Everything I Know About Church I Learned from Apple, Inc.
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I was driving down the road today thinking about philosophical things when it dawned on me and I said to myself, “I need to write a post about how Apple’s retail philosophy and the church’s ministry philosophy are incredibly similar!” If you’ve ever been to an Apple Store, then you might understand what I’m talking about. (BTW, that was a dramatization.)
Disclaimer: Terms are flexible, so stay open-minded.
- Apple always keeps the focus on the products they offer. For churches, the focus should always be on the Gospel.
- Apple treats every customer as a king/queen. The next time you walk into an Apple Store, compare their “front-of-house” experience with your church’s “front-of-house.” Are they comparable?
- Apple makes their products totally accessible and approachable. Is the Gospel approachable through the ministry of your church or is it something only explained to folks who express the highest interest? Don’t wait for people to ask you about the Gospel before you explain it to them.
- Apple employees don’t assume you know their language. Using jargon that’s only understandable to the folks that come every week alienates the folks who only come a couple times a year or less.
- Apple guards its identity fiercely. Many churches fall into a trap of having an ambiguous identity. While this is a difficult thing for church leaders to control, it’s one of the most important strategies a church can focus on.
- Apple employees are excited about being there. It sounds simple and logical to be happy about being at church, but finding happy people in a church can sometimes be harder than finding the sanctuary.
- Apple scrutinizes its performance. Performance is a four-letter-word in many churches. Not only is the term taboo when referring to a worship service, but it can become a bad word when considering overall growth, effectiveness at sharing the Gospel, and leading people into a growing relationship with Christ.
This seemed like a good topic for a Saturday morning post. Not too heavy, but enough to think twice about.
What do you think? Are you tired of people comparing church to business or are my assumptions right on?
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I like the comparison of church to business, especially if it is Gospel centered like you have written it. Sounds like the makings of a modern day Parable to me!
I appreciate how Apple designs their products too, they use progressive disclosure. Meaning they don’t front load every button, option or piece of information. Notice the iPod has very few buttons, but still has a ton of features.
“Hey you are new here! Have a brochure, we have awesome small groups, bible studies, mens and womens classes, nursery volunteer opportunities, and hey you picked a great week we are in a series about Hell and speaking in tongues!” (also a dramatization)
Ha. I can second Aaron.
I remember visiting a church and before anything happened, I remember getting bombarded about visiting the small group that week, this was before we even met anyone or attended the worship service.
Awesome post Scott. Sad to say but My church should stop being like…a PC…? and more like a Mac!
Bill Blackrick’s last blog post..An Accidental New Year’s Resolution #2
Great post Scott, I’m going to link it over on my blog.
Dan Browne’s last blog post..Photography Friday
Great comments guys. Here’s some feedback.
@Aaron - When it comes to progressive disclosure, Apple beats all. Also, when it comes to marketing, Apple teaches us a new lesson. Don’t show all your cards at one time. In my church, I’ve implemented a policy about new ideas. We disclose only pieces of information about upcoming events, changes, news and we release them with a plan in the same way Apple releases small tidbits of information about upcoming products. It builds curiosity and excitement.
@Boyd - Would I know this church by any chance? Perhaps in the panhandle?
@Bill - Oh No! Not PC! Joking. The great thing about PC is that there are plenty of people who simply can’t handle a Mac, and that’s why PCs exist. Keep serving faithfully, dogg.
@Dan - Thanks for the link love bro.
Read Scott’s last blog post..Everything I Know About Church I Learned from Apple, Inc.
I took my mac to the genius bar yesterday because of a hard drive crash and even though it was a month out of warranty they are going to pay for the repair anyway. This is just another reason I am an apple loyalist.
mike brunjes’s last blog post..Emergent motivation
@Mike - Glad to hear from you man! That sucks about the hard drive, but that rocks about the genius bar. You said it’s “another reason” to be loyal. I agree. There are so many reasons.
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