Ministry News

Detroit Church Partnering With Satan?

In today's marketing-saturated culture, it takes a lot to get people's attention. But in suburban Detroit, one church is doing just that by using a traditional marketing tool—signs—and an unconventional marketing "partner": Satan.

Metro South Church, a nondenominational congregation in Trenton, Mich., recently posted thousands of signs throughout the area using the devil as its poster boy. Created as notes from Lucifer himself, the variety of posters jokingly tout that Metro South Church "makes me sick," "sucks" or "is killing me." Church leaders say the campaign isn't meant to offend believers, but is purely a way to grab people's attention.

"There's so much noise out there that if you don't do something that's a little bit more on the edge, people just ignore it," says youth pastor Adam Dorband.

According to lead pastor Jeremy Schossau, the strategy is working so far, as the campaign Web site, SatanHatesMetro.com, received more than 7,000 hits within its first two days of going live. Once on the site, visitors learn that the devil apparently despises the congregation for helping people connect with God and actually changing lives—something the site says most churches have sadly failed to do.

"We think one of the biggest barriers to getting to know God has been the church itself," the site states. "It's predictable and cold at best." To change that, Metro South's leaders say the purpose of their church isn't to scold people for all the ways they've messed up, but to offer a place where believers and nonbelievers alike can investigate Christianity by hearing the Truth—without all the finger-pointing.

"In short, we're doing all we can to be the same kind of church described in the New Testament," leaders say. [AP, 9/1/09; satanhatesmetro.com, 9/3/09]

Comments   

 
0 #16 Susan David 2009-09-22 15:07
People want and crave truth. If you really don't believe your church 'sucks' or is 'killing me', which I would hope you don't believe, then why would you use this tactic to attract people in the first place? This procedure is not scriptural. Give people what they want and they will come and then they will return. People are basically all alike. We all want truth, love & relationship that is based on truth and love. Let's uncover and expose the devil's tactics, not side with him. God bless you. http://tinyurl.com/mfx55w
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0 #15 terra 2009-09-11 04:42
I attend this church and this campaign isn't about getting more people just into our church its about getting people into church period! GOD has blow this way up and we thought we were only going to impact our small city but it has been a world wide campaign and only GOD himself can do that! We as a church are come as you are...we are sinners and in need of GOD and he meets us there every service, life group, movie night, concert and any other thing we do! This is just and good way to break through the noise and say there is a bigger and better plan for you and GOD wants to share it!

Until ALL hear!
Terra
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0 #14 peggy 2009-09-08 06:37
We need nothing but the Holy Spirits presence in a church to do the drawing and the saving. When He is present in the service, you will not be able to keep people away. Why does man insist on being in control. Pray for God to move in your church . Please no more gimmicks just God.
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-1 #13 EPIC 2009-09-08 02:08
This story was a bit more newsworthy two years ago when LifeChurch.tv did it first...
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0 #12 Hilda 2009-09-08 00:54
A reverend talking about hot naked teen girls--WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? Perhaps your congregation needs to take a closer look at you. How pitiful!
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0 #11 Kayjona 2009-09-07 13:47
I get it. I would love to go to a church that Satan hates, because it would mean that they are doing something right. If Satan wanted to be there they would be in trouble. It's simular to the "letter from satan" email where satan doesn't mind you going to church just as long as you stay too busy to develop a real relationship with the Lord. Makes you think, makes you what to investigate. Good job.
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+2 #10 Dena 2009-09-06 16:43
This tells mee something- they've either lost their mindsor the Holy spirit is protecting their church big-time because of this campaign. As a prayer warrior and somebody who does a lot of spiritual warfare, I've learned if you give satan too much attention it can be detrimental. If I were this pastor, I'd pray a lot for guidance and be very careful the amount of attention they give the enemy. If this gets out of control it can destroy what you're trying to do,
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+1 #9 Literary Girl 2009-09-06 16:08
The Screwtape Letters meets "Mad Men"
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+1 #8 Linda, Pgh PA 2009-09-05 14:25
:sad: :sad: :sad: I know we are living in extraordinary times; but to use satan message for God's Glory...we have sank to a low beyond hell itself. There are better creative ways to get the message of Christ out to this dying world. I truly believe "Seek first the Kingdom of God," and there you will receive answers how to get the message of Christ out there. One other thing didn't the Bible state "HE'LL draw all men unto to HIM" if Christ is the drawer of men kind, we don't have to use satan marketing strategies to witnessing Christ. To the Church "we are one foundation" and that foundation is Christ Jesus. Get an understanding who you serve "One Master or not? and Choose this day who are you going to serve and do it quickly. "
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0 #7 Charity Quilter 2009-09-05 09:58
If we are truely walking after Christ Jesus then it will show and others will want to follow. This church is not grabbing peoples attention, they are grabbing Satan's attention. And he is cheering them on!!! And guess what? Our Heavenly Father God is not pleased! I'll be bold and make that statement. It's really sad the we have to ask Satan to help us get people to church....and yes Satan is involved 100 percent, you better believe it! This is not even funny. If I belonged to this church, I would RUN, AND RUN FAST! God help us!
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