I do the grocery shopping in my house. I can’t believe I do it (and just between us…I like it). When Darcy and I were first married she did the grocery shoppping and I did the bills. Each of us hated doing those tasks. To cap it off, she was a bad shopper, and I was horrible with the bills. So, we had an early marriage negotiation. I grocery shop; she does bills.
Consequently, I know grocery shopping. I know which stores around my house usually have the best prices on certain items. If I get some free time, you might just see me walking the aisles of Costco or Sam’s for fun (picking up some free samples on the way).
Most of us shop for churches like we shop for food. We look for the best selection, with the lowest cost, and friendliest environment. We are consumers of church. We will put up with an unfriendly or busy environment, if the worship or kid’s ministries hit us just right. Like I will put up with the chaos of Wal-Mart because the prices are so low.
Here is the key: We all begin our walk as Christians as consumers, but as we grow we must become participants. Acts 20:35 “It is more blessesd to give than received.” The product of a church is not programs or buildings. It’s people. It’s you… How are you participating in the body of Christ today?