No Experience Necessary
A Leadership Interview
July 1, 2001
When Jim Gilmore took 75 pastors on a tour of Las Vegas, he pointed them beyond the gambling, showgirls, and Siegfried and Roy. They saw Vegas as "an experience." Gilmore introduced them to the strategies used to wow visitors.
It's all part of what Gilmore and fellow economist and business partner Joe Pine call The Experience Economy. Their book by that title (published by Harvard Business School Press) is capturing the attention and imagination of the marketplace.
Well, Vegas is one thing, but what about where we live? How does the Experience Economy affect churches in ordinary places? We asked Gilmore to wander with us through downtown Chicago and comment on the "experience-seeking culture."
Leadership editors Marshall Shelley, Kevin Miller, and Eric Reed walked with Gilmore through streets and shops, and asked Gilmore, a devout Christian, how all this informs our approach to worship and evangelism. What we found—and his application of it all—really surprised us.
We met Gilmore in the lobby of the House of Blues Hotel, his favorite place to stay in Chicago. He immediately showed us a card.
Jim Gilmore: This was in the nightstand beside my bed. It's their version of the Gideon Bible, a card that says, "Call the front desk to order the religious reading material of your choice." And you can choose from the Bible, the Koran, the writings of Confucius, Buddha, the Dalai Lama, or a book of voodoo spells.
KM: So why do you stay here?
Gilmore: This hotel is a good example of what's happening in our society. The melting pot of values in America is represented here in the lobby, brought together in a way that creates a sense that one has experienced something unique. People want to take a bit of it home to remember their stay, ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
