Don't Mention the Name... Be the Name

If you watch much television you have probably seen the new McDonalds commercial featuring comedian Mindy Kaling.  At first viewing you might not even know that it is a commercial for the hamburger chain.  The sponsor is never actually mentioned.  The only indication that it is a McDonald commercial are the colors used; she is wearing a yellow dress on a red background. The point of the ad is that there is a place where Coke taste better than anyplace else.  Viewer are told to google the statement “that place where Coke taste so good” to find the answer; McDonalds.

McDonalds’ sales have declined in recent years.  Starbucks has passed them in sales.  A big reason is millennials do not frequent their restaurants.  The new commercials are aimed at millennials.  The actor, best known for the television series, The Mindy Project, is popular among young adults.  Millennials also use google when looking for information.  While they probably are not going to actually respond to the prompt to type in the question, they are intrigued by an ad that acknowledges google.

I have to wonder how churches might use the same approach: “Where is the one place where you will be loved and accepted for who you are?”  “Where can you go to find hope and security?”  The days when we can put out a sign or billboard to attract people of our church is quickly fading.  Even sending out bulk mail announcements inviting people to our services is going to show little results.  Simply having a website and Facebook page is not going to attract millennials.

My point is that perhaps each of us has the potential to be a walking, breathing commercial for the church.  When we exhibit a sense of hope and security in a troubled world we are a living testimonial to Jesus.  When we show grace and unconditional love toward the people we meet, we are promoting our Savior.  Standing on the street corner or even around the coffee pot at the office and talking about Jesus is not going to be real effective.  Today’s teens and young adults need to meet Jesus through us when we speak his message without using words.