Well, what do you think of the new Domino’s Pizza ads? Designed by their advertising firm Crispin Porter + Bogusky, the ads show Domino’s business leaders ruefully reading critical reviews of their pizza from disgruntled customers. “The crust tastes like cardboard,” they say. “The sauce is no better than ketchup.” The next scenes show kitchen bosses admonishing workers to ramp everything up, promising more spices in the sauce, real cheese this time, and garlic butter on the crust.

Is this campaign a good idea for the company? The stakes are high. This isn’t some little outfit. Domino’s is # 2 in the world, with over 8,000 stores worldwide. If they are saying that their food is terrible, their millions of customers might hear the message that they are idiots with no palate who like the taste of cardboard.

On the other hand, it is always refreshing to see and hear a business attempting to portray itself as a servant to its customers. Businesses that respond to people are the ones that grow. Businesses that are in love with themselves and their institutional story are the ones that harden into businessclerosis and decline. If you have been a Domino’s regular, I would greatly appreciate it if you would try one of the “new” pizzas and e-mail me your verdict.

Is this a new “business ethic”? I hear that the Chicago Bears took out a newspaper ad apologizing for their 7-9 season. Regardless of what this does for Domino’s sales, it sure is causing a buzz.

In all this hoo-ha, I think there’s something important for the church to learn. Congregations are supposed to exist for the people, not vice versa. I wonder what pastors would hear if their attenders really opened up with what was on their minds. I wonder if pastors have any idea what’s on the minds of people who drift away from their membership, or who visit once and swear they’ll never come back.

• How would you rate your recent church visits?
• Were the other people friendly to you?
• Did the message make sense? Did it have anything to do with your life?
• Could you find your way around the physical plant?
• Was there something for your head and your heart?
• Did the experience bring you closer to your Savior?
• Would you bring a friend that you really cared about?

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Straight talk.  Real hope.

2/19/2010 - Posted by S
I moved to a new area recently and tried out the local Lutheran Church. I have to say I have given it my best shot attending several times before making up my mind that it isn't for me. The Pastor was great. The message was good but the congregation was the coldest and most unfriendly group I have ever seen. The first time I went they fell all over me with a too overwhelming welcome, then not even a good morning on subsequent visits. I believe the initial welcome was not genuine. Not every church is filled with the spirit of God so I will keep looking for a new church.

1/18/2010 - Posted by LM
Our visit to St. Marcus was very uplifting. The message spoke to our hearts ansd minds. I don't hink we could find nicer,friendlier people anywhere. I have recommended St. Marcus to our daughter, who lives no more than 10 minutes away. God bless, the Moedes