The Joy of the Journey: Givers and Takers
In recent years, the concept of the consumer church has gained significant attention within Christian circles. This phenomenon refers to a mindset among churchgoers where individuals approach their faith and church involvement with a consumer mentality, seeking to have their needs met and preferences catered to rather than actively participating in the life and mission of the church. On the flip side, the contributing church embodies a spirit of sacrificial giving and service, where members are deeply engaged in the work of the church placing the needs of others above their own. In this article, we will explore some of the characteristics of the consumer church, explore its impact on the contributing church, and discuss ways to foster a culture of generosity and service within the church community.
The consumer church is marked by a self-centered approach to faith, where individuals prioritize their own comfort and preferences. Church shopping has become a common practice, with many individuals hopping from one congregation to another in search of a church that meets their criteria in terms of preaching style, music, and programs. Shopping for a church like one would for a product leads to shallow relationships and a lack of commitment to the community of believers. Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with searching for the church the God wants an individual to belong to but once we find that church, we must realize becoming a part of the mission of Christ through the church is our goal. There are many individuals who spend their entire lives searching for that “perfect” church, I want to let you in our secret… It does not exist! If the church is made up of people, there will be flaws. There was only one perfect person that ever walked this earth: Jesus!
Furthermore, the consumer church often prioritizes personal growth and self-improvement over sacrificial service and mission. Members may attend church services and events primarily to receive inspiration and spiritual nourishment, without a committing to be a part of the church’s mission to reach souls for Christ. This lack of engagement and commitment hinders the church’s ability to fulfill its calling.
The mission of Jesus that was passed on to the church through His commandment to “go”. Matthew 28 is the vision and the purpose of the contributing church. It is characterized by a spirit of generosity, service, and sacrificial giving. Members of the contributing church are deeply invested in the life of the church and are committed to using their time, talents, and resources to further the kingdom of God. They prioritize building authentic relationships, caring for those in need, and actively participating in the work of the church.
The consumer church can have a detrimental impact on the contributing church in several ways. When a congregation approaches church involvement with a consumer mentality, it can create an atmosphere of entitlement and consumerism that hinders the church’s ability to thrive and fulfill its mission. This can lead to burnout among church leaders and volunteers who bear the burden of maintaining programs and ministries without the necessary support and engagement from the congregation.
To counteract the negative effects of the consumer church, church leaders and members must actively cultivate a culture of generosity, service, and sacrificial giving within the church community. This includes teaching on the importance of selflessness, stewardship, and community engagement, as well as providing opportunities for members to get involved in meaningful ways.
Encouraging members to move from being consumers to contributors can help revitalize the church and unleash its full potential to impact the world for Christ. By fostering a culture of generosity and service, the church can be a powerful force for good in the community, demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ to a world in need. The goal of the church is to reach souls and to see the kingdom of God expand. This can only happen when we fully embrace a spirit of contributing to that work and mission.
In conclusion, the consumer church represents a pervasive mindset within many churches today, where individuals prioritize their own needs and preferences over sacrificial service and mission. This mentality can have detrimental effects on the contributing church, hindering its ability to thrive and fulfill its calling to be the body of Christ in the world. Let us strive to be contributors, not consumers, in the body of Christ, working together to advance the kingdom of God and share the love of Christ with the world.
