Apple's iPod Hype and Youth Ministry

Apple release a new line of iPods this morning along with iTunes 8. I was really excited to see what they had in store for the Christmas season, but it was late afternoon before I had a chance to get online and check it out. My response to everything was pretty apathetic. The new iPods are pretty, but nothing that we have not seen before. The new iTunes is pretty cool, I’ll be using the Genius playlists I’m sure, but I’m not overly excited about it.

I’ve been thinking about how Apple has managed to create hype around every product they release- and how on days like today that works against them. Companies like Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony release new products all the time and I’ve never just had to get online to check out any of their new or updated products.

Which leads me to think about ministry. Hype about the next big ministry event will always let someone down. Relationships based on acceptance, genuine interest, caring, and respect never will.

The hype is so much easier- the relationship so much more rewarding.

Comments

[adam mclane]

I think this is a double sided coin. On the one hand... when your ministry is about events and showing up... hype is pretty much what you have to work with. I think you're absolutely correct that a ministry that isn't about relationships is going to be disappointing.

The back side of that coin is IF your ministry is all about events... this a good tool that God can use.

Hype is effective, particularly when the hype lives up to people expectations. The problem with Apple is that the last two releases didn't live up to the hype. iPhone 3G... at the end of the day... was a flop of a release because of technical issues. And now fans are left wondering, "will this suck too?"

In ministry, when that happens it's time to pull the plug on hype and go with something else.

[-Justin-]

Hi Adam, I really appreciate your thoughts on this. I'm sure your new position gives you a unique perspective on promoting and hyping events, which is a big part of what YS does- and is very good at. Every NYWC I've attended has surpassed my expectations.

Thanks for stopping by!

[Dan Browne]

There was a great ska band in the 90's called Five Iron Frenzy and they wrote this song "All the Hype" and I have to agree with them... our current culture is reflected in the words. If it's products or people it does not matter. Real relationships are what our teens need, sure a flashy event is great, that switchfoot concert was awesome but when you strip all the fluff away if you don't have relationships its just that... fluff.

[Mike Andrews]

Maybe the key then is to not overuse the hype. Sure, we need to promote. But, can we promote with a view toward relationship? How do we ensure relationship building is happening, even in the midst of events?