Cord Blomquist

Don’t Bury the Lead

A new meetup group started with this as their intro text:

The DC Metro Innovation Project is bringing together business people and entrepreneurs to teach on entrepreneurial topics, and to provide an environment for collaboration and co-working with like-minded individuals. Our goal is to expand God’s Kingdom through the creation of economic prosperity by inspiring, equipping, and cultivating productive entrepreneurial activity while incorporating Biblical messages and values. Come join the DC Metro Innovation Project and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

This intro text is bad because it buries the lead, which is that the group is defined by members sharing the Christian faith. I’ve noticed that this is common with many religious organizations, specifically those that are people of a common faith engaged in an activity that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with that faith. Examples of this are business groups, running clubs, hiking clubs, or book clubs.

I don’t understand why this occurs. Why obfuscate the fact that this group is a Christian group? Non-Christians most likely won’t want to attend, so the Christian affiliation shouldn’t be hidden from them.  At the same time, Christians who are also interested in entrepreneurship would want to know about the Christian affiliation right away.

Be straightforward and proud about what you do and who you are no matter what you’re doing.  Whether it’s pitching a business, starting an association, recruiting for club, or just meeting new people individually. Being upfront saves everyone time and makes those folks you’re really trying to reach feel that you’re proud and confident in who you are and what you do. Burying the lead doesn’t help anyone involved.