BRAND AMBASSADORS
BRAND AMBASSADOR
As a marketing teacher, my pet peeve about the world of marketing is its use of "brand ambassador" formerly simply called an endorser. It smacks of more-than-necessary-self-importance.
Growing up, there was only one type of ambassador and that is the one who represents a country abroad. And when I became born again, I learned how a Christian is an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). Pastors and teachers would then use the foreign dignitary as an analogy saying how "we represent Christ wherever we go."
I feel the marketing industry has cheapened the term which I regard with such respect. I doubt that we think of the brands our celebrities and personalities endorse when we see them, especially those who are ambassadors of a gazillion brands.
"I'm their brand ambassador," said a good friend to me. A college in the States had enlisted her.
I asked, "What do they expect you to do?" I was imagining billboards and appearances. She said they just want her to talk about their school when she comes across teenagers.
I haven't changed my mind about the term just because my friend is one now. It still annoys me but it gave me a different layer of appreciation on how it is to be Christ's ambassador.
As mentioned, pastors and teachers usually say that to be ambassadors of Christ is to represent Him wherever we go. I still believe that to be true but to limit it to this definition is making us more like Bb. Pilipinas-Universe or Miss World Philippines.
We are to be brand ambassadors like how the school expects my friend to be. We are not relegated to a spiritual sash but we are to talk about Christ with others at home, in the workplace, in school, etc. There must be engagement that will lead to a favorable decision. Like in the case of my friend, she will be closer to success if the teenager considers the school and it's a goal if it leads to enrollment.
As Christ's brand ambassadors, our goal is to make people change their mind about their standing before God, that they would repent, accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and consequently become another brand ambassador.
BRAND AMBASSADOR
As a marketing teacher, my pet peeve about the world of marketing is its use of "brand ambassador" formerly simply called an endorser. It smacks of more-than-necessary-self-importance.
Growing up, there was only one type of ambassador and that is the one who represents a country abroad. And when I became born again, I learned how a Christian is an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). Pastors and teachers would then use the foreign dignitary as an analogy saying how "we represent Christ wherever we go."
I feel the marketing industry has cheapened the term which I regard with such respect. I doubt that we think of the brands our celebrities and personalities endorse when we see them, especially those who are ambassadors of a gazillion brands.
"I'm their brand ambassador," said a good friend to me. A college in the States had enlisted her.
I asked, "What do they expect you to do?" I was imagining billboards and appearances. She said they just want her to talk about their school when she comes across teenagers.
I haven't changed my mind about the term just because my friend is one now. It still annoys me but it gave me a different layer of appreciation on how it is to be Christ's ambassador.
As mentioned, pastors and teachers usually say that to be ambassadors of Christ is to represent Him wherever we go. I still believe that to be true but to limit it to this definition is making us more like Bb. Pilipinas-Universe or Miss World Philippines.
We are to be brand ambassadors like how the school expects my friend to be. We are not relegated to a spiritual sash but we are to talk about Christ with others at home, in the workplace, in school, etc. There must be engagement that will lead to a favorable decision. Like in the case of my friend, she will be closer to success if the teenager considers the school and it's a goal if it leads to enrollment.
As Christ's brand ambassadors, our goal is to make people change their mind about their standing before God, that they would repent, accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and consequently become another brand ambassador.