Church Marketing Ramps Up Again with The Nativity Story Movie
ByMy wife and I got free tickets to a special screening of The Nativity Story last week.
I gotta say … I ain’t no crier … but I cried watching the movie.
The film, obviously from the title, looks at the birth of Christ from the perspective of Mary and Joseph.
And yes, Joseph asked: “Will I be able to teach Him anything?” (Which got giggles from the crowd.)
As with The Chronicles of Narnia, it was also another way to experience Christ … and His Gospel in a new, fresh way. The film’s got a lot of actors and actresses you’ll recognize … and we were told repeatedly that it’s a “rough cut.” But it was spectacular. Very well done.
I realized (or was reminded of) something else watching the movie … the evangelical Christian audience is a huge market for the entertainment business and all types of business, actually.
Big Business has craned its neck up, peered out into our evangelical herd nestled across the U.S. … and, while salivating, said, “Behold, the Christians!”
They’ve seen how church marketing can mean a lot more dollar signs to the bottom line.
They are getting good at it. And for this particular movie, I’m glad they lured me in.
Cory – Thanks for your thoughts. I have two responses – first I think that it is interesting to produce movies based on the biblical narrative. I think that there is value with telling the story in a way that is accessible. However, I also think that this type of production takes away some of the mystery that is inherent and important in all of the biblical narratives. In regard to the business aspect, yes I think that you are right – the Christian audience is one to which businesses are beginning to pay more attention. My first instinct is to respond negatively to this trend, but am not sure what brings those feelings to my mind. Thanks for helping me think.
Andrew