Thin~Spaces: Christian Consumers Unite

I’m tired of all hoopla and buzz offered up by the church going world. Acting as if they are truly interested in the “unchurched.” Many seminars are more about building up the church than loving those who are not part of the community of faith.

Check out the typical fare in many of the program oriented seminars on how to reach those who are most commonly referred to as “The lost” (It’s “us vs. them” people)

(my comments in italics)

“This unique, practical and impacting seminar includes the following:

1. Creating Kingdom Culture - A culture of evangelism

(What is the mission of the church again . . . to love people?)

2. Understanding unchurched thinking

(Acknowledgment that we have minimal relationships outside our sub-culture)

3. Creating our message to connect with unbelievers (a message where they see the benefits)

(Consumerist mentality – “our product’ contradicts #1)

4. What gathers unbelievers - and brings them to your church

(Come to us as we WILL NOT go to you.)

5. Turning Christian events into a true outreach events.

(Programs, programs: No relationships evident)

6. Ways to build community profile without spending any money.

(We are too in debt keeping the organization afloat)

7. Building great relationships with local media outlets.

(Advertising : See Consumerist mentality again)

8. Obtaining major media publicity (newspapers, radio and TV) for my church or ministry for FREE

(Repeat Above)

9. How to write a media release that works”

(Repeat Above)

The first three items are about indoctrinating people to the need for looking outside the church. A noble effort but then the focus shifts.

Items 4-9 are more about bringing “them” (the consumers of religion) to the church. This demonstrates the lack of true relationship with those of differing opinion and points of view. These items are more centered on the church as a social institution and how to build visibility.

Wake up people, the church is an irrelevant institution to most people in our society.

If we actually and honestly loved people seminars like those typified above would be out of business.

If more than 20% of the people who attend church would actually put their faith into practice and do more than speak about it - - - the Church would naturally become relevant to people in our society.

IF WE LOVE OTHERS

AS CHRIST LOVED OTHERS

THE WORLD WOULD CHANGE

Seems idealistic eh?

Would you Die for this Simple Ideal?

Will you die to yourself?

Can you live your faith every moment of the Day?

Come and try with me no matter how much we may fail at times.