The Church is serious business.

Really.

According to the New York Times article, “Christianity, the Brand,” the merchandising of Christian values-infused products is officially huge.  Unless you have been sleeping under a rock the last several years, it’s hard not to notice:

“”The Chronicles of Narnia” took in more than $290 million at the box office domestically…

“The Passion” grossed $370 million…

Christian music now racks up $700 million in sales annually.

In 2004, sales of religious books reached $1.9 billion.

…Christian products will generate $9.5 billion in sales by 2010.”

The real significance of these numbers is that Christianity is a real influence in today’s culture.  Regardless of the debate on if the Church is doing enough to engage Culture, enough attention is being given right now in the stores, theaters and ever so importantly — in the press –  which cannot / should not be taken lightly.

Did you know that Rick Warren has a public relations advisor?

Ok, ok, ok…  Would the knee-jerk reaction you just had change if I told you that Billy Graham has used the same PR guy at his side throughout the years?

Yup, the NYT article reveals some of the behind the scences action of the the same PR agency, the same PR guy.  Like any good PR, much of this has probably been invisible to you.

If these mega pastors have a PR guy, what about the local pastor?  Does any pastor need to start learning about the most basic PR tactics?  I would shout back a firm “YES!”

I see so many great PR ideas out there waiting to be applied to the church.  You don’t personally need Mel Gibson as in the article’s example to figure out how to create PR campaigns that go viral.

And if you’re attempting to reach out to humans living in the year 2009 or beyond, then I’d suggest spending some time figuring gaining competency out the current ways people connect and sharing ideas with each other — so that you can then apply it to your church.

What do you think?  Can you make an argument for dedicated workers focused on the PR aspects of the ministry?