Church Consumerism

When you ask someone why they go to a certain church, almost always the answer is somehow related to how the church is benefitting them. “The pastor’s sermons really fill me up.” “I really enjoy the music and the band.” “If I don’t go to this church, I don’t get my fill of God for the week.” I have heard these answers over and over again and they are weak. Even people that are going to their church simply for relational purposes are missing out on what church is supposed to be. Yes, your church should rejuvenate you, it should fill you up, you should enjoy relationship with other believers, you should enjoy singing praises to God. But God intends church to be so much more than just music, speaking, and a rejuvenating experience.

Throughout the New Testament, Paul and Peter over and over again emphasize the importance and necessity of serving the church and serving other people. God has gifted all of his followers with unique abilities, gifts, experiences, talents, and passions. Each unique person is biblically required to use these to build up the church and advance the kingdom. If you are limiting your church experience to enjoying the sermon, the music, and the fellowship, you are missing out on the full beauty of God’s established church. Those are good things, but they should be perks, not the focus. Church is not about you. It is not about what you enjoy or how talented the musicians are. It is not about just making friends or hearing a gifted orator speak truth well. Church is about serving and worshipping in community so that God might be glorified and his kingdom increased.

So many people today choose which church they go to based on themselves, their preferences, and what they enjoy the most. Too many choose which church they go to based on the giftedness of the speaker. Too many choose which church they go to based on how good the music is and if they sing the songs they like. Stop making church about you and what you like and start making your church experience about serving, worshipping, and glorifying God in community. Look for ways to serve and to share life with others who are serving with you. Look for meaningful God centered relationships whose focus is to glorify God. Look for people who are genuinely worshipping God, and not the pastor, the music, or each other. Instead of comparing and contrasting churches like you would cars you want to buy, let God guide you to the body of believers that he has prepared for you. Serve, worship, and glorify God in the community that God has designed for you.