Selling Jesus

By David Tonen • September 7th, 2009

There is plenty of controversy when we talk about Marketing Jesus.  There is probably as much or more controversy when we talk about “Selling Jesus”.

As Christians, isn’t that what we are supposed to do?

What Jesus offers all people is what they need most.  We were all created to be in relationship with Jesus.  That’s why God created us…for relationship.  If we are not in a relationship with Him, then our life is incomplete.

My job and your job as Christians is to show people their need.  Not like a greasy Herb Tarlik salesman…but to be passionately aware of those who are in need and are receptive to the solution.

Marketing and sales go hand-in-hand so encourage your leadership to Resource Your Church for Representation – this will help everyone who is passionate about reaching those with “the good news” to respectfully and courageously sell Jesus to a world in need.

What do you think about the term “selling Jesus”.  Share your comments…

Image from sendside on Flickr

Comments(6) Church Marketing, Marketing, Ministry
  • http://somethingisawtoday.wordpress.com jr. forasteros

    I’m not totally opposed to the terminology; it’s taken from our Capitalist culture, and I’m convinced it’s in some way redeemable.

    So perhaps we should explore more fully how to redeem the language of the marketplace. How to subvert it for the Kingdom. I always think about Switchfoot’s song, “Economy of Mercy”. For me, it’s been a great place to start.

  • http://somethingisawtoday.wordpress.com jr. forasteros

    I’m not totally opposed to the terminology; it’s taken from our Capitalist culture, and I’m convinced it’s in some way redeemable.

    So perhaps we should explore more fully how to redeem the language of the marketplace. How to subvert it for the Kingdom. I always think about Switchfoot’s song, “Economy of Mercy”. For me, it’s been a great place to start.

  • http://brandonacox.com Brandon Cox

    One thing that troubles me about the phrase “selling Jesus” is that I think it actually works against our ability to “sell Jesus.” Frankly, I don’t really care about the complaints of other Christians when it comes to marketing. I’m not bothered much by the arguments within the ranks, but I am concerned that a lost generation needs to understand we’re not just selling, or spamming, or doing anything else that seems distasteful.

    We’re reaching, loving, and serving a lost world with the gospel. I’m all for marketing the gospel and your blog helps! I’m just sensitive to the image we portray of our approaches to the surrounding lost world.

  • http://brandonacox.com Brandon Cox

    One thing that troubles me about the phrase “selling Jesus” is that I think it actually works against our ability to “sell Jesus.” Frankly, I don’t really care about the complaints of other Christians when it comes to marketing. I’m not bothered much by the arguments within the ranks, but I am concerned that a lost generation needs to understand we’re not just selling, or spamming, or doing anything else that seems distasteful.

    We’re reaching, loving, and serving a lost world with the gospel. I’m all for marketing the gospel and your blog helps! I’m just sensitive to the image we portray of our approaches to the surrounding lost world.

  • http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

    Thanks to both of you for your comments.

    The hang-up is of course with the terminology. It does sound and feel distasteful. But not all sales is an “in-your-face” approach. I agree that we have to be very cognizant of the image we portray. My intention and most Christian’s intention is to see the need their friends and family have and to want desperately to share the solution.

    We really need to proceed with all sensitivity, tact, and compassion. But at the end of the day, we are using sales tactics to connect with people and show them the hope that is available to them – all they have to do is accept it!

  • http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

    Thanks to both of you for your comments.

    The hang-up is of course with the terminology. It does sound and feel distasteful. But not all sales is an “in-your-face” approach. I agree that we have to be very cognizant of the image we portray. My intention and most Christian’s intention is to see the need their friends and family have and to want desperately to share the solution.

    We really need to proceed with all sensitivity, tact, and compassion. But at the end of the day, we are using sales tactics to connect with people and show them the hope that is available to them – all they have to do is accept it!

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