By: Vince Antonucci

Vince Antonucci is the planter of Verve in Las Vegas. The host of the immersive seminar Vault. The author of two books, I Became a Christian and All I Got was this Lousy T-shirt and Guerilla Lovers. He blogs at www.vinceantonucci.com.

When I teach church planting seminars or coach planters I sometimes talk about intentionally choosing your influences.

Obviously if the Bible speaks on a topic, we should follow the Bible. But what about when it doesn’t? I think one of the (many) reasons churches reach church goers (rather than people who don’t like church) is because they look to other churches for their influences. We’ve tried to intentionally find non-church influences for non-theological issues. Here are some examples of influences you can use:

• How should you do your church lobby? Don’t look at another church, look at Starbucks.
• You may want to check out Disney for how they do “skits” – especially noticing how they often have an audience member volunteer in a role. It breaks down the barrier between the “crowd” and the stage, and makes it more fun for everyone.
• We have followed Conan O’Brien’s lead on having some recurring “characters.”
• Style of music? Listen to what’s hot on the radio not in Australian churches.
• Children’s Ministry? Why do kids love to go to Chuck E. Cheese?
• For tips on speaking style? Watch some professional comedians.
• Color scheme? Graphic design? What websites and magazines do the people you’re trying to reach read?