The Consumer Church: Are We Buying Faith, Not Living It?

 

The Consumer Church: Are We Buying Faith, Not Living It?

We live in a consumer-driven world. It's woven into the fabric of our culture, shaping how we approach everything, even our faith. In North America, this "consumer mindset" has infiltrated the church, often without us even realizing it.

The "Come and Hear" Approach:

Think about it. We're bombarded with invitations: "Invite your friends next week," "Easter and Christmas are perfect for first-timers!" Pastors are strategizing, saying things like, "We need to give them what they want so we can give them what they need," or "Anything short of sin, we'll risk to bring people closer to Jesus."

This echoes a marketing approach, as seen in books like "Connect: How To Grow Your Church In 28-Days Guaranteed." The focus shifts to attracting people through "reach events" – chili cook-offs, carnivals, even Disney movie nights. While well-intentioned, these tactics often promote a passive, consumer-driven experience.

The Problem with Consumption:

Merriam-Webster defines a consumer as "one that utilizes economic goods." This contrasts sharply with the New Testament's call to action. Jesus didn't say, "Come and listen." He said, "Go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:18-20) and "Go and tell" (Mark 5). His "come" was a call to Himself, not a passive invitation to a service.

The Knowledge Trap:

One root of this consumerism is the overemphasis on knowledge. Church job descriptions often demand advanced degrees, implying that ministry is reserved for the academically qualified. We're taught, sometimes subconsciously, that we need more knowledge before we can truly serve.

This leads to a cycle of endless conferences and training, costing churches thousands of dollars annually. While learning is important, the pursuit of "enough knowledge" becomes a never-ending quest. As Robby Dawkins reminds us in "Do What Jesus Did," "God isn’t necessarily looking for qualified people; He’s looking for available people whom He can use."

Moving Beyond Consumption:

The truth is, there will always be more to learn (Proverbs 1:5; Romans 11:33; Colossians 2:2-3; 2 Peter 3:18). We need to shift from a "come and hear" mentality to a "go and make" lifestyle.

Here are some questions to consider:

  • Are we prioritizing attracting crowds over equipping disciples?
  • Are we focusing on giving people what they want, or what they truly need?
  • Are we valuing availability and obedience over academic qualifications?
  • Are we creating environments where people are empowered to serve, not just consume?

The church isn't a product to be sold; it's a movement to be lived. Let's move beyond being consumers of faith and become active participants in God's mission. Let's trade passive attendance for active engagement and embrace the call to "go and make" disciples.

Learn more at www.theexchangemin.com

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