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Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
(Proverbs 23:23 ESV, emphasis added)
Jesus wasn't much of a salesman, and an even worse promoter. Obviously, He never attended a marketing seminar.
He never tried to gather a crowd; He often avoided them. He didn't solicit endorsements from religious leaders; He offended them.
How far we've strayed from the Master's model. Nowadays, we don't like to make waves; we like to give people what they want. It's all about marketing.
Yup, even in the church.
THE PROBLEM IS, the best marketing strategy on the planet cannot produce one single disciple. Not unless God's people get back to the heart-and-soul of the Great Commission...where discipleship is still face-to-face.
Marketing tactics might get us a few more BITS (an old showbiz acronym for counting "[bottoms] in the seats") on Sunday morning, but what does that necessarily have to do with the Great Commission?
We're losing ground. The remnant of Christ in America is shrinking and our nation is coming under judgement. It's time to get back to Jesus' message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17)
AND SO, in this over-pitched Christian "marketplace," how can I appeal to you for the sake of our mission? How do I cut through all the noise?
- Make sure the appeal is God's call, not ours.
No tickling of itching ears. (2 Timothy 4:1-5) - Rely on His power, not our pitch.
No selling. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) - Repent from discouragement and speak plainly.
No lip-service. (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)
Pentecost Walk is at a 12-year historic crossroads. After thousands of prayerwalking miles alongside hundreds of churches from coast to coast, we are building our team for the homestretch to the White House.
TO OUR TRUSTED FRIENDS who have prodded me for years to utilize my God-given talents to fundraise in a direct and unapologetic way: I finally get it. I will no longer allow my grief over the "marketing culture" within the church to hinder the fruitfulness God has called us to.
Notwithstanding my unworthiness to lead this mission of repentance-in-unity, it's high time I became its advocate.
As I put this appeal together, would you agree with us? Pray that we would speak plainly, plan wisely and walk expectantly. Amen and thank you!
If you've been following us, you already know where we're headed (if the Lord wills). You could be a GREAT encouragement to us, by jumpstarting our homestretch with a special gift today, even before our appeal is written. Might God be speaking to you right now?
 Thank you for your faithfulness; you are greatly loved...
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