When you're not Coke, that is.
There's a great misconception in church planting that there's no such thing as competition between churches. That we're all on the same team. That there's no market share. That you can't have too many churches impacting one city.
But I think that's a load.
Of course we're on the same team. But there are clearly types of churches. Not every church appeals to every person. Your methodology, style, environment, ministry offerings - they attract some people and repel others.
So if you're the same type of church as the one down the street, you'd better do it much better than they do... or you'll always be the wannabe. You'll always flounder and struggle to play catch-up.
If God is truly activating your church to reach a community, it will be to reach people who currently aren't being reached. It means being "the anti."
And if you're a church in the making, you will already be that person anyway.
Absolutely I agree with this post. The danger comes in when Sprite starts making fun of Coke...for being Coke.
There's nothing wrong with being Coke, as long as you know you're Coke and you're targeting Coke-drinkers. And Sprite shouldn't mock that for the pleasure of the Sprite-drinkers.
That analogy goes far. Almost too far.
Posted by: Derek | October 12, 2009 at 02:16 PM
But pepsi is so much better Ben!! I'd gladly be Pepsi! LOL!!
Posted by: Bryson G. Baylor | October 12, 2009 at 06:22 PM
pepsi and coke may look the same to the casual on-looker, or even the person who simply watches. but for the person who imbibes, there are many beautiful nuances which make it impossible for a pepsi drinker to like coke, and vice versa.
Posted by: david | October 13, 2009 at 08:11 AM
I think about this every time I drive down a street with three churches on one side and a church on the other side. Nothing like seeing 4 churches separated by a half a mile.
Its almost like the starbucks or wal-mart mentality. Plant a church in an area that looks good and take over all the over churches that are in that area. Doesn't make much sense.
Posted by: Kyle Reed | October 13, 2009 at 11:38 AM
How many churches today have started from an individuals hurt or inability to follow authority? Sometimes the reason for starting a "new brand" is revenge or pride?
Posted by: Joshua | October 13, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Absolutely... The same but different. The same team playing for the same ultimate goal... with the same Truth but delivered in a different way...
Reaching the unreachable... Effecting/affecting an everchanging culture with the everlasting Truth.
Posted by: Marty Stubblefield | October 13, 2009 at 01:49 PM