bshell on Nostr: Views on consumer Christianity... There is a contrast between the consumer-oriented ...

Views on consumer Christianity...

There is a contrast between the consumer-oriented approach to church and the biblically grounded attitude of servanthood and prayer/support of others.

We will all likely wrestle with one of these things. Either weekly when attending church, a small group, or a servant opportunity. These 7 things are often what separate us from growing closer to God and finding or growing deeper with a great church community.

I can’t be the only one who is guilty of some of these! While I have matured over the years, they are real feelings we all need to tackle.
Expecting to be entertained - when we attend church with the expectation that worship will be exciting or entertaining, we act as consumers.

God calls us to approach worship as an opportunity to glorify God and encourage others, regardless of our personal preferences.

Judging the quality of sermons - the consumer evaluates a sermon based on how it resonates with personal beliefs or preferences. Is it interesting? Is it engaging? The servant's heart seeks to be challenged and convicted. A desire to be instructed by God’s word even when uncomfortable or difficult. (Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2)

Expectations of personal needs - The consumers view the church as a place to meet emotional, social, or material needs. “What do I get?” – The servant's heart goes to serve others, not to receive. (Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3-4)

Shopping for the “Perfect” church - Church hopping and seeking to find one that perfectly aligns with personal preferences or conveniences is a consumer attitude. The servant commits to a local community. They realize no church is perfect, and aim to contribute to its health.

Church: the weekly obligation - Attending church out of habit or social expectation as a “religious duty” with little engagement beyond the service is a consumer mindset. In reality, the church is the vital gathering of the body of Christ where we come to worship God, serve others, and grow in our faith. (And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25)

Expectations of programs to cater to preferences: Should the church cater to specific demographic needs, interests, or schedules? Or do you have a heart that participates in a way to serve a broader community, even if they is not personally appealing?

Focus on personal comfort - Do you prioritize the comfort of seating, temperature, or convenience with a focus on self and personal ease rather than spiritual growth? Biblically, we should endure discomfort or inconvenience if it means we help others, spread the Gospel, or deepen our spiritual walk. (Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, given God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1)

I think it is fair to assume we all at times have a consumer attitude, it may be a habit or periodic. For myself, it can be when a certain mood hits, or when I am not in prayer and scripture focused on God's heart vs. my flesh.