Rebranding Christianity

Episode 59 of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast with special guest Jeff Jones is out now!

Listen to the episode https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eyesonjesus/episodes/Jeff-Jones-on-Rebranding-Christianity–Missional-Drift–and-Getting-Back-to-the-Roots-of-Loving-Others-e2ln43u

Watch the episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfLkXrjPn7A&feature=youtu.be

See below for a blog posted based on the episode:

Rediscovering the Core of Christianity: A Conversation with Jeff Jones

In this thought-provoking episode of the “Eyes on Jesus” podcast, hosts Drew and Tim sit down with Jeff Jones, the lead pastor of Chase Oaks Church in Dallas and author of the book Rebranding Christianity. Their conversation offers deep insights into the challenges and opportunities for modern Christianity, focusing on reclaiming its authentic essence. Here, we delve into the core ideas discussed in their enlightening dialogue.

Misconceptions About Rebranding Christianity

When we talk about rebranding Christianity, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking it means abandoning a 2000-year-old tradition. As Jeff Jones explains, the perception is not about discarding the old but going back to the roots established by Jesus Christ. The aim is to return to the core principles and teachings that defined early Christianity: love, inclusion, and a community-focused approach.

Introducing Jeff Jones

“Well, welcome to the Eyes on Jesus podcast with Drew and Tim. We have a special guest with us today, Jeff Jones. Jeff has served as the lead pastor of Chase Oaks Church in Dallas since 2004. Jeff is also a podcaster and an author. His latest book is Rebranding Christianity. Jeff, welcome to the show. How are you doing today?“ – Tim

Jeff Jones has been a transformative figure in the Christian community, leveraging his platform as a pastor to address issues of perception and reality within the Christian faith. His book Rebranding Christianity is a response to the widening gap between the perception of Christianity and its foundational values.

The Problem with Modern Perceptions of Christianity

Jeff points out that Christianity nowadays is often viewed negatively by younger generations. Surveys have shown a sharp decline in the positive perception of Christianity, from 67% in 2001 to merely 37% in 2021 among young adults. This drop signifies a major issue: Christianity is increasingly seen as irrelevant or even repulsive. Jeff argues that this isn’t just a perception problem but a product problem born out of significant “mission drift” from the church’s original purpose.

Realigning with Core Values

In his discussion, Jeff emphasizes that instead of innovating a brand-new identity, Christians should aim to realign with the values Jesus Christ espoused. These include love, humility, and serving the community. He highlights how the early followers of Jesus were known for their sacrifices and acts of love, which won over a skeptical world.

“Jesus gave us the responsibility to manage the brand… If we’re known for being the opposite of loving, then we have a problem. It’s on us, not the media or society.” – Jeff

Building Trust Through Actions

Jeff shares a powerful example involving a branding expert who, initially skeptical, became convinced of the church’s authenticity by observing their real work in the community. This expert’s conclusion was simple: Christianity’s brand is fundamentally about grace, a concept that makes it unique and potent if applied sincerely.

The Challenge of Consistency

One of the main challenges Drew and Tim discuss with Jeff is maintaining consistency in love across various facets of church life—from social media to Sunday sermons and community outreach. Jeff asserts that showing tangible love through “good works” can help regain trust and respect.

“See your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Jeff quoting Jesus

Examples of Effective Rebranding

The conversation touches on studies and real-world examples, such as Domino’s Pizza’s rebirth, which centered around honest acknowledgment of flaws and a commitment to genuine improvement. Jeff argues that the church can learn from these strategies by being brutally honest about its failures and genuinely committing to its spiritual mission.

“People can handle honesty. It builds trust. Expectations are so low that even a basic level of niceness can pleasantly surprise people.” – Jeff

Digital Outreach and Authenticity

The conversation underscores the necessity for churches to be proactive in using media to tell their stories of genuine community engagement. With today’s digital tools, churches have unprecedented ways to reach their communities, though this requires a concerted and authentic approach.

“We’ve engaged a team of media and PR people in our church who are passionate about helping us use media better… because they love what we do.” – Jeff

A Unified Effort to Embody Grace

The dialogue wraps up with a poignant reminder of the essence of Christianity: grace. Jeff emphasizes that if Christians can fully embody grace, it’s an irresistible brand that can genuinely transform the world.

“You’ve got the most powerful brand in the world, and if you stay on it, you will change the world.” – Jeff

Final Thoughts

Tim and Drew conclude the episode by highlighting the critical need to focus on Jesus and let His life and teachings guide Christian communities. By doing so, they believe Christians can positively impact the world, one sincere act of love at a time.

“We just need to keep our eyes on Jesus and focus on Him. It is really that simple.” – Tim

For more information, visit rebrandingchristianity.org and join the movement to restore and reclaim the core values of Christianity.

Thank you for reading, and until next time, go with God, grow in discernment, and keep your eyes on Jesus.