We live in a consumer-driven culture. Whether you’re shopping for shoes, a phone, or even deciding where to eat, we are constantly presented with choices designed to cater to our preferences.
A recent example from my own life: I spent an entire week researching the perfect deck box. I visited Walmart, Fresno Ag, Home Depot, and scoured Amazon—comparing sizes, materials, reviews—wanting to make the right choice. It made sense; I was the customer. I had a need, and I was determined to find the product that fit my criteria.
This kind of decision-making defines much of how we live. Our culture says: “Find what suits you best. Customize it. Choose what makes you happiest.” And that works fine—until we bring that consumer mindset into the church.
More and more people today approach church like they would a restaurant, gym, or streaming service: “Does it meet my needs? Do I like the worship style? Is it convenient for my schedule?” If expectations aren’t met, they move on. But is this how God intended us to relate to the church?
God’s Design: The Church is a Community, Not a Commodity
The Bible gives us a very different picture of what the church is supposed to be. It’s not a product to consume—it’s a people to belong to. When we treat the church like a product, we miss the deep, relational, God-designed reality of what it is meant to be. The Bible offers several beautiful metaphors:
The Church is a Family
In Galatians 6:10 and Ephesians 2:19, Paul reminds us that we are members of God's household. Like any family, being part of the church involves commitment, loyalty, and love—not preference or convenience. You don’t leave a family dinner just because you don’t like what’s being served. Families stick together, support each other, and sacrifice for one another. We are not just attendees—we are adopted sons and daughters of God, part of a spiritual family.
The Church is a Body
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as a body with many parts. Each believer plays a unique and essential role. When we disengage because something isn’t our preference, we hurt the whole body. The eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” Every part matters, even those behind the scenes. Church isn’t about passively watching—it’s about actively participating. Consumerism says, “I’ll attend if it benefits me.” The Bible says, “You belong—and the whole body suffers without you.”
The Church is a Temple
According to Ephesians 2:20-22 and 1 Peter 2:4-5, the church is a spiritual temple where God dwells. Each of us is a “living stone” being built into something sacred. The church is not just about individual experience—it’s about what we are building together in Christ. It’s not a performance for our enjoyment—it’s a house of worship for God’s glory.
The Dangers of Consumer Christianity
When we allow the consumer mindset to shape how we engage with the church, real damage can be done—to our own spiritual growth, to the community of believers, and to our witness to the world.
Self-Centered Focus
2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns about people seeking out teachers who will say what their “itching ears want to hear.” Instead of being shaped by truth, consumer Christians seek comfort and affirmation. But true worship isn’t about entertainment—it’s about transformation.
Shallow Commitment
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to meet together, spur one another on, and grow in love and good deeds. Consumer Christianity resists this. It promotes church-hopping and disengagement when things get tough. Real growth, however, happens in committed relationships over time.
Choosing a Church Biblically
Instead of choosing a church based on comfort and style, Scripture challenges us to ask:
- Is God’s Word faithfully preached? (2 Timothy 4:2)
- Is Christ the center of worship? (John 4:23-24)
- Is there authentic community and discipleship? (Acts 2:42-47)
- Are there opportunities to serve and grow? (1 Peter 4:10)
- Is the church living out God’s mission? (Matthew 28:19-20)
These are the criteria that should guide our involvement—not whether the coffee is good or the music matches our playlist.
Moving from Consumer to Contributor
So how do we make the shift?
- Examine your mindset (2 Corinthians 13:5) — Are you expecting to be served, or are you ready to serve?
- Discover and use your spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10) — God has equipped you for a role in His church.
- Invest in the mission (James 2:17) — Don’t just sit—serve.
- Commit to consistency (Galatians 6:9) — Don’t give up when it’s hard.
- Build relationships (Hebrews 10:24-25) — Church is about people, not just programs.
Conclusion
Let’s go back to where we started: Imagine if we treated our marriages, friendships, or families like we treat consumer goods—switching them out when they no longer “suit” us. We would never grow. We would never experience real love. That’s not how relationships work—and it’s not how the church works either.
The church is not a service to critique; it’s a spiritual family to love. It’s not a product to enjoy—it’s a body to serve. It’s not a building—it’s the temple of the living God, built from our lives, joined together for His glory.
So, let’s stop asking, “What do I get?” and start asking, “What can I give?” Let’s be contributors—not consumers—because when the church functions as God intended, it becomes one of the most beautiful, powerful, life-giving communities on earth.