From the NYTimes: "The new messages — from Willow Creek and other nondenominational churches to mainstream denominations like the Episcopal and the United Methodist churches — tend to focus on connectedness, theology and shared values."
"According to academics, including Robert B. Whitesel, who teaches at Indiana Wesleyan University, that change represents a shift from some past marketing efforts, which sought to make church more fun and inviting to baby boomers.
That trend brought coffee bars to many churches and a proliferation of Christian rock bands in church. Services included little Scripture reading or hymn singing, and, in some churches, took the shape of self-help workshops, particularly in nondenominational churches seeking to be more relevant to younger people.
To spread the word of increased intimacy and a more serious focus on spirituality, some religious groups are now spending a lot on marketing."
To read the rest:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/22/business/yourmoney/22faith.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin