Billy Graham preached throught the 40's, 50's, 60's,70's, 80's, 90's and into 2000 and never seemed to need a new lure---and he always used the same bait. And he led thousands of people to Christ. What he was doing in the 70's he did until the end (I'm not sure if he's still preaching now or not) without wavering.
I think there is probably more agreement between us than it may appear. I think we may be dealing with slightly different issues and are probably in agreement on both.
Dr. Graham may illustrate something. It is true that his gospel didn't change. However, in the 1950's he was more prone to have a church choir and "His Eyes is Upon The Sparrow" be the main event. Today, you will see
The Newsboys and
The Tommy Coomes Praise Band. If you look at the crusade posters, it no longer features this dynamic preacher holding up a Bible but things that would be more appealing to a contemporary audience. Even the name of the events move from "Crusade" (which now has negative connotations to some) to "Festivals" and "Celebrations". The television broadcasts moved from just filming the crusade to a colorful "video-magazine" format with interviews, music videos, etc. The gospel never changed but the packaging was quite updated.
On the other hand, you do make a very valid point. While I appreciate churches that want to reach the lost, I've always had some level of concern of the seeker-sensitive church model that tends to make packaging everything. For example, "we can't preach expository through the word of God. We must choose themes that baby-boomers can relate to such as 'how Jesus can help with stress' etc." We are seeing signs today of this backfiring as the younger generation is rejecting the "felt-need" approach and are seeking something that is more authentic and real in the emerging church.
So, you are absolutely right. We can certainly spend too much time on the adornment for the sake of "marketing". Or pursue marketing as an end in itself as if it is more powerful than the gospel itself.
The problem I am dealing with is that we Christians should see God as sovereign over all aspects of life and we should strive towards being the best writers, artists, and communicators we can be with the gifts and resources God has given us. In other words, communicate the gospel in the most skillful way. I don't think most tracts reflect this.
