Consumer Church

"The most pervasive logic or vision for ministry today is shaped by the market and the values of consumerism rather than by the Gospel of Jeus Christ," - Kenneth Cardin, Methodist Bishop

Like it or not, your church, my church, competes in the market place. Our "competition" is not other churches, but rather any event, past-time, choice that serves as an alternative to church attendance. There is an old business adage though that applies to this market place dynamic -- go where the competition is not.

In a business sense, to go where the competition is not, is to create a new mental space -- a unique place in the consumers array of choices. To extend it a bit more, it means to create a new loyalty in their heart.

I believe that business practices and marketing strategies have gone where they should not go in the ministry of Christ, however, I think there is important application here.

By striving to create that new loyality in their heart we are striving for spiritual matters. I know without a doubt that the things of God are more attractive, more meaningful and more fulfilling than anything the consumer world can offer. Yet, the market place is winning the attention of the consumer.

If the message of Christ is unchanged, and the power of Christ has not diminished, as lay leaders and pastors, we must examine why the things of Christ are not widely held or appreciated. If it is not in the message, perhaps it is in the messenger.

Consider what your life "sells" to those around you. Do you speak more admirably of your car than you do of your faith? Do you know more about the NFL than the book of James? Have you found yourself going on and on about the latest movie plot while never giving a second thought to the greatest story ever told?

I fear that we, the messengers, have been to blame. The message is still strong. We have not remained so.

As a laity leader of your church or a pastor, I encourage you to ask the following question for 1 month in each of your classes, meetings and informal gatherings: "What does it mean to be a "consumer" of Christ as opposed to a consumer of things? After 1 month, call a special evening of dialogue to honestly share what you have learned. I suspect it will be a turning point for you, your church and your community.