Religious-mart ©

As I was reading an article on CNN yesterday titled “Americans not loosing their religion, but changing it often” I was overwhelmingly shocked at how much of a consumerism society we have become, and how this has been transferred to the church. I hear it all the time – we moved to this church because they had this, or we moved from this church because they didn’t have that – and churches have begin “marketing” towards this. It is almost eerie similar to conversation held over choosing a restaurant – “well they this is good, but this is bad, so we’ll go here.” True growth will never occur in a church that markets its community as a business would – True growth comes from God alone through the preaching of His Word. I do believe in meeting needs of people, I also believe in being relevant to the culture around us, however when your church is known for its coffee bar, cool music, or dress style before the Gospel than there is a problem.

“You're seeing the free market at work, If people are dissatisfied, they will leave. And if they see something they like better, they will join it." This quote CNN is dead on – secular people are looking in and they see the church as nothing but a market of people who need faith. So what do we do as God’s people? Do we shove off all things of the world and become secluded having no worldly things? Do we quit having programs for people to participate in? Do we only do music that is attractive to one group of people? No. So what do we do?

We place the emphasis on God. We become all things to all people, for the purpose for the Gospel, not for the purpose of church growth. When someone asks about our church, when we go visiting, or when we make flyers our selling points should not be our programs, our music, or our building – it should be you are a sinner, God offers salvation – He is Holy – We worship Him alone. True growth comes from God alone. When a church becomes too popular we need to check and make sure we are still preaching the Gospel; Christ said, “We would be hated by all from His name’s sake” (Lk 21:17). What is your Church known for.

Do We Care?

Five minutes ago sitting in the Starbucks in Midlothian I ran into a guy that I admit I didn't even remember his name till halfway though the coversation. He was struggling with somethings and wanted to talk about it. Struggling where to go to college, what to do with his life, and getting plugged into a church. He wanted to talk, I was busy with some schoolwork, but I listened. I didn't really have the time to waste but the though came across - it's not always about Jonathan, service is about others.

I'm busy. I have a lot going on most of the time between planning a wedding, working at the church, landscaping, school, finances, and the normal business of life (cleaning, cooking, ect...).

So I've thought about this, I make time for what I want to make time for. If I want to read about apple news, play on facebook/myspace, or watch tv; I make time for it. Therefore if I don't make time to listen to others problems when they need somone to talk to, it's not because I'm really that busy, it is just because I don't want to "make time" for it.

I know many times I need someone to talk to and it seems as if there is noone - I know that there are people that feel like this, so I am convicted just listening to people makes a world of difference in their day and lives. Maybe this is a way that we could share God's loves with others; listen to their problems and when they ask for your advice or need your help there is your opportunity to share God's good news with them.

Just some thoughts,


jc