The bottom line: Why no evangelical TV commercials?

[MagusAlbertus]

If, as I believe and I believe the rest of the evangelical community believes, the most important thing is that people humbly faithfully accept Jesus as lord and savior
Then, why do I never see evangelical TV commercials?

I see the Mormon church offering it’s scripture for free to anyone who asks,

The eminently simple good-news of “salvation by grace through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice” is something that can easily be turned into a TV commercial and shared with everyone watching the nightly news.

As a side note:

As babtists/anabatists I’m sure none of us believe that you must go to a Baptist church to be saved, as such the comercial could do things TVevangelicals don't.. such as:
Not ask for money.
Work with all evangelical denominations.
Suggest that anyone who has come to Christ find a church to help them with there new walk without shilling for any particular denomination.

[novcncy]

If, as I believe and I believe the rest of the evangelical community believes, the most important thing is that people humbly faithfully accept Jesus as lord and savior
Then, why do I never see evangelical TV commercials?

I see the Mormon church offering it’s scripture for free to anyone who asks,

The eminently simple good-news of “salvation by grace through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice” is something that can easily be turned into a TV commercial and shared with everyone watching the nightly news.

As a side note:

As babtists/anabatists I’m sure none of us believe that you must go to a Baptist church to be saved, as such the comercial could do things TVevangelicals don't.. such as:
Not ask for money.
Work with all evangelical denominations.
Suggest that anyone who has come to Christ find a church to help them with there new walk without shilling for any particular denomination.

If you carefully consider your suggested advantages, you will quickly answer your own question.

[12volt_man]

If, as I believe and I believe the rest of the evangelical community believes, the most important thing is that people humbly faithfully accept Jesus as lord and savior
Then, why do I never see evangelical TV commercials?

I see the Mormon church offering it’s scripture for free to anyone who asks,

The eminently simple good-news of “salvation by grace through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice” is something that can easily be turned into a TV commercial and shared with everyone watching the nightly news.

As a side note:

As babtists/anabatists I’m sure none of us believe that you must go to a Baptist church to be saved, as such the comercial could do things TVevangelicals don't.. such as:
Not ask for money.
Work with all evangelical denominations.
Suggest that anyone who has come to Christ find a church to help them with there new walk without shilling for any particular denomination.

I've always wondered about this, myself.

Some years ago, we had an ad campaign called "Here's Hope" that was very sucessful. I've never understood why we stopped that.

[DiscipleOfIAm]

The Methodists had a commercial campaign before their recent negative publicity started......and the UCC used to have some interesting (sarcasm) commercials. But, yes, you're right, I don't believe I've seen too many, if any, just evanglical commercials. I've seen bilboards and newspaper ads though.

[MagusAlbertus]

The Methodists had a commercial campaign before their recent negative publicity started they had a ridiculously un-Christian Ad that ran here... "whoever you pray to we're praying with you"
I’m sorry, that's directly contrary to what Christ said of himself... was sad to see. If you carefully consider your suggested advantages, you will quickly answer your own question.

Are you saying that because no single denomination would win-out many people who would have otherwise been saved will be left to damnation?

Sorry, I is smartish but I wouldn’t be asking if I thought it was a self-answering question.

[novcncy]

they had a ridiculously un-Christian Ad that ran here... "whoever you pray to we're praying with you"
I’m sorry, that's directly contrary to what Christ said of himself... was sad to see.

Are you saying that because no single denomination would win-out many people who would have otherwise been saved will be left to damnation?

Sorry, I is smartish but I wouldn’t be asking if I thought it was a self-answering question.

No, I'm saying the ecuminical approach is self-destructing.

[MagusAlbertus]

No, I'm saying the ecuminical approach is self-destructing.
so Christians can't work together towards the most important goal?

Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, I’m sure you can get at least a few denominations to agree with sharing that message, no?

[arunma]

Novcncy, I also don't understand why the ecumenical approach wouldn't work. If a basic evangelical theology is put forward, I think people would tend to seek out churches that profess such theology. And even if someone does happen to go Roman Catholic, that's still better than nothing.

On the other hand, television has never been my favorite medium of presenting the Gospel. Maybe it's just me, but it seems to make us look more like salesmen than emmisaries of Christ. OK, so I do enjoy those Bible story cartoons that some channels air...

[MrJim]

Whether we like it or not it is the medium of the age.

Still, I agree that I don't think it's the best way. It's sort of like selling soap. Instead of the direct approach of actually talking with people and making relationships we want to peddle Jesus and hope people come to our club.

Sad way to put it but probably not far off the mark of how people might take a TV evangelism approach--especially with a commercial/PR ad.

[ZiSunka]

Faith comes by hearing the word of the Lord. If we did use TV and radio more effectively through ads and infomercials, many more people would hear the word and develop faith. I got saved by listening to Christian radio so I firmly believe that we should be putting more of our resources into media and less into sending white americans to foreign missions. Indiginous missionaries do a better job spreading the Good News to their own cultures than white americans ever do, and sending white americans is very very expensive compared to the cost of indigenous missionaries. We should support indigenous missions and put the difference into media evangelization of our own people.

[Richard]

I don't like the idea of the TV Commericals about Evangelical things. It's such a in your face approach , I don't like it ;)

[JPPT1974]

I don't like the idea of the TV Commericals about Evangelical things. It's such a in your face approach , I don't like it ;)

Couldn't agree with you anymore! Good for you! :thumbsup:

[MagusAlbertus]

Couldn't agree with you anymore! Good for you! :thumbsup:
/tap /tap
:tap's sarcasm meater:

is this thing working?

[PaladinGirl]

No, I'm saying the ecuminical approach is self-destructing.

Why is an ecumenical approach self-destructive? A person can get saved in any denomination. (I do, however, believe the Baptist faith is closest to the Biblical truth. ;)) Are you against all ecumenism? :scratch: :confused: My church that I am going to begin attending is against ecumenism. /Off Topic - Not intending debate about the following\But honestly, I'm just a tad more liberal than them. Not that I am liberal by any means. I just disagree with them on things like King James Onlyism.

[novcncy]

Why is an ecumenical approach self-destructive? A person can get saved in any denomination. (I do, however, believe the Baptist faith is closest to the Biblical truth. ;)) Are you against all ecumenism? :scratch: :confused: My church that I am going to begin attending is against ecumenism. /Off Topic - Not intending debate about the following\But honestly, I'm just a tad more liberal than them. Not that I am liberal by any means. I just disagree with them on things like King James Onlyism.

Lot's of issues here, but I'll stick to the first question. I am against ecuminicalism, thus, I am for denominations. I do NOT believe that every denomination that claims to be Christian is preaching or believing the gospel of Christ. I also do not believe that every denomination other than mine is going to hell.

Because ecuminicalism is self-destructive is the reason we have denominations in the first place. Because of denominations, we can actually have church services. Can you imagine how uncomfortable a mass full of IFB's would be? I can assure you that the focus would not be on glorifying God, to say the least.

It's self-destructive because it leads to a relativistic approach to the gospel. That approach discredits the church in general, erodes its testimony, undermines any position of authority she may take, and concludes at the logical destination of any relativistic approach, that is, the legitimization of ANY doctrine "because that's the way I think it is." Everyone does what is right in their own eyes. Ecuminicalism ultimately leads to more than one way to heaven, and that is why it is bad.

Does more than one denomination preach the gospel? Absolutely they do. Do they ALL preach the gospel? Not on your life. So how do you know who does and who doesn't? That's the answer to the question.

[MagusAlbertus]

It's self-destructive because it leads to a relativistic approach to the gospel. so.. we only invite those who agree with the fundamental truth of 'salvation by grace through faith in Jesus' to the party.
So how do you know who does and who doesn't? That's the answer to the question.
problem solved.

[Dmckay]

Novcncy, I also don't understand why the ecumenical approach wouldn't work. If a basic evangelical theology is put forward, I think people would tend to seek out churches that profess such theology. And even if someone does happen to go Roman Catholic, that's still better than nothing.

On the other hand, television has never been my favorite medium of presenting the Gospel. Maybe it's just me, but it seems to make us look more like salesmen than emmisaries of Christ. OK, so I do enjoy those Bible story cartoons that some channels air...
A couple of observations in response to this post. First, look at the diversity of opinions vehemently fought over on the General Theology board or the Ethics board on these forums. Believers of different persuasions have a great deal of trouble agreeing on most every point of theology, and I am not talking about conserative versus liberal believers. If you could put together an ecumenical group to finance and produce said commercials who would be the authority as to what could or couldn't be said in the commercial.

Secondly, there already are many denominations as well as individual churches that are buying air time for commercials. There are several churches here in the metro Denver area alone that are advertising their services and even including salvation information. However, the best way to reach people for Christ has always been on a one-to-one basis. It is the Holy Spirit working through the life and witness of believers that convicts people of their sin and need for Christ.

The Song from the Rock Opera Jesus Christ Superstar, "If you'd come today You could have reached a whole nation. Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication." shows a lack of understanding of G-d's plan and mission for the church. Galatians tell us that, "In the fullness of times, God sent forth His Son." G-d was not ignorant of what technology was going to do in the next 2,000 years. He sent Jesus when everything was perfectly set for His (Jesus') coming.

Lastly, the purpose of the church is to edify and train the Believer's for living their lives and preparing them for the work of the ministry. One of the reasons that the Church appears so anemic today is because we have lost the direction of Ephesians 4, and thing that the Church is a place to bring in unbelievers so that they can hear the "Gospel" from the preacher. The local church is a manifestation of the Body of Christ, and as such is primarily for Believers. If we leave the actual work of the ministry just to the Pastor's there are not only less workers in the field to gather the harvest, but also, it leaves very little time for the Pastor's to fullfill their primary function of feeding the sheep.

[ZiSunka]

All I can say is, if there were no Christian radio, I would still be lost.

A lot of people don't listen to the radio, they watch secular TV. They need the gospel, but don't have any way of hearing it.

I strongly believe that someday we are going to stand at the great throne judgment and Jesus is going to ask us why we didn't use the mass media to get the message out more, and we're going to say something like, "It was too 'in your face'" or " the secular media was a tool of the devil so we ignored it" or "we didn't want our message to get mixed in with the message of other denoms so we just didn't do anything at all" or "TV is so vulgar that we didn't want to let Jesus's name be associated with it."

Then we are going to be shown the people who are suffering in hell because we couldn't get past our personal hangups and produce and sponsor TV commercials that could have reached them.

Then there is going to be weeping and gnashing of teeth because of our grief over the people we allowed to go to hell because we didn't want Christ's message on TV.

[JPPT1974]

/tap /tap
:tap's sarcasm meater:

is this thing working?

No not sarcasm but being honest. Because it is like evangelists asking for money and then scheming you. Sorry if I came across like that! :sorry:

[MagusAlbertus]

There are several churches here in the metro Denver area alone that are advertising their services and even including salvation information. see, that’s something that’s going to be taken as an advertisement for church, what I’m concerned with isn’t people going to A church but people joining The Church…

building attendance on Sunday isn’t nearly as important as the bottom line “do you know for sure that you are going to heaven when you die?" you can, by grace through faith in Jesus.

you get everyone with the right answer on that one and you’ll see such a Godly shift in society that you won’t have to advertise for a church less to say “hey, finely got some more pew space”

**************************

Who would be the authority as to what could or couldn't be said in the commercial?
God: quote scripture, sola-scriptora. The roman road is a fine evangelical tool that could be put into a 30 second spot.
It is the Holy Spirit working through the life and witness of believers that convicts people of their sin and need for Christ. I don’t want to be flippant, but 1.) televangelists do bring some to Christ, see Billy Gram 2.) Isn’t spreading seed the important thing? Jesus taught to masses, as many as could hear his voice.

Of course it was at the proper time for God’s plan to unfold, but that doesn’t mean that we ignore the positive power of technology. and thing that the Church is a place to bring in unbelievers so that they can hear the "Gospel" from the preacher. 1.) thanks for the response
2.) you are clearly not evangelical… as I stipulated from the start, this would be for evangelicals of all denominations.

so of course you don't think it's a good idea! If I take what you have to say right *and please do correct me if I’m mistaken* you think the Church is a building and the priest has special good-news spreading powers that 'normal' people don't and then only when he’s in a church… or, to put it another way, you don't belive "salvation by grace through faith" but rather "salvation by grace through fatih after going to church"...

an odd stipulation, but understandable considering how long of a history the roman church has had insisting on it's own power, when in fact the only power is God and the only church is the Holy Catholic church to whom all who have faith in Christ belong.

I didn’t post this to a general discussion board for debate, I wanted to find out what other Baptists thought.. not that I discount your ideas, simply that non-evangelicals of all denominations are not who I’m soliciting opinions from in the first place.

Are you aware of the many people that you would have otherwise never seen in heaven that will be there because of things like Christian radio, Christians knocking on doors, or *dare I scuttle the thread* tracts?

Evangelism isn’t make-believe, people are saved… but if you disagree then your welcome to debate me.. by starting another thread else ware and linking… less you’re a Calvinist… can’t argue with a Calvinist.

I don't like the idea of the TV Commericals about Evangelical things. It's such a in your face approach , I don't like it which is why, essential, is that you not tell people to go to any particular denomination’s church and certainly not ask for money. You can tell them to open up “church” in there local phone directory, I’m SURE that if they seek first the kingdom of God they will find there way to the church that best helps them grow in Christ.

As a matter of fact.. you don’t need to ask the general population for money, just pray to God and he’ll provide if it's His will…

though avoiding haughtiness is important.

Still, I agree that I don't think it's the best way. It's sort of like selling soap. Instead of the direct approach of actually talking with people and making relationships we want to peddle Jesus and hope people come to our club.

Sad way to put it but probably not far off the mark of how people might take a TV evangelism approach--especially with a commercial/PR ad.
that is exactly true...

Though, i heard that people are usually exposed to the good news by word-of-mouth 7 times before they finally accept the Lord... which, interestingly enough, is the number of 'impressions' marketers say you need in order to sell a bar of soap.

I'm not saying water-down the truth, but the fact is everyone has to start on milk and there's a lot of poison being offered out there.

[FredSmith]

they had a ridiculously un-Christian Ad that ran here... "whoever you pray to we're praying with you"
I’m sorry, that's directly contrary to what Christ said of himself... was sad to see.

That's about typical for the Methodists. Some of the things they're teaching are downright disturbing. I can only hope that there is some sort of schism like is going on in the Anglican and Espicopal churches right now and that those Methodist churches who still hold to sound doctrine get out while they can.

[JimfromOhio]

The Holy Spirit does a better job than any superficial television commercial. God will not lower Himself to the worldl's marketing system.

[lucypevensie]

As far as putting the gospel in a 30-second spot on TV, for most people it takes more than that for them to see their need for a Savior. I suppose it could be effective in some instances, but why spend advertising dollars on something that most likely won't convert the masses?

I think it's fine for churches to advertise their services and such, inviting people to attend, as long as the method proves to be working ie. people begin attending because they saw the ad.

[IisJustMe]

If the Mormans (LDS) are comfortable touting their version of the gospel on TV, let them do so. My personal opinion of their "gospel" aside, it is of a variety of message that can be commercialized, and has been. For insight into what my opinion is, let me just say I won't be voting for Mitt Romney for president unless he's the Republican candidate, and I will do so with a lump in my throat.

Jesus isn't cheese, or a car, or an online dating service. He doesn't need to be packaged and sold like soap. He needs to be shared in a personal relationship with someone you know and care about to the extent you desire them to know the Savior of the world. I'm glad no one is airing a 30-second spot pushing Christianity. I pray no one is so crass as to attempt to do so in my lifetime.

[Communion]

If the Mormans (LDS) are comfortable touting their version of the gospel on TV, let them do so. My personal opinion of their "gospel" aside, it is of a variety of message that can be commercialized, and has been. For insight into what my opinion is, let me just say I won't be voting for Mitt Romney for president unless he's the Republican candidate, and I will do so with a lump in my throat.

Jesus isn't cheese, or a car, or an online dating service. He doesn't need to be packaged and sold like soap. He needs to be shared in a personal relationship with someone you know and care about to the extent you desire them to know the Savior of the world. I'm glad no one is airing a 30-second spot pushing Christianity. I pray no one is so crass as to attempt to do so in my lifetime.


I agree with you...but how about a 30 minute INFOMERCIAL?;) :D

[arunma]

I agree with you...but how about a 30 minute INFOMERCIAL?;) :D

Actually, there are a few Christian television stations out there. Ideally, it seems like a great way to reach people with the Gospel. The problem is that I have yet to see a Christian television station that I can take seriously, with the rather strange exception of EWTN (the Catholic channel). Trinity Broadcasting Network, for instance, is populated by charlatans and con men. This network features such men as Benny Hinn, who has performed so many false miracles and raked in so many millions that he's been investigated by various journalists. Televised Christianity has a strange way of attracting prosperity gospel folks, so I'm not very fond of this medium.

Not to say that it's impossible to preach the Gospel on the air. My pastor himself has a local radio broadcast, and preaches very sound doctrine. I guess the problem is that anyone and everyone can have his own television or radio show, and so the medium tends to attract doctrinally unsound preachers who are looking to make a quick buck by peddling the Gospel.

[CooL_Genesis]

This network features such men as Benny Hinn, who has performed so many false miracles and raked in so many millions that he's been investigated by various journalists.

Just out of curiousity, why do you believe the journalists? Have you been to one of his ministries? Have you talked with someone that has?

He may indeed be false, who's to say... you? Me? The Holy Spirit, maybe? I'd choose the third and let Him guide my thoughts on the matter. As far as the media, in general, is concerned... most are secular in nature and I wouldn't trust what they report as far as I could throw it.

I don't see how bringing Benny Hinn's ministry into question as being edifying or fruit bearing to the discussion at hand. Granted, I don't support him and like you I question his motives for certain things, however, I refuse to do as the world and "talk" or "gossip" about him behind his back. As with anyone else whom I question, go to that person face to face. The truth will then be known as the Spirit discerns for you.

In peace and grace,

-Genesis

[arunma]

Just out of curiousity, why do you believe the journalists? Have you been to one of his ministries? Have you talked with someone that has?

He may indeed be false, who's to say... you? Me? The Holy Spirit, maybe? I'd choose the third and let Him guide my thoughts on the matter. As far as the media, in general, is concerned... most are secular in nature and I wouldn't trust what they report as far as I could throw it.

I don't see how bringing Benny Hinn's ministry into question as being edifying or fruit bearing to the discussion at hand. Granted, I don't support him and like you I question his motives for certain things, however, I refuse to do as the world and "talk" or "gossip" about him behind his back. As with anyone else whom I question, go to that person face to face. The truth will then be known as the Spirit discerns for you.

In peace and grace,

-Genesis

Actually, I have talked to people who have been to his events, and this helps me form my opinion on Benny Hinn. But secular sources aren't the only ones that harshly criticize him. Most Christians do as well. My church also has bad things to say about TBN in general, and the pastors at my church virtually never preach combative sermons against other individuals. So it isn't without reason that I have a highly negative opinion of TBN.

[Joykins]

Hm, I wonder if the Gideons or the NAE could launch a campaign to "write here for your free Bible" or something like that.

I know several people who got saved reading the Bibles handed out by the Gideons.

[RED that's ME]

There are protestant evangelical tv commericals in my area. :)There's also a fine line in how it's presented IMO. People don't always respond to commercials but relationships prove to be more beneficial.