Urban Connections

Discussion turns to INSTITUTION

November 18, 2010 at 10:29 am heidiaspinwall Leave a comment

Bishop Leslie Francisco and Nicole Francisco introduce the discussion on issues of INSTITUTION in the urban Mennonite Church.  They began with an engaging video from beyondrelevance.com called “What if the Starbucks did Marketing like the Church?”

Bishop Leslie opens the discussion by asking the question what is our identity and how is it communicated. Does it mean the many posters and banners? Is it important that it is reflected in the name?

Nicole challenged the participants to consider how perception plays into our identity as the mennonite church. Marketing is the Management of Perception. How do we manage the many perceptions in our churches?

Environment plays another important role. The environment must be comfortable and welcoming. Environment must reflect the community you are in. The challenge comes to foster an environment that reflects who are but must be inviting.

We are addressing the issues of the institution. The statistics and facts are often repeated that the global mennonite church is surpassing the mennonite church here in North America. How do answer these questions of who we really are globally and theologically, but hold on to pieces that are only found in certain churches in the US.

When asked ‘What is a Mennonite?,’ Bishop Leslie said that often people of color hesitate.  We must be able to communicate without hesitancy. The Franciscos suggest that we must discuss these three points of Identity, Perception and Environment together in our Branding.

Branding includes all three elements, not only how those inside understand it but more importantly how those outside understand it. How important is holding on to the name of “Mennonite Church U.S.A..”  They shared the story of their church, Calvary Community Church, Hampton, VA and how they moved from their previous name and identity to their new identity and motto.  Bishop Francisco challenges the participants to think about how the branding and the name of the mennonite church should move forward into the future.

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