How much disclosure is too much?

They are probably more interested in impressing other churches/leaders of a similar breed than they are in making a statement in their community. Have you ever looked at the church ads in the leading IFB papers? Similar descriptive phrases. We leaders love to preach to the choir.

 

Most non-Christians, having been one myself, wouldn't know or really care what each of those means.

Most non-Christians, having been one myself, would look at "KJV" and say, "What's that stand for?"

Most of 'em would look at "evangelistic" and say, "TV stuff?"

Most of 'em would look at "fundamental" and "separatist" and ask, "what do they mean by that? Aren't ALL churches fundamental and separatist?"

Larry, you're awful negative about all this....

 

Larry, as one who would identify himself with all of the positions stated in the ad, I wholeheartedly concur with your viewpoint. I have always felt that that kind of advertising is counter-productive at best. If we're just trying to attract those who already are what we are, we might as well close the doors. If we're trying to make our presence known to unbelievers, all of those terms are meaningless to them, so that is not being accomplished either.

 

They're clearly far, far more interested in proselytism than evangelism.

 

I don't see anything wrong with this. Perhaps there point is to gather Christians who are moving to town or looking for a new church. I don't think any add in a newspaper or yellowpages is targeted at unbelievers. It is not where they look, and it isn't like there are going to stumble there way onto your page and then decide to go. Evangelizing is the job of the membors of the church, through talking, relationships, activities, etc.

Having moved about four times in three years, I am constantly looking for a new church, and any time I look in the yellow pages this is exactly what I am looking for (though I would choose NOT to go to this church in this instance )

On second thought, let me seperate the two. If you advitising in the newspaper, then put a tract and try to grab unbelievers, for they are reading the newspaper. But if your advertising in the yellow pages I think this is perfectly acceptable.

 

Having traveled for business for several years, this was the type of ad I looked for when needing a church in an area I was unfaliar with. When searching for a new church, I looked for this same type of ad. When I was not saved, but searching, I had no idea what the difference was between any denomination, or sect of churches. I visited the local churches to see what they were about. I would never have called them, nor would I have understood Independent, Evangelical, etc.

Pete hit the nail, there are different purposes for different types and ways of advertising. Advertising specialists know this. And there are specific crowds you will advertise to for specific purposes. This church is advertising for the believer, looking for a specific type of church for specific reasons. Proselyting is most likely not the reason, because the weak Christian is who will be lured by this tactic, not wanting to be involved with the catagories listed in that ad.

 

And perhaps other believers look for these type of ad disclaimers (KJV only, etc.) so they will know what churches they do not want to waste their time investigating.