Tuesday, October 23, 2007
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CONSUMER CHRISTIANITY"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:15
The modern generation, we are told, looks at church through consumer eyes. They are spiritual shoppers, going from one congregation to another, inspecting the "merchandise" for quality, comparing elements of convenience, service and cost. Churches that wish to grow (or even to survive) are expected to be customer-oriented, ever-happy providers dispensing whatever satisfies the public and makes the shoppers content.
It is certainly biblical and desirable to care about people and to serve others joyfully in the name of Christ. It is also wise to try to learn the language of those with whom we wish to speak. But the whole concept described above, I suggest, tragically bypasses the gospel and distorts the New Testament picture of church as God intends it. Consumer Christianity caters to selfishness and, by rewarding it, fosters more of the same. It ignores Jesus' call to repentance, dispenses with commitment and thwarts discipleship. It forgets the primary agenda of the church, which is announcing the gospel and making imitators of Christ. Jesus does not invite us to buy a ticket and demand good service. He calls us to deny self, to put others ahead of self, to serve rather than to be served.
The church is not benefited, long-term, by dumbing-down its teaching, trashing its heritage of hymns and freewheeling its prayers -- all in hopes of attracting someone who might otherwise encounter something he or she does not understand. Growth that counts, and endures, comes when hearts are convicted of sin, turn to Christ for forgiveness, and answer God's call to serious discipleship within the loving faith-family of mutual responsibility, mutual service and mutual support.
So long as we imagine that the church's job is making people happy, that its mission is accomplished primarily on the premises, or that its work can be carried out by paid ministry and staff, we are doomed to unending frustration, worn-out workers and complaining customers. The solution is ancient and costly: "Repent and believe the gospel." "Take up your cross and follow Me." "Each one should use whatever spiritual gift he has received to serve others . . . with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." As we do that, God in his sovereignty will see to needed growth.
Heavenly Father
Help me to serve you with all the gifts you have given me. Help me to work through my church – not seeking what they can give me but give to others – both within and without. In Jesus' Name, Amen
Help me to serve you with all the gifts you have given me. Help me to work through my church – not seeking what they can give me but give to others – both within and without. In Jesus' Name, Amen
Posted by Tim Hetzner at Monday, October 22. 2007 
Categories: Christian, Daily Devotion, Christianity, Lutheran
Categories: Christian, Daily Devotion, Christianity, Lutheran
I agree in principle but wonder if the writer has visited any of these churches to which he is refering? I attend Willow Creeck Church which many people lump into this category. I have never heard the gospel message and a call to discipleship more clearly stated in any of the other denominations of which I have been a part. Those include, The Presbyterian, Reformed, Lutheran and United church of Christ. I don't church hop, we have moved alot. It is not the method, it is the message. At Willow, Christ is central, the need for repentance and forgiveness preached, the Word is taught and valued as the final authority of God,and people are challenged to take the grace that they have been given and share it with others. Too often, assumptions are made that presenting in a culturally relevant manner means watered down. That couldn't be further from the truth in most cases. Maybe I am reading something into this devotion that isn't there. I am usually very blessed by your devtions and am thankful for them. I often forward them on to my sons and husband. Thank you for all of those that have taught and blessed us. Jackie
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Jackie
Thank you for your note on today’s devotion.
You question if the author – which is me, has visited any of those churches I am referring to – YES I have.
I, by the way have also been to Willow Creek. I do agree – they have a solid message. Others can learn from it. I have also been to some churches that I am not sure I would even call them “Christian” since there was little evidence of it from attending a Worship Service.
It is not the Method, it is the message – I couldn’t agree more!
I have attached an article that I read this week – it might help you understand where I am coming from.
[ http://seegers.lccharities.org/WAU-AJC/News/Critical Issues Facing Todays Churches pt 1.pdf ]
Blessings and thanks again for your comments
Tim
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Tim,
This is by far the best devotion you have written! It’s right on the mark. Keep up the good work. WEK
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Tim,
Thanks so much for the stunning devotion this morning. Hoooooooray! Lord, have mercy! Oh, that the truth of the scriptures might be enough for hungry souls once again.
In Christ’s love,
Craig
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Correction: Today's devotion titled "Consumer Christianity" was written and copyrighted by Edward Fudge and was reprinted with permission from graceEmail. We failed to give proper credit and apologize for the mistake.
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