First, here’s an advertising video from Google:

Now, here’s an advertising video from Apple:

Which commercial did you connect with better???  I had the same answer… Apple.  It’s obvious, isn’t it?  Fast Company’s Blog gives three lessons that Google can learn from Apple.  It’s three lessons that WCC can learn from, too.

1. There’s a difference between good usability and a great experience

Even though something is technically correct, people connect to an experience, not to sterile facts.  When we greet people during the ‘welcome’ time of a worship service, that’s a Google approach.  When we talk to people we don’t know after the service, invite them to our ABS Group, or ask them to join us at Moe’s for lunch… that’s an Apple approach.

2. A tool doesn’t have to be boring

Did you notice that Apple’s video is 2X longer than Google’s???  But I’d choose Apple’s over Google’s any day of the week for one obvious reason.  It’s not boring.  This is why our church leaders work hard to make the truth engaging.  Kids Rock is a great example of leaders who teach truth in engaging and interesting ways.  Truth doesn’t have to be boring.

3. No-one needs a screwdriver

People don’t feel they need tools; they need solutions to problems in their life. People never ‘lack a screwdriver’; instead, they need a screwdriver to hang a painting on the wall.  Apple gets this.  Google doesn’t.  Apple taps into what people want… to be connected.  We need to remember this, too.  People who don’t attend church aren’t waking up in the morning thinking, ‘Wow!  I need to find a church!’ Instead, they’re thinking, ‘I’m lonely and need a friend.’ ‘I’m exhausted and my life is way out of balance.’ ‘My sixth grader needs some good influences in his life.’ That’s why I don’t ask unchurched people, ‘Where do you go to church?’ early in a conversation.

So as we think about the 70′s Date Night, for example, remember that people aren’t staying awake at night asking, ‘I wonder where I can find a great place to take my wife (or girlfriend) on a date with some 70′s music?’ They’re wondering, ‘Where can I find a friend?’ Ask a couple to JOIN YOU for a fun night out.  Bring them on your arm.  They don’t need a screwdriver, but they do need a friend.

Proverbs 17 teaches us, “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” It doesn’t say ‘a friend talks about love.’ It says ‘a friend loves.’

Let’s be a church modeled after the authentic Jesus (Apple), not an inauthentic religion (Google).  People don’t need a screwdriver, but they do need a friend.

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.  Join the discussion and post a comment!

Oh… how did you like my parallel between Jesus & Apple?