Recently, I have been reading a book by Mark DeMoss entitled The Little Red Book of Wisdom. DeMoss leads a Public Relations firm. I have enjoyed his insights into the Christian faith and for his wisdom in general, particularly about how the world works.
One of the ways the world works is that “Everyone’s in Public Relations.”
He’s right of course.
He uses the example of Delta Airlines, the airline he flies most often. He mentions the Director of Public Relations for Delta, but he is not the face of Delta Airlines. He also gives the CEO of Delta, but he is not the face of Delta Airlines either.
No, the face of Delta Airlines is the employee you last dealt with. It may be a pilot, flight attendant, ticket agent, baggage handler, or even a faceless person on the telephone.
Your encounter with that person determines what you think of Delta. That is why everyone is in public relations.
No wonder Paul told the Colossians to “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6). Today, we would say, “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” Unfortunately, many people have only one impression of Christians. We may never get to make another. As they say, “you may be the only Jesus someone ever meets.”
Think about your church. Studies show that newcomers determine in the first ten minutes whether or not they will return to your church. Most of that time has been spent in finding a parking place, dropping off kids, and finding the restroom. Long before the pastor preaches, the guest has made up her mind.
As we make our church guest friendly and inviting, we are aiding the work of the Holy Spirit who has been drawing this newcomer to church.
We need to remember we are accountable to God for making Him known even in the chance encounters of life.
Everyone is in PR.
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3 Responses
Yep.
I once read about “secret worshippers”; they can be compared to “secret shoppers” who visit a store, survey the surroundings and interact with an employee, and then fill out a report to turn in to the manager or other higher-up. It might be good for all churches to get insights from secret worshippers. It’s so easy to overlook the familiar, whether it’s a disorganized bookrack, an outdated bulletin board, or scuffed-up walls. I try, at my church, to keep this in mind and act accordingly, whether it involves tidying up the restroom or welcoming and chatting with someone I don’t know. Never know when a secret worshipper (or just a potential worshipper/member) might be nearby!
I would encourage all of us to think in exactly this way. If you are the potential worshiper or just a one-time guest, it makes all teh difference.