Selling Jesus: What's Wrong with Marketing the Church – Douglas D. Webster

In Selling Jesus, Douglas D. Webster critically examines the trend of applying commercial marketing strategies to church outreach and evangelism. Drawing a clear distinction between consumer products and the sacred message of the gospel, Webster argues that reducing Jesus to a marketable commodity diminishes the depth and authenticity of Christian faith. He critiques the "user-friendly" church model that prioritizes consumer satisfaction over spiritual depth, warning against the dangers of treating seekers merely as consumers with "felt needs." Rather than simply condemning these practices, Webster offers constructive alternatives, advocating for a return to biblically grounded, authentic ministry that emphasizes discipleship, truth, and the transformative power of the gospel. This book serves as a timely call for churches to reconsider their approach to evangelism and to focus on faithful, gospel-centered outreach.