Purple Cow
I'm reading Seth Godin's book Purple Cow. It really resonates. If you're seen one cow you've seen a thousand cows. But a purple cow--now that will get your attention. Godin says, "Either you're remarkable or invisible." I think most churches are invisible. Our goal is an undeniable presence. We want to make sure that everyone living within a two-mile radius of Union Station and Ballston Common Mall cannot deny our existence. That is fulfilling Jesus command in Luke 14:23, "Compel them to come in so that my house may be full." That is our modus operandi. We want a full house because God wants a full house.
Godin says, "Stop advertising and start innovating." 98% of how to do church is undefined in Scripture for one very good reason: it would kill creativity. The church ought to be the most creative place on the planet. That is one of our core convictions. Unfortunately, we fall in the trap Godin describes. He says, "Too often, big companies are scared companies, and they work to minimize any variation--including the good stuff that happens when people who care create something special."
Godin says, "Stop advertising and start innovating." 98% of how to do church is undefined in Scripture for one very good reason: it would kill creativity. The church ought to be the most creative place on the planet. That is one of our core convictions. Unfortunately, we fall in the trap Godin describes. He says, "Too often, big companies are scared companies, and they work to minimize any variation--including the good stuff that happens when people who care create something special."
2 Comments:
Mark -
How have you been implementing the "Purple Cow" mentality in your creative church planning? I read the book a few months back and am planning to speak at a conference in May reagrding how the Purple Cow relates to church leaders. I have a few ideas - but would love to hear how you've applied it in your world.
Amy
Amy,
Wow. You found an old post :)
I love the premise--if you aren't remarkable you're invisible. It affects the way we do everything. Our annual report looks like a popcorn box. We brand all of our sermon series. And even our internal marketing is designed to really get people's attention.
Love the "purple cow" principle. We need more "purple churches."
Mark
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