First: this exchange from another thread:

Mark:

If any institutional church wants me then they had better start thinking of the benefit to ME of attending their church. They only present features which are not benefits!

Barry:

What about the social atmosphere?

Mark:

That's a benefit ...Should I point out to the institutional churches that an atheist was the only one that pointed out a benefit for me going to church???? Somewhat ironic.

Mark (previously):

I now see God involved in all of life and not just a "fill up" on a Sunday. I don't miss church at all. I enjoy God in all the little things that happen in interacting with others and in nature and in being. I've learnt more fully the meaning of grace. I've seen it in action in nonChristians as well as Christians.

[end of snipped text]

~~~

Last Sunday I talked to a Baptist congregation about 'Going to Church in a Consumer Culture'

First: According to George Barna (American researcher) more than 50% of Westerners who call themselves 'committed Christians' do not attend church most weeks.

(Others might like to comment on the novelty of this situation historically).

Why?

My response: consumerism (what's in it for me), which contaminates 'grace'.

There are four 'models' for Protestant/evangelical/pentecostal churches (let's leave out Catholic/Orthodox churches for the moment) similar to the four ways other peddlers-of-produce mainly operate: Supermarket (megachurch), Franchise (eg. Vineyard churches), Boutiques (eg. home groups, cafe churches), and Corner Stores (old-style 'parish' churches).

Each has advantages and disadvantages...

But a survey among our congregation found that over 90% of their dollars are spent at supermarkets.

Think about that in analogous terms vis a vis the church (e.g. the thirty largest non-Catholic congregations Australia has ever seen are functioning today - 800+ attending plenary worship services each week.)

And four responses: [1] Leave; [2] Stay and be apathetic; [3] Stay and be critical; [4] Love an imperfect church, like Christ does...

--

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher