Comments on: Denny’s Big Breakfast Gamble and the Church

By: Jennie M.

Jennie M. — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:06:58 +0000

I was surfing, trying to find some strength today to get to my work and came upon Pastor Steve’s post about Denny’s and the earlier one about publicity. I just finished reading “The Last Templer”–I know, I know, but I like the STORY, knowing it’s FICTION–but one of the things the Cardinals say to Reilly (one of the main characters)in that book is that the idea of the Templers and Gnostic gospels and a “Jesus gospel” comes up every so many years and it just brings the church publicity… And you know the saying about publicity, there’s no bad publicity, right??? The point he was making was that the church needs to capitalize on that renewed interest, even if people were interested for the wrong reason… it’s interest and at that point, they’re in the parking lot and we just need to guide them into the Cafe or Sanctuary, right? Because my youngest is still in the preschool program run by my parent’s church, and my parents are active, I hear much about how their church is literally dying… they have more members die from old age than new ones come in and their numbers are dwindling big time… but it’s one of those situations where the church and session are not focused on “what can we do for others in our community, what needs can we meet?” but “what can the church do for me today?” or “what can the church do for South America today?, neither of which helps them to grow. So much of what Maxine did was to facilitate those “little” ministries that have just exploded, giving our church free publicity, getting our name out there as a Sanctuary in the storm of today’s life and it’s attracting people like a the magnets in an electron accelerator! We need to stay focused on ways we can attract free publicity and minister to our local community and those who need it…and maybe ask ourselves, what would Maxine have done, how would Maxine have just made this happen? I know I’ll look for an email from her every time I open my inbox for awhile!

By: KC

KC — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:25:02 +0000

The two denny’s near my house were packed. How was your vacation?

By: lori abrahams

lori abrahams — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:42:28 +0000

FYI- I went at 6 a.m. got seated immediately and ordered. I’m not a big fan of breakfast meat or pancakes, but I didn’t care. (i’m more of an eggs and toast kind of girl) I gave the bacon to my friends, had a couple of bites of pancake and likewise gave them up too. I must confess that I did eat the sausage, but was only able to eat it dipped in the syrup, lots of syrup. I thought the denny’s campaign was a stroke of genius and even though i hadn’t been in YEARS, i will probably go back now. lesson to your congregation, from my perspective – if you plan it, they will come. if too many come, run out the back door and buy more bisquick…. people will wait in line for a quality product, especially if it is free….

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:08:50 +0000

Great post, Steve. Something interesting for church committees and boards and pastors to think about and act upon.