsing the site, but I think for those with the same concerns it may be a good place to browse. Here's an excerpt from the article:

...Scripture commands Christians to be an influence in their culture. If purchasing Christian oriented material can help to edify the church, or turn the culture toward morality, it would seem foolish not to do so. Viewed from another perspective, however, one aspect of all of this might give Christians some pause. Most if not all of the products being marketed to Christians, are simply repackaged versions of what is already available to the culture at large. Christian musical trends follow closely on the heels of emerging trends in secular music. Christians have their own Christian psychology, toned down somewhat to be sure, but still following closely the latest novel ideal sweeping its secular counterpart. Hip Christian clothing, Christian weight loss regimens, and even a Christian Rubik’s cube await discriminating Christians on the cutting edge of society. All joking aside, Molly Henneberger accurately describes the possibility of Christians creating their own little “parallel universe†(p.182) in which everything available to the culture at large is cleaned up, repackaged, and presented in a Christian version, so that Christians can have the same things everybody else does, only different. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of this, but it is important to keep in mind that at its heart Christianity is not about having a cleaner version of what the world has. It is about being fundamentally different.

[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]...The apostle Paul admonishes Christians not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds..... In attempting to copy every element of contemporary culture and rework it into a Christianized context, we run the risk of becoming so relevant that we are irrelevant. [/SIZE][/FONT]​

This reminds of Matt 21:13

<SUP id=en-NLT-23812 class=versenum>12</SUP> Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. <SUP id=en-NLT-23813 class=versenum>13</SUP> He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!â€

These people weren't playing poker. They were buying animals they needed for the facilitation of the forgiveness of sins. Yet Christ was displeased it was taking place within the Temple. How many of us can go to the backs of our churches and purchase last weeks sermon CD's along with any books or t-shirts the pastor may be selling?

2cents
Deirdre

 

[handy]

Good post. I must say I dislike the "Jesus junk" mentality of many Christian bookstores. You know what I mean...take any object, slap a fish or a dove on it, and sell it as "Christian".

There is nothing inherently wrong with any of this, but it is important to keep in mind that at its heart Christianity is not about having a cleaner version of what the world has. It is about being fundamentally different.

Very good point!

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

Shouldn't the gospel be presented FREE of CHARGE like Paul said he presented it?

 

[D4Christ]

Handy,

I like the "slap a dove on it" statment. I am going to have to borrow that sometime.

ToT,

"Free of charge" seems to be an obsolete concept nowadays. I wonder what would happen if I ordered one of those end of the year specials some pastors offer (like Paula White) that are supposed to get you blessings for the new year but told them I have no money to pay for it....would they send it anyway?


There is a controversial preacher in Philadelphia named Gino Jennings....u can find him on youtube. I like him because he tells the truth in many areas and calls out many churches and leaders for their nonsense. (He has other issues though that will not allow me to become a member of his church...but I digress) One of his favorite sayings is "The preachers are robbing the people." (Try saying that fast!)

Despite his faults he often asks how can preachers say that their books, tapes, cd's, etc be for everybody if somebody needs it but can't afford it...then obviously it is not for everybody. Jennings also sells tapes but states openly that he will give his tapes free of charge to anyone who can't afford the love offering.

 

[Mike]

I agree with the main thrust of this message, but isn't there an element of meeting people where they are at?

1 Cor 9
" <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28544">19</sup> Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28545">20</sup> To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28546">21</sup> To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28547">22</sup> To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28548">23</sup> I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

Take the similarity of contemporary Christian music to its secular counterpart for example. Two points. These entertainers are writing music that appeals to them and expresses their faith. I don't quite see this as conforming to the world if they are using their gifts to create music in keeping with their own personal preference. I've had the opportunity to meet a number of these smaller, couple-hit bands and spend some time with them. From all I can tell, they are honest in their faith and not trying to "find a niche market for consumers". More in keeping with the verses in 1 Cor 9 is that many of these bands are serving as gateways to the Gospel. I'm not a big Michael W. Smith fan, because his message is very watered down (except of his Worship CD's). But his music has served to meet people where they are at and bring them closer to the Lord. I know this in a few personal cases, so I assume there are many more.

On the other hand, there are plenty of suppliers who do "slap a dove" on products to appeal to our niche market. Those of us on the demand side who create the market are free to purchase these products, but we shouldn't be doing this for the purpose of conforming to the world, IMO. Just be open and honest with what we do.

I liked the OP. Not disagreeing. Just sayin'...

 

[Pard]

I hear you! There's a game for the computer which is literally Guitar Hero, but they slapped a cross on it and exchanged the rock for Christian.

I get making money on intellectual property (books, DVDs, CDs, ect., ect.) but one does have to ask yourself: "If they are really Christian, do they even have intellectual property rights to their goods?" Are they coming up with these songs, books, DVDs, or is it the Holy Spirit coming through them?

I see it two ways. If someone (artist/writer/ect.) can, with good conscious, say that they are the sole creator (NO HS) of the work, than by all means sell it at any profit you want to sell it. If, however, it was the HS working through you (and it does happen, some sermons and books and songs you just know, than they should only charge a nominal fee, which covers printing/making, distribution, and maybe a minimum fee for time.

Of course you could just not buy things that you feel are being peddled as warmed-over Christian, and anything that is over-priced for any reason.

Or buy items at specific times. Often Christian authors/musicians will have a limited period where profits go to charity/missions/church planting. I'd be more than willing to buy products if the money is going into a good cause that spreads the Word.

 

[Mike]

I forgot to say I don't know what to make of the Christian Book Store, formerly known as the Family Book Store. I just have this feeling that they are in fact trying to market business toward the Christian niche market. I wonder if they are playing to the desire of the Christian consumer who wants to support "Christian" merchandisers. I feel particularly taken advantage of at times when their prices are so much more than at secular stores. It's like they know some Christians will spend the extra few bucks on a CD because it's at a Christian store.

I think I'm getting off topic, so I'll keep it at that.

 

[Pard]

I think I might get in trouble for actually linking it, so I will not (of course you can go find it yourself...) South Park has a VERY good episode that speaks about this exactly. Now I know, probably thinking *South Park*?! But seriously they made an episode (season 1 or 2) in which the characters make a bet about who can get their band to platinum first. One group goes the regular garage band route and the other group goes the Christian rock route. The Christian one wins and exploits people with ridiculously stupid songs and wicked high prices and merch. It's rather telling of the Christian market and it puts it into a different context (because they turn it into a humor piece) and you really do *get it*.

 

[D4Christ]

I have to admit, I am not totaly opposed to the "meeting people where they are at" theory. I didn't say I agreed with everything in the article, but I like the way the author constructed their arguement.

That being said, I don't think Christian music has a particular sound that is more holy over another. Yahushua was a Jew, so I'm sure that the music of his time sounds much different than what some think of as godly music. The psalms are praises to God. I doubt if they were sung to the tune of the Winans or any other other popular artist. I tend to listen to the words and judge the sincerity of the artists' heart by what I hear. What are they actually singing about? Is every word in the song, "You save me, or You are always there for me," without actually saying the word God. If I hear a song and the main noun used does not actually say Christ, Lord, Father, or God directly, then I know it is probably not a song for me...no matter how much I like the beat.

It disappoints me when some pastors judge other types of Christian music harshly. I happen to like Christian hip hop or Hip Hope, as it may be called. These young guys quote so much scripture, denounce guns and violence, call upon God's many titles and name, and many of them sing about being raptured. There is no doubt to anyone listening that they are praising God and not ashamed. Yet so many popular gosepl artists get praised as 'more holy' and they never mention the name of Christ.

It's hypocritical. But I would like to think God would not care if you sang the words or rapped them....as long as you mean them.

2cents,
Deirdre

 

[D4Christ]

I forgot to say I don't know what to make of the Christian Book Store, formerly known as the Family Book Store. I just have this feeling that they are in fact trying to market business toward the Christian niche market. I wonder if they are playing to the desire of the Christian consumer who wants to support "Christian" merchandisers. I feel particularly taken advantage of at times when their prices are so much more than at secular stores. It's like they know some Christians will spend the extra few bucks on a CD because it's at a Christian store.

I think I'm getting off topic, so I'll keep it at that.

You are not off topic for the author covers Chrisitan bookstores as well as the stuff that many ministries try to sell from their websites. The above image is from the article that explores the ethics behind some of all this "selling."

[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Anointing Oil from TBN[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Diet information from Joyce Meyer Ministries[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]A statue of the Ark of the Covenant from Marilyn Hickey Ministries.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Two books... Lifestyles of the Rich and Faithful’ and The Purpose Of Prosperity by Fred Price.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]TBN’s Glow In The Dark coffee mugs.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]A mouse pad by the Presidential Prayer team.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]A Cosmetic Case from the Juanita Bynum Ministries. (The case reads Women! Weapons Of Power “Pray†)[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]A Prophecy Bible from Jack Van Impe (priced at $59.00)[/SIZE][/FONT]​

Here's another excerpt that clears up the authors point.​

[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1](Revelation 21:6 KJV) And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1](Revelation 22:17 KJV) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. [/SIZE][/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]What point am I trying to make here in giving all these Scriptures? I am not saying that those who publish books and Bibles are merchandising since there are legitimate costs involved in production and shipping of the materials. However, when a publisher prints, publishes, and markets books which obscure the gospel, or makes jokes about it, then that is merchandising. Anything that draws the real meaning of the gospel away is merchandising. Preachers can also merchandise the gospel. The following I would classify as merchandising the gospel: [/SIZE][/FONT]

• [FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]· Preachers who charge a set amount to come and preach - What about trusting God for an offering? [/SIZE][/FONT]
  [FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]· Ministries which sell their materials instead of giving them free - What about a suggested donation? Most Christians I know would send in $20 for a $10 item which would cover the expenses for those who wanted the materials but could not afford them. [/SIZE][/FONT]
  [FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]· Preachers who use their programs to market their books - Why use air time, instead, follow up with a list of materials the ministry offers. [/SIZE][/FONT]
  [FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]· Ministries which charge a fee for subscription materials - Are these preachers or speakers so profound they need to charge for THEIR wisdom and knowledge? Look at the so-called Prophetic Ministries, as they all say the same thing. Yet, you need to subscribe to get THEIR unique point of view. If God gives His wisdom away free, what makes ours so valuable we have to put a price on it? [/SIZE][/FONT]
  [FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]· Churches which sell cassette tapes of the pastor’s sermon even to their own people - This ministry should be as much a free part of the church’s ministry as the morning worship service. Maybe your offerings are down because you sell instead of give! [/SIZE][/FONT]
  [FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]· The marketing of innocuous Christian materials - The gospel was not given as something to make pretty pictures out of, or pencils with the name of Jesus on them. The gospel is a serious entity, and it represents 2 things: Heaven or Hell. If we are going to be consistent, then why not make lighters with the name of Hell on them. We are to use materials which present the full counsel of God and not materials which put people into a false spiritual euphoria. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]These are some of the ways in which the gospel is merchandised. Ever since the Charismatic movement has taken over or affected 98% of all churches, the name of Christ was never so profaned or bantered about. This movement has created the most false view of Christianity since Satan founded the Church of Rome. The Gospel is to be preached and taught in all its full counsel. What we see happening to the true gospel today, via publishers, and the so-called contemporary music scene, is an affront to what the gospel was meant to do and that is to search out God’s elect. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Our responsibility is to send out that gospel and we are not to charge anything for it. When you became saved, did anyone charge you? Then we better not charge others. [/SIZE][/FONT]

• [FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1](Matthew 10:8 KJV) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. [/SIZE][/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]It is not just a suggestion, it is the Word of God. [/SIZE][/FONT]​

[/SIZE]

 

[WIP]

My thought is that this all eventually comes down to motive. Unfortunately, we don't know what that is. Are they truly interested in spreading the gospel or making a buck or a little of both? Only God can truly judge that.

 

[imaninvestigator]

I would like to say that this question has caused me to wonder. Paul made it a point to express his desire to not be a burden to the churches. Today's churches ask for support for the ministry, for the building, for the youth programs and anything else they can think of. Then they want to 'sell' their sermon cd's after preaching that God gave them this message. How could it not be merchandising the gospel. We need to rethink this whole church thing before it gets completely out of hand. People are hurting financially and the church is asking for more.

 

[Eugene]

Hi Brother Hardship53 and welcome to CF.net. I agree with you and it brings to mind Mark 7:11 where one would not help their parents to pay Corban. It's a pleasure to have you in our fellowship and I hope you enjoy your time with us in Jesus' name.

 

[Sparkey]

Greetings Hardship53

I see this is your first post! Welcome to the forum! Kindly join your prayer to ours that the Lord shall have His say in our hearts, thoughts, and actions, not only here but there also as we come together, following the admonishment that now is not the time to forsake the joining of ourselves one to another.

Good to see you here,
Cordially yours in Christ,
~Sparrow

 

[Corey]

If, however, it was the HS working through you (and it does happen, some sermons and books and songs you just know, than they should only charge a nominal fee, which covers printing/making, distribution, and maybe a minimum fee for time.

This is a view that I have always disagreed with (respectfully disagree with, of course). God has bessed us with all of our abilities so if we take what you are saying a little further, then souldn't we give all our services away for a small fee? I think we should think about this a little differently. God has uniquely blessed us all and if that means someone makes a little more money from that blessing than me, that gives that persn the ability to bless more people with giving. I think you should charge what the free market believes it is worth and only charge less when God tells you to charge less, not just becase the ability came from God.

If only Christians gave away things/services for small fees and let the rest of the wold make the large profits, that would be less money in the hnds of well-intentioned people to spread the money to people in need.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

There was a time when the Christian Book Store was all we had.
Buy everything you wanted or needed or else pretty much go without.
Internet shopping has changed all that.
I think a time is coming soon when the Christian Book Store will be no more.