Jesus Christ: Worst Marketer Ever - Chip Tudor Communications - Dayton, Ohio
Some people claim Jesus was a great salesman. But I think he was the worst marketer ever.
I’ve been a professional copywriter for 25 years. I’ve written the words…
Simple… Easy… and convenient…
Probably, like a bazillion times in every form of media invented. Except maybe stone tablets.
I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ even longer. Not just a once a week church goer. But one who studies and applies his teachings to everyday life and leads my family on the same path.
Okay, I regularly fail in my efforts. Still, I press on with an intentional, Spirit-led focus.
So when I read material that extols Jesus as a great marketer or salesman, I don’t get it. I think he was terrible at marketing.
The worst marketer ever
Why?
Because nothing about my life as a Christ-follower has been simple, easy or convenient. Nor did Jesus use those words in his marketing efforts. Or try to persuade people to follow him.
He proposed the opposite.
Sure. Christianity offers one really attractive benefit statement—the hope of eternal life. But it’s an open ended invitation. You can always play the odds, risk it and put that decision off to the last minute.
Beat the buzzer, as they say in sports. And enjoy the best of both worlds. But that’s a separate discussion.
Bad Recruiting Statements By The Worst Marketer Ever
Here are some of Jesus’ marketing statements recorded in scripture:
Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. –Matthew 10:37
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. –Matthew 24:9
Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. –Luke 9:23
In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. –Luke 14:33
The point being…
Following Jesus involves costs.
Wow. Really? Well, sign me right up.
But wait, there’s more!
Sorry, couldn’t help myself.
There’s also, no simple, provable and easy answer on why you should sign up for it. I think God planned it that way.
For me, it has been a challenging journey with some costs. Fortunately, not the ultimate cost some have paid.
Why Follow The Worst Marketer Ever?
On the positive side, I’ve enjoyed some of God’s pretty cool promises.
So why spend a professional career as a marketer myself? Why persuade people to buy products and services that are simple, easy, and convenient and live a life following someone whose marketing message offers the opposite?
Because there’s something undeniably compelling about Jesus. Something authentic, real and genuine. Something that tells me following him is worth it. That he’s worth it.
And it demands a response. First, a decision of belief. Followed by acts of faith.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.
Join My E-mail List
And I’ll send you my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. You’ll learn how to punch up your presentations with humor.
