A Third Place

Below is an intersting post I came across about the church and Starbucks.  In an effort to move to the "next thing" and re-kindle the fire in their business it seems that Starbucks is going the way of the masses.  Losing identity.  Losing their domain as "The Third Place".  Sweet Bay in Fort Smith seems to understand being the Third Place pretty well.  We enjoyed our very own Chris Kimmell along with brother Corey and J.R. for a gig at SB Saturday night.  It was fun.  I got to sing a song.  Friends and family gathered to support Chris.  It felt good.  It was gathering at a Third Place.  Shouldn't TheBOD feel like... no BE a third place.  Shouldn't it be the place "where everybody knows your name....dum dum dum... and their always glad you came..." (old Cheers fan)...  But isn't that the point.  Isn't it about being the body TOGETHER.  About relationships.  About laughing and crying togther.  About growing closer to Christ together.  I hope we never trade in our passion for intimacy and real, raw, authentic relationships.  I hope we never become McBOD.tv...  That's why we keep our focus.  That's why we say no to more and more stuff and programs.  Do less.  Do it well.  Do it with PEOPLE!  DON'T BLINK.      

This is the post from Church Marketing Sucks that inspired mine:

By Michael Buckingham on Brand & Identity Starbucks is oftenusedasanexample within the world of church marketing. They have an experience, they knew how to tell their story. Yes, I said "knew how to tell their story." I've had numerous conversations with church leaders about Starbucks' concept of a "third place" and how the church could harness that feeling. We have work, we have home ... Starbucks was that third place, a getaway, a place to relax, etc. etc. Then they installed a drive-thru. So much for a third place, it was just a stop on the way to either home or work. They've put another nail in the coffin now with instant coffee. Doesn't get any less third place than that. Starbucks no longer has a story to tell. Their story is now the same as McDonald's and Folgers. I've seen the same thing in the local church. They start off with a core calling, know who they are and what God has created them to do. Then they either get bored or see the church down the road try something new and they change there story. Excellence as church marketers is all about being great storytellers. Know your story and stick with it. Don't let things--even seemingly good things--distract you from your unique story. When you start to change your story, often you don't end up with something new, you end up without a story to tell. Let someone else sell instant coffee or add a drive thru. Put your efforts into creating a more excellent third place, whatever that unique component happens to be for your church.

Comments

[DWAYNE]

ONE VERY COOL THING THAT HAPPENED FROM SUNDAY DON'T KNOW IF IT MAKES OUR CHURCH A THIRD PLACE,BUT ONE OF DREW'S FRIEND SAID THAT HE HAD NOT BEEN TO CHURCH IN 100 YEARS AND THE BOD WAS "TIGHT" I AM REAL SURE THAT IS A GOOD THING.I THINK THAT 3 HITS A WEEK IS ALSO "TIGHT".
HEY I LOVE YOU AND I MEAN IT!