I’ve Got Soul Baby

My family takes a vacation to the beach every summer. We enjoy the beach and it gives me a chance to surf, which does not happen often in this busy part of life. We love Seaside Oregon, the promenade and “The Cove”. “The Cove” is a fantastic surf spot, offering something for everyone. Recently it was just me and the harbor porpoises. No one else. A beautiful moment.

My family takes a vacation to the beach every summer. We enjoy the beach and it gives me a chance to surf, which does not happen often in this busy part of life. We love Seaside Oregon, the promenade and “The Cove”. “The Cove” is a fantastic surf spot, offering something for everyone. Recently it was just me and the harbor porpoises. No one else. A beautiful moment.

One of the most endearing parts of the surf culture to me is the idea of “soul”. People have different definitions for “soul”. I define it is as an “authentic passion for surfing that does not take itself too seriously.” I do not know if you can really define “soul” or the culture that supports it. But you know it when you see it.

Whenever I am in a costal town I look for the surf shop that represents that community. In Seaside, I stumbled upon Cleanlines. Cleanlines has been in Seaside for 25 years. It is not exactly a huge resort community. I was impressed that Cleanlines had been in the surf business in Oregon for 25 years. What was more impressive, was the “soul” of the shop. It was filled with real surfers, people who had made a life of this sport. They were helpful, funny, and authentic.

And yes, being the geek that I am, it made me think of church websites. I believe that the problem with most sites is not the implementation, nor the choice of technology, and not even the design, but the lack of “soul”.

Posting some events and adding a picture or two will not communicate what the “soul” of your community is. To communicate “soul” you need to talk about Jesus and how he is impacting the lives of the people in your congregation. Tell stories, laugh, make fun of yourself, and try to be real.

Because the building where you worship is full of sinners. And those sinners have been together all these years because of Christ. It is amazing that you guys have lasted this long. People will want to hear about that. Don’t worry about being “slick” or getting it right for now. Worry about being real. Your audience wants to see your “soul”.