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We have become an entitled church in America, and it is causing us to miss out on what God wants to do through us. In building an attraction model of evangelism, we have created a consumer faith. Churches are breaking their necks to make sure everyone has what they want so that in turn they will come to church and participate. We have softened the message, made discipleship into just showing up, and become subject to the will of the people over the will of God.
Boy this makes me sound like a hard-shell hellfire and brimstone preacher, huh? I am certainly not advocating for scary church, but I think we do have to come back to our true mission and call. I have no problem with multiple services, coffee shops in the lobby, and having fun at church. My problem comes when we begin to let all the attraction dictate the theology.
I want you to come to my church. I hope with all my heart you find something you like. However, what you will hear preached and taught is that we exist for God and not the other way around. I will restate that: We exist for God!
Too many of our discussions are about what music we like, what service we prefer, which preacher we like the best, and whether we will even show up today based on better options. All these very common things are all about us.
We should be asking, what does God want of me? Where can I best serve God in my church? How can I strengthen the ministries of my church with my gifts and talents? Am I inviting people to know God, or am I leaving that up to the staff?
A consumption based church mentality is the reason that regular church attendance is considered to be two Sundays a month and shrinking in our country. We have tried to compete with the world on its terms, and we have lost.
The good news is that we have the best thing in the world to offer people. Draw them in any way you see fit but let’s not be shy about telling them the joys of laying down our lives for our Savior. It is radical, but I think people are ready for something a little radical. Let’s get back to making it all about Him!