Some churches are now giving incentives for going to chuch. These free gas card giveaways and raffles are just the latest factors pushing the ongoing debate on when marketing church crosses the line.

Michael Cromartie, Vice President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in DC and former PF employee, raises a good point: "There are a lot of worse things that people can be doing in life than getting people to come to church."

What do you think? As MSNBC says, is it "godly or gimmick"?

Or then again, maybe your bigger question, is where can I find a church that will buy down my gas? If so, I've got the answer . . .

Move to New Jersey.

(Image © Upright Alice)

Comments

[Dan Gill]

I don't want to comment on the practice, but now I have that rotten old bus song in my head. Thank you very much!

[Gina Dalfonzo]

You and me both, Dan.

[Chris Clukey]

I would only judge this practice one one thing: Has the church already spent money to comply with Matthew 25:31-46 and the Great Commission? If so, bring on the gas cards. If not, they have their priorities messed up.

[becky]

There are a lot worse things than getting people to go to church, but...shouldn't we be mindful not to reduce our evangelism efforts to gimmicks? Still, if I ever hear a testimony where someone came to Christ because a church filled their gas tank, I guess I'll rejoice just the same!