Monday, June 12, 2006
Consumer Christianity
What is it that people want from a "church" (local congregation of believers)? People are often shuffling from one to another. What are they looking for? I am disturbed by some of my observations -- It seems as though "excitement", trends, and "popularity" are high on the priority list of church shoppers. It seems to me as though less consideration is given to doctrine (what is being taught), vision, or the ethics of the leadership (how money is managed, character issues, etc.). Granted, no one is perfect and I may just be being judgmental myself, but I always put a high emphasis on ethics and belief. But it seems as though many people care little about these two issues and are more interested in excitement and popularity. Am I wrong? What do you think? Help me out.
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2 comments:
I don't like to make a statement as broad as to say "people are looking for this one thing and that's what matters." I think people are looking for an experience with God. I think people are looking community. Love, acceptance and forgiveness. Sound doctrine. A real God. Those things are really shown throughout the week moreso than in a service.
But when I look at our culture, I'm not suprised that an entertaining service would attract many people. Our whole culture is like that. I don't know if a lot of people care as much about the doctrinal details of a church as long as they use the Bible and have fun. And knowing the percentage of people that tithe, I'm not sure most people worry about where the $ goes.
Is it either/or? I don't think so. An entertaining church can have all the right motives. And a church that stresses doctine more that style can still get caught up in itself.
The perfect church: who God calls you to worship and grow with.
Points well made -- there is no perfect church. I also much admit that I enjoy entertainment! I think keeping a balance of excellence, creative expression, right motives and sincere worship must all be held together.
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