Pat Pajak is IBSA’s associate executive director for evangelism. Send questions for Pat to Illinois Baptist@IBSA.org.
Be yourself
Question: The big church across town has a snappy slogan and colorful logo. Should we spend money on creating something like that? If so, how much?
Answer: Please be who you are! There is nothing wrong with advertising, and a colorful logo can be very attractive, but don’t try to be something you are not. The best thing a pastor can learn is that he will not reach every person in his community. Some will enjoy old hymns of the faith, while others will be attracted to contemporary praise music. Your location, the median age of your congregation, style of leadership, philosophy of ministry, teaching style, and even Sunday wardrobe will be determining factors in who is drawn to your church. Be who you are. And be the best at it.
Lose the translation?
Question: Now that LifeWay has released the Christian Standard Bible, is it time to replace our pew Bibles? Frankly, I was just getting accustomed to the translation we’re using now.
Answer: The purpose behind pew Bibles is to help guests follow along with the teaching. With so many electronic versions available today, some churches no longer have them. Before your church invests a large sum of money, decide which version would best serve your community and context.
Second service gains
Question: Is adding a second worship service worth the pain?
Answer: ABSOLUTELY! We often forget that bus drivers, life guards, police officers, waitresses, and department store workers can’t always make it to church during the regular scheduled times. Offering additional earlier or later services affords people an option. Churches that are serious about reaching their community with the gospel are willing to stretch their thinking, which might mean multiple worship services, additional Sunday school hours, or in-home Bible studies. The more hooks you have in the water, the more fish you will catch.