As one who works for a Christian organization that uses worldly marketing techniques to raise money, I found this article very interesting. I have to admit, I lean more toward the George Mueller model (as opposed to the William Both model), so I’m always uncomfortable with calls to donate to non-Church related (read, a person or organization that is not directly subject to the ruling elders of a gospel-believing and evangelical church) men or organizations.
As I’ve become more familiar with the marketing techniques used by mega-ministries, I only get more uncomfortable.
I’m curious, what do you all, you any of you all, think?
I can see both sides. When I moved to Colorado, I found it strange that the Christian radio stations actually had commercials since the Christian station back home in Virginia was “listener supported” only. I was appalled at this notion of commercially supported ministry and it only got worse when I heard some of the commercials–divorce lawyers, etc. On the other hand, I know of great ministries that wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing if they never did an ask. Now maybe that’s a faith question, but it seems to me that it’s not wrong to ask either.
I think the writer’s conclusion is a good one. He says “Let’s do our very best to raise as much money as we can, in an honest way…”. The “in an honest way” is a very important distinction. Supporting ministry by receiving funds from divorce lawyers is worse than dis-honest–it’s utterly odious.