Pastor's Reflection 2024-06-27

Hukilau in Japantown is one of my favorite restaurants.  If you have ever been to Hukilau, you will know that they do not hand out menus, unless you ask for one.  Customers are supposed to use the QR code posted on each table to pull up their menu.  I suppose they did this to improve their service for customers.  I also suppose that not being handed a menu upon entering the restaurant, was a big change for their customers.  I heard that a number of years ago the Hukilau Island Grill in Sacramento (no relations) changed up things entirely.  The converted from island food to a fast-service Italian place and changed their name too. They did this because there was more of a market for Italian food in that area.
Restaurants are known for their ability to change, to adapt, to be flexible because their profit margin is often fairly small.  Restaurants that have been successful have, by and large, also shifted their advertising strategies to keep up with changing times, primarily by leveraging social media platforms. They've moved from traditional print ads to engaging with customers through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, showcasing their dishes through photos and videos. They use online reviews and targeted ads to reach broader audiences, ensuring they stay relevant and attract younger, tech-savvy customers. Times change, menus change, processes change, advertising methods change.
In an ever-evolving world, churches must also continuously change and adapt to remain relevant and engaging, particularly to younger generations and young families. In the process of rebranding that Wesley has been going through, the goal was to attract and retain a diverse and vibrant people to the congregation going into the future.
Rebranding involves more than just updating a logo or redesigning a website; it's a comprehensive approach to refreshing the church's identity and messaging. Part of the process involved a discussion about the needs and values of our target audience. Young families and millennials often seek communities that reflect their lifestyles, values, and technological savviness. By rebranding, we hope to realign our look and activities to better resonate with these groups.
For example, in today's digital age, a strong online presence is essential, so we’ve worked hard to increase our social media presence. This has included an engaging, user-friendly website, active social media, and the use of multimedia content online, like more videos. These platforms provide a way to reach and connect with younger audiences who spend much of their time online. A well-executed digital strategy can make the church's message more accessible and appealing.
Additionally, rebranding can involve rethinking church programs and services to be more inclusive and engaging. We’ve tried to tweak our worship to make it a bit more contemporary.  We’ve engaged in more community wide projects like the Curry Cook Off, Bless the Pets and have a larger presence at Nikkei Matsuri.  We’ve tried to attract more families with family-friendly events, like our month Fellowship lunches.
Rebranding also means doing things to create a welcoming environment at the church where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals feel valued and included. To this end, two years ago we started to hold a Transgender Awareness Sunday and we continue to celebrate our Annual Reconciling Sunday. This approach not only attracts new members, but I believe it also strengthens the sense of community within the church.
The importance of rebranding lies in its ability to breathe new life into the church, making it a place where everyone can find spiritual growth, community, and support. By continually evolving, changing and adapting, Wesley Church can remain relevant and impactful, ensuring our message of faith reaches future generations.
Note: the Rebranding Town Hall was scheduled for June 30, but we have postponed it until mid-October.