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By John T. Crestwell, Jr.
October 5, 2003
I. What's an elevator pitch?
We should be able to summarize our faith in 30 seconds or less
We should be able to share with others in a few moments what it means
to be a UU
We should be able to articulate our motto being a UU in a few words
WHY? What is the importance of having this "walking pitch"?
If we aren't sure about our faith, we will allow others to define
Unitarian Universalism for us.
If others define us they will misconstrue our message. They'll say,
"you are a cult and not a religion," etc They'll say "you believe in
anything & nothing at all". You've heard these things. This is the
result of not using our elevator pitch effectively.
Joyce Dowling had a lay service on how some are "saved" by finding
Unitarian Universalism. I understand that all too well. How do we
know that when we share, our words might just be what that person
needs to hear at that particular time? How do we know that our UU
grandstanding, if you will, might just be the comfort an aching soul
needs to soothe their spirit? How do we know that what we say could
very well be the thing that springs forth that great UU who could
change the world?
Someone may say this idea of having an elevator pitch is corporate
and not very religious. I disagree. Having mottos and 30 second
summaries of what we believe is important part of the human
experience of sharing. And it is also VERY American. We are
accustomed to learning about things quickly in America. We get the
cliff notes. Most don't have time to get details. People need to
hear a summary before they decide to delve any further.
Then some say this idea of "elevator pitches"is not a good idea. It
is as bad as some of the "in your face" evangelizing Christians do.
I think they are missing the point. I'm not saying be in your face.
I'm saying if that occasion arises where you are asked a question
about Unitarian Universalism, you can be clear about our faith and
confident in what you say. But I'm really saying BE THERE and don't
be shy when it's time to talk.
DAVID O. RANKIN reading
Rankin's journey was very similar to mine. I'm glad I found out
about us as he did but I would loved to have had a UU come up to me
and tell me about this religion. Like Rankin, how many are out
there, tired of creeds; silently rebelling from traditional
religion; frustrated and tired of "spoon-fed"theology; crying out to
be free. This was where Rankin was. This is where I was.
THERE ARE SO, SO MANY WHO NEED TO HEAR OUR ELEVATOR PITCH.
II. I've made the point as to the WHY-- in terms of why we should
have an elevator pitch. Now we should go into the HOW...
A. Okay, now, you're in the midst of pitching. That's PITCHING WITH
A "P". Our pitch should be open-ended and should spark additional
positive conversation. What we say should lead to more fruitful
discussion.
B. Also, quick note: It is important to remember that your
impression of UUism is just that, your experience and that is an
important thing to say to the person you are speaking with. What
better way to show how different we are in our worldviews. There is
a fine line you must find in showing our eclectic nature without
being too ambiguous in this brief encounter.
C. And please, don't try to squeeze our whole history into thirty
seconds. Like David O Rankin's message we heard this morning. This
is not an elevator pitch. It said too much. "Oh we're like the
Catholics, we're like the Baptists, Hindus, Buddhists, Confucianists,
Humanists, and all the other ISTS, we're like all of them". I can
hear someone say, "WHO IN THE HELL ARE THEY???" That is too much and
will not lead to positive discussion...
D. In your pitch, give them a small taste of our eclecticism without
giving 'em too much until they are ready to swim in our great big
sea.
E. Another NOT. If you are asked "What is UUism?". And you answer,
"Well, we're a religion of Heretics." That will not lead to any
positive discussion and will not help our image. As you know, we are
a bit different in our faith. And the world is hypnotized to
perceive religion as something that is ready-made. "Just sit, listen
and do what we think you need to do to understand life". Most are
not accustomed to religion that is fluid and free.
F. Another NOT. Don't say, "We're a religion of pagans." I've heard
that before. Well we cannot assume that most will know what paganism
is. Most assume that paganism is related to something that is
anti-God, or anti-Christianity, and pro-evil. Most don't understand
what true paganism is and so unless you plan to spend hours
educating them, I'd stay away from that one. Use simple language to
communicate our message effectively.
G. Lastly on the "NOTS". Don't spend your 30 seconds telling folk
what we're not or what we don't believe, tell them what we are and
what we do believe
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III. HOW BOUT SOME GOOD ONES I'VE HEARD, just a few, cause I want to
hear yours...
A. "We're a religion that believes in a different Trinity: love,
truth and justice for all human beings." This will lead to further
POSITIVE discussion.
B. Sharon's - "We don't believe any religion has a monopoly on the
truth and we are a safe place for you to explore your truth" (She
must've stole that one it sounds too good!)
C. Here's mine, it's not as good as Sharon's. "Well, leave your
theology at home and come to my church where we come together, we
agree to live by seven democratic principles that speak to the
inherent worth and dignity of every person."
D. LAST ONE. As a U-U, I believe in freedom of religious expression.
My church is a place where I can go be who I am, with all of my
questions and contradictions. We love debating at my church and we
value everyone's opinion.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE ABOUT OUR FAITH IN A
FEW WORDS! I WANT TO HEAR YOURS!!
Answers from the congregation.
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