Is your content like the church organ?
Ohio, 1990-something.
After generations of service, the pipe organ at First Baptist church finally broke down. “How much will it cost to fix?” said the pastor. “Oh—” the technician said, “it’s beyond repair.” The pastor nodded. “How much to replace it then?” “An instrument like this—” the technician wiped his hands, “maybe eighty thousand?”
The church appointed a committee to raise funds. They called each member of the congregation, soliciting donations. After hundreds of calls, they raised fifty thousand dollars. Still short.
The committee hired a writer to send out some mails. It brought in over FORTY thousand dollars. Here's the mail content:
Dear [Church Member],
Nothing gives like a church organ.
It gives joy at weddings; strength at funerals; family greetings at baptisms.
It gives wings to worship; power to praise; humility to Thanksgiving.
It gives rest to the weary; welcome to strangers; binding ties to friends.
It gives to congregations of sons who follow fathers and then gives way to sons and sons again.
It finally gives itself.
For over five generations the present church organ at First Baptist has given, freely, generously, bounteously without stint. Think of an organ’s gifts, as you have received them; as your children will in days to come.
Then give to a church organ, like a church organ… freely, generously, bounteously…
without stint,
[Minister's Signature]
Next time we think of content, let us think of how the church organ gives.
Content should give, not gate. Content should be for free, not for friction. Content should teach, not track.
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