What is the church trying to accomplish?

The Stillspeaking Initiative is designed to:

Speak to the alienated and those seeking a spiritual home
Let the world know that there is a church unlike any they may have known
Invite people to come... and let them know that "No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."
Raise the knowledge and pride of members
Embrace a common brand and theme so we are instantly recognizable: God is still speaking,

Why are we advertising?

The heart of this effort to proclaim the UCC identity in today's world is to reach those alienated from God. We learned from research both bad and good news:

The Bad News:
The unchurched are extremely angry with "church" based upon personal experiences.

The Good News:
They want to come back and will do so if they are -

Invited
Made welcome
Given good information... without judgment

What is the impact of this commercial among ecumenical partners?

Nearly half the US population has no church affiliation. Those are the people we are trying to reach. We are letting people know what is distinct about us. Most folks don't know there is a church like the UCC, or they confuse us with other churches. In addition, communication directors from many of our ecumenical partners are supportive and enthusiastic about our campaign.

Are you saying the UCC is better than other churches?

No. Each denomination witnesses to the Gospel in its own distinctive way. Together, we assure that the Good News is heard by all in all its rich and full variety. By clearly articulating the distinctive voice of the UCC we make a vital contribution to the mission of the ecumenical church in our culture.

But advertising the church?

We are called to "Go and make disciples." The church in every generation has used contemporary means of communication to reach the unchurched.

For example, Paul's public sermons were meant to communicate the faith to a pagan culture and use the language of a non-Christian culture. The "apologetics" of the first generations of Christians were meant to be widely read by pagans. The tracts and pamphlets of the Reformation communicated through simple concepts and images. We advertise in local newspapers. Radio ads were especially popular in the 1950s. And now people are reached through television and the web.

What about some network's refusal to air the commercials?

CBS and NBC's refusal to air our ad because it supposedly is "controversial" is exclusionary. This is in stark contrast to the ad itself, which is welcoming. (ABC does not air any religious commercials.) Throughout our history, the UCC has been a prophetic religious voice, from the struggles of our Pilgrim forebears through the civil rights era and continuing on today.

When will the commercials air?

Our new ad will run April 3 - 23 in all national markets. The ad may continue to run through May 14 (Mother's Day) if sufficient money is raised to buy more air time. The frequency of the ad will vary after Easter. We will likely run only on cable TV (see http://www.stillspeaking.com/news/rb101305.html).

Will I know when and where they will be in our area?

We cannot provide a schedule. We can tell you that they will air during popular times (not at 2 am!). Some will even be on during prime time.

Does the UCC have a political agenda?

It is the gift and blessing of the United Church of Christ that we are diverse, that we listen to God's voice and live it out in unique communities of faith. Some things we have in common, and on some things we disagree.

Our goal is to encourage spiritual seekers to walk through the door.

Who sets policy in your church?

The UCC has a decentralized, "free church" system of governance. Authority lies with each congregation. The local church calls its own pastors and makes its own decisions about worship, theology, programs and budget.

The denomination's central deliberative body, the General Synod, meets every other year to speak to the churches on a variety of theological or secular issues as well as help shape national programs. Each new Synod, technically, speaks only for the national church and to the conferences and local churches; its pronouncements and resolutions are not binding on any local church or church member. However, given a denominational emphasis on covenant, the Synod's actions carry a certain authority and constitute a policy base for the church's national bodies.

Should churches be competing with one another?

Nearly half the US population has no church affiliation. Those are the people we are trying to reach. We are letting people know what is distinct about us. Most folks don't know there is a church like the UCC, or they confuse us with the Church of Christ.

Is The Stillspeaking Initiative worth the money and time?

What is the value of one person overcoming his or her alienation from God or a community of faith? What is the value of one person finding a spiritual home? What if it was you who was lost?... Or someone you love?

Many of the alienated will find a spiritual home
Members "fall in love again" - with their church and the United Church... of Christ Mission and ministry will abound!