Monday's Message: Reverend Eric Camden of 7th Heaven on Community

Who wouldn't take advice from the noble Reverend Eric Camden of 7th Heaven? Best. Show. Ever.

I've always loved about 40 minutes into the show when the music would change from a happy whistle-like tune to this sultry, forgiving violin hymn in the background. Mostly because I knew there was a good life lesson coming up. 

I put this quote in my phone a few months back when I re-discovered the show on TV (thanks to that nifty feature on the DVR where it picks out shows you might like. GOT IT!). 

Churches are usually pretty involved in building community, often serving behind the scenes. I think for me personally, it has helped shape my love for the community I live in. 

Ok, pretend it's 2007 on a Friday night and you are settling in to watch some TV, unprepared for the intense drama of...."Sevvvventh Heaven...dah dah dah dah dahhhh" (I could have sang the entire song for you...you're welcome).

"annndddd action!"

The episode begins with a church deacon pressuring Reverend Camden about the recent drop in church attendance and faults his depressing sermons. The drop is reflected in the year's budget (that is a whopping $16,000 behind its projections) and the deacon says "The deacons want me to pass on to you their suggestions on how to increase the buzz in the services, get young people back into the church and, hopefully, more funds back into the budget."

Here is the excerpt below. During a church service, the Reverend is asked to return to the pulpit, where he had left because he could not align himself with the direction the deacons were asking him to go, and he says...

00:43:25	I remember when I first came to this church, I was... young and idealistic, and I had the whole world in my sights.
00:43:36	And back then the only things I cared about were taking care of my family and trying to help the people in this congregation.
00:43:45	And as time went on, those things began to not quite be enough, 'cause I also had to take care of people in need, who weren't part of my family, and I had to do my best to help people in this community who were outside of this congregation.
00:44:01	And I thought that was working pretty well.
00:44:03	But now, it seems that there are some people here who care more about figures and attendance and statistics than about doing the right thing.
00:44:12	It shouldn't just be about how much money we have and how many people are sitting in the pews.
00:44:18	It should be about how much good we do in our communities, our neighborhoods, our homes.
00:44:23	Some people seem to have forgotten about what's important.
00:44:28	I hope I haven't.
00:44:30	I hope I never do.
00:44:32	I have loved every Sunday that I've stood before you.
00:44:38	I hope you've loved them, too, because no matter what some people try to tell me to do, I'm not going to change the way I've always done things.
00:44:47	Sometimes you have to make a stand.
00:44:49	This is my stand.
00:44:51	I've always done my best for this community.
00:44:52	I don't think it's time for me to start doing my second best just because it looks good on the bottom line.
00:44:57	I think my community deserves better.
00:45:01	You-- I think you deserve better.
00:45:02	I think we all deserve better.
00:45:10	Oh, uh, sorry.
00:45:12	Uh... one more thing.
00:45:14	(papers rustling) Yes, yes.
00:45:16	Today's service is brought to you by Meyers Automotive.
00:45:20	With both new and used cars, Meyers Automotive has a friendly and courteous staff ready to help you with all your car-buying needs.
00:45:28	So get down to Meyers Automotive for their big President's Day Bonanza.
00:45:38	Thank you.

So, in summary what can we learn from this...

1. As times change in the organizations we serve in our communities, one thing should be constant. We should always give our best and recognize that others are too before we are quick to give criticism. We should always strive to do the right thing, not what is going to look best for our bottom line, whether financial or for personal benefit. Sometimes we have to think outside of the box and find creative ways to raise funds, but use the mission and goals of the organization as a guide and don't steer off track.

2. A small piece of advice from a marketing professional... please don't offer to sponsor your church's sermon as part of your marketing plan... :)

Happy Monday!

Kelly