So, what do we get if we don’t use the right scorecard? Well, in plain English, we get a product other than what we desire or intend. If our scorecard doesn’t reflect our mission, then we will strive toward something other than what we are supposed to strive for.The 3 B’s create a culture of consumerism as churches strive to attract and keep a crowd. Honestly, this is the second post I have written today on this subject. The first one turned out too harsh. I don’t mean to attack, but to challenge.
Rather than disciples for Christ, we make consumers of a product. If they like what you offer, they demonstrate it by returning and offering you a few bucks for it. If they don’t like it, they either leave or let you know what you need to change. So, the ultimate human product of the ministry is Sunday morning critics. Sounds neat, doesn’t it? Does it sound like it’s pleasing to the Lord?I’ll be honest again. The thing which produced this series of posts was our
Youth-led Communion Service last Sunday night. Frankly, every Communion Service should be packed to overflowing as the Lord’s people come together to celebrate Him. Furthermore, our annual Youth-led service is a time for the younger generation to share what God is doing in their lives and for the older generations to express their support of and confidence in that new generation. But we had fewer people show up for Communion than we did for the last PrimeTime Hymn Sing. Have we created a culture of consumerism? Have we communicated that Grace is here as a product to be consumed rather than a self-replicating community bringing glory to God?All I’m saying, folks, is that we need to focus our entire ministry upon the mission that the Lord gave to His church. If we miss self-replicating and end up on self-serving, we end up with a church like the one in this video…
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Folks, thanks for the handful of comments I received on this post. I appreciated hearing your heart for the church and even your disappointment in its failures. Please continue to send those comments in. I need to know what people are thinking and feeling. However, I will not clear comments that won't move us forward as Grace Church, the church in America, or the global church. Please don't hear that I don't want to hear about your angst. I do. But, I want to work toward a solution, not dispair.
ReplyDeleteThnx, S
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
I do not believe you can market the church according to the current trends of the culture we live in and have a body that thrives in a meaningful and lasting way for the very reasons you sited. If they don't like your product they will leave.
ReplyDeleteThe Word of God is about transforming hearts, minds, and lives in a way that produces real change and real disciples who want to share the Good News of the Gospel that has made a truly significant impact in their lives.
The Word of God is a living and active entity that pierces the heart and judges our thoughts and attitudes in a way nothing else can. It is at the heart of our transformation as believers. Hearing it proclaimed along with the Spirit of God at work in the lives and hearts of people must be the first priority for a minister of the Gospel. Everything else pales in comparison to the power of the Word.
Sensitivity to the Spirit of God and the folks who come through the doors of your church is very important. Jesus spoke rightly and plainly to the folks he encountered in a way that met their need. Those who had ears to hear, did.