Tuesday, March 02, 2021
Ted Cruz, Optics, and Church Leaders
How things look matters. Just ask Ted Cruz. The Texas Senator went to Mexico in the middle of the worst Blizzard in Texas in over 100 years. The problem was not that he could do much to help anyone. It just looked like he didn't care. Constituents freezing, no power, no water in many places. And he takes a vacation. Or so it appeared.
Optics matter.
Optics matter in church too.
So here are a few suggestions for church leaders.
Show up. I really appreciate Youth ministers and workers who have students in their group from several high schools. Most of them have a favorite school but they work hard to make an appearance at every school -- and at a variety of activities (games from all sports, plays, concerts, etc). Optics matter.
Visit the hospital. Things are opening up and this is possible again.
Show up at the funerals. Families notice when you do. And when you don't. It matters.
Master the art of the drive-by. If you are in a large, active church you cannot be everywhere or show up at everything. But do what you can. Enough that the word gets around. And it will.
Showing up says "I care." And I know that some of it is only optics. I am always skeptical of political photo ops. But for most church leaders, they do care. Showing up is one way to show it.
Don't play favorites. Every church leader has their favorites. I do. People know and understand that.
But do not show up just for the big givers or the influential people. Everybody shows up for them. Show up for those on the margins.
Friends and family notice when the preacher or elder shows up. It gives your people opportunities to talk about why Jesus and church matters.
Showing up -- a bunch -- is hard and time-consuming. But optics matter.
Just something to keep in mind.
