Christian Educators' Journal

The Church today seems to function like a market economy. Every church provides specific products and services. They have unique storefronts. They have their own branding campaigns. Choosing a church in my town is exactly like choosing a grocery store. Every church, like every grocery store, is aiming to create loyal customers.

This means churches in my town want me to devote my time and money to their programs. It is a market economy. Today the Baptists are having a sale on children’s worship. The Presbyterians have a two million dollar organ. The Methodists hired a rock band. The Bible church buys books for adults who attend Sunday school. If you’re looking for Jesus, there’s a new deal on every corner. Even the Catholics have SoulWow. (I love that video, actually.)

Market economies are always based on scarcity. So there’s the answer.

Unfortunately, the myth of scarcity is only partially a myth. So many of the churches in our community have created financial obligations for themselves—with large building notes and high overhead. They need a steady influx of donations in order to remain afloat. This means that membership drives have become as much about meeting our financial needs as they are about helping people grow in their relationship with God.

Oh boy, do I sound cynical.

I don’t suppose I could possibly agree with you any more. I think this is more along the lines of realism than cynicism, unfortunately.

So… what’s the solution/resolution? Any ideas there?

I don’t know, Laudio. We don’t feel like leaving the system entirely is the solution. At least not on good days.

On bad days, I feel like starting a house church. Though, for us, that feels like running away from the real problem.

On really bad days, I feel like throwing in the towel. (But not really.)