“Christianity is a demanding and serious religion. When it is delivered as easy and amusing, it is another kind of religion altogether.” —Neil Postman
The second annual Echo Church Media Conference is underway this week in Dallas. I was there last year and had a great time. I really like the folks who make Echo happen and from the presenters…
Echo, God As Second Banana
Craig Littlejohn
July 31, 2009
Hey Brad… welcome to adventures in missing the point. I have read the blog post and then the comments. I don’t get it…what are people reading into this blog that I am not ? As I read it you are encouraging us to make Christ first… right ? And make sure that things that we are prone, as humans, to make into idols… technology, entertainment, whatever you “love” do not take His place. Please help me out… I don’t get what is wrong with saying that. And I don’t understand why so many people are “frustrated” with someone pointing these pitfalls out to all of us. Anyways… keep “frustrating” !
Andy
July 31, 2009
I have no idea what Echo is, but I can see where the wound comes from – the opening quote of the post seems directed at them, and then it seems as if their mission statement (or whatever it is) is altered to state “A conference for church leaders that love media, technology, and the Internet and want to apply it to sharing God’s story.” Though I’m sure they love the medium, the point is that they love USING the medium. It reminds me of the recent post about using media illustrations during a sermon.
That said, Brad’s apology iterated that his thoughts were more of a projection of how he’s feeling about the things he’s struggling with rather than negative response to Echo’s methodology.
Still, words and semantics matter. I love that as church communicators we have these powerful tools at our fingertips, but clearly we need to communicate with care.
Jeff Goins
August 1, 2009
Great stuff, Brad. Well thought, and well written. I’m always amazed at how transparent you guys at CMS are and how careful you are to not fall too in love with the medium over the message. It’s surprising to find on a blog that advocates for better marketing for and by churches, but it’s a good kind of surprise. It tells me that you guys have your priorities in order.
Dawn Nicole Baldwin
August 1, 2009
I have to admit when I first heard about [then read] this post I was disappointed.
Not in Brad or his attempt to remind us that Jesus needs to be our primary motivator–but the way this has played out across the board. We’re not giving each other the benefit of the doubt.
I’ve known Brad for close to 7 years now and have always been impressed with his integrity and character. I fully believe it wasn’t his intent to slam any of us that are leading conferences this year, even if this post leads readers to believe our hearts may need to be questioned.
In reality, we should always be checking our motivations to ensure our focus is in the right place. And I can say with conviction the leaders of Echo, STORY & Cultivate want nothing more than to use our gifts to help advance God’s purposes.
But what disappoints me the most is the harsh comments that have been left on Twitter, this blog & flying around the water cooler.
Brad posted an apology in an attempt to clarify his thoughts. Saying people shouldn’t be allowed to “slide” is just mean-spirited and completely absent of the grace God has so freely given us.
I think Klreed 189′s post summed it up best. I hope everyone can just forgive each other & move on. The world is watching and all this bickering completely undermines the most important message we’re wanting to communicate.
Adam Rushlow
August 3, 2009
I think Brad raises some good questions in his post. Anytime I read reactionary responses that tear down someone for asking questions, I wonder about those responding. One post even ridiculed and tore down Brad with the accusation that Brad was flaming others. How is that response any different than the accusation? (notice i say accusation)
Why are you so against self-introspection and evaluation? What are you afraid you might see if you ask God if this is a struggle in your life?
I live my life working with technology, creative design, marketing and pretty much everything else in the church that my dad didn’t do 30 years ago as a Baptist Pastor. When I stop and ask God to show me if my focus is shifting too much away from him, I sometimes don’t like what I see.
Randy Jeteer
August 10, 2009
Wow, that couldn’t be more opposite of my experience at ECHO. I went on my own dime (church is strapped) and will go again next year. I came away equipped and inspired to use media/technology to build His Church, not just my church. I BELIEVE IT IS A SIN TO MAKE THE GOSPEL BORING.