We live in a culture of consumption. From fast food to streaming services, we are constantly surrounded by messages telling us to seek what is easy, instant, and tailored exactly to our preferences. While this might be convenient for daily life, this consumer-driven mindset becomes deeply problematic when it finds its way into the church.
Unfortunately, consumerism has crept into the life of many churches and the hearts of many believers. Church is no longer a community we belong to, but a product we consume. And the consequences of this shift are deeply unhealthy for both individuals and congregations.
Church as a Commodity
Too often, people approach church like a shopper approaches a store: “What’s in it for me?” Worship style, preaching preferences, children’s programs, music quality, building aesthetics, and service length become the criteria for choosing and staying with a church. When the church no longer meets our expectations or makes us uncomfortable, we “switch brands” and move on.
This consumer mindset undermines the very essence of what the church is meant to be: a body, a family, a mission—not a service provider.
The Danger of Me-Centered Faith
When church becomes about meeting our needs rather than transforming our hearts, discipleship suffers. Consumerism fosters a passive faith, one that expects to be fed without participating in the work of the Spirit or the life of the community.
Discipleship is not about convenience; it’s about commitment. Growth comes through challenge, through serving others, through being uncomfortable at times. A consumer-driven church experience resists these very things. It focuses on comfort rather than calling.
Leaders as Entertainers
Church leaders are not immune to the effects of consumerism. Pastors and staff often feel pressured to keep people entertained, constantly innovate, and avoid topics that might offend or cause discomfort. The result is burnout among leaders and a watered-down gospel that prioritizes popularity over transformation.
Jesus didn’t call leaders to be entertainers or CEOs—He called them to shepherd, to equip, to serve, and to lead with integrity and truth.
Reclaiming the Church as a Community of Mission
If the church is to be healthy and thrive, we must reject consumerism and return to a biblical vision of community. The church is not about getting, but about giving—of ourselves, our time, our gifts, and our hearts.
We must recover the understanding that:
- Faith is about formation, not preference.
- Church Community is about commitment, not convenience.
- Worship is about God, not us.
The early church in Acts devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer—not because it was entertaining or catered to them, but because they were transformed people living in authentic community.
The Challenge for Us All
Consumerism in the church won’t disappear overnight, and it’s not just “someone else’s” problem. It’s a temptation for all of us. But recognizing it is the first step toward change.
Ask yourself:
- Do I view church as something I attend or something I am part of?
- Do I measure the value of a church by what I receive or by how I grow and serve?
- Am I willing to stay and work through challenges rather than shop around for a new experience?
The church is at its best not when it conforms to culture, but when it offers a countercultural community of grace, sacrifice, and transformation.
At Preparing for Amazement Ministries, we long to see the church healthy and thriving. That means confronting the toxic influence of consumerism and rediscovering what it means to be the body of Christ. It won’t always be easy—but it will always be worth it. We are here to help and partner with churches as they seek to find greater health, which includes removing the toxic impact of consumerism.
Let’s stop consuming church. Let’s be the church.
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