Methodists take message to TV

Instead of new athletic shoes or fast food, the next ad you see on TV might be for a church. United Methodist Bishop Gregory Palmer explains cable television systems in seven Iowa cities are running the ad campaign titled “Igniting ministry.” He says it’s an aggressive campaign to reach out to people to think about what’s important in their lives, and also prepare local congregations to reach out. The bishop says the ads were created by the church’s national communications office.The theme is “Open Hearts and Open Minds.” Bishop Palmer says local church members are spreading the word so they can get ready for any reaction to the ad campaign.The ads run through Saturday (9/15) in Des Moines, Mason City, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Ottumwa, Waterloo and Davenport. A video explaining the ad campaign for local church officials points out market research found a big part of the potential new members who might be a target of outreach efforts…are single parents.