How To Steal Without Losing Your Soul

Anyone who’s worked in the world of church communication/marketing knows that churches can be some of the biggest thieves out there. We are constantly ripping off the latest hit television program, blockbuster movies, or corporate brand to create promotional materials that severely sell the heart and mission of our church short—”LOST? Do you know where you’re headed?”

In my opinion, the worst form of church thievery is when we steal ideas and our style from other churches. Under the deceptive idea that “they must be doing something right,” we borrow the graphics, messages, and “environments” that seem to be filling the seats across town, all the while wondering why our congregation isn’t experiencing the same growth.

The answer, I believe, has to do with soul. It’s not that the gleaning inspiration and cultural relevancy from pop-culture, art, or other churches is inherently evil (though I do think verbatim rip offs show a real lack of creativity and a whole lot of cheesiness on the part of the church), it’s the fact that, most likely, these stolen pieces don’t have any soul, authenticity, or relevancy when it comes to your congregation!

Here’s a quote from Jim Jarmusch, a secular independent filmmaker. I think he does a really great job of explaining the right way to creatively beg, borrow, and steal.

Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, painting, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.

Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery—celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from—it’s where you take them to.”

So, as we continue to create and communicate for the glory of our God, let us not lose sight of the collective heart and soul of our individual church. When we find our selves in the act of creative theft let’s always remember to ask ourselves “where is this from—and where am I taking this to?” Hopefully, when all is said and done, everything that we do will point back to the Son.

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