AUGUST 17
scripture reading: Ephesians 1:15–23

McChurch: I’m Lovin’ It

I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

American evangelical faith has become consumer-driven, market-focused and user-friendly. Is this what the Master had in mind when he announced that he would build his church? Listen in with me to a telephone call between McChurch Realtors and a client who has recently moved to town.

McChurch Realtors, how may we help you?

Hello. We’re new to the area and we need help finding a church. Can you help us?

You’ve called the right number. What kind of church are you looking for?

We don’t want one of those impersonal megachurches. We want something more intimate . . . but of course with multiple service times, lots of ministry options, and in a convenient location. It must be small enough to make friends but large enough where we won’t be called on to serve in the nursery.

I see. Are you looking for something traditional or more contemporary?

Oh we don’t want any of that post-modern rock-n-roll music. We want a traditional church . . . but of course it has to connect to our teenagers. They love rap music but my wife prefers Southern Gospel.

What did you have in mind in terms of preaching?

We want Bible preaching pure and simple. None of that liberal theology for us! But sermons should build self-esteem, so we don’t want one of those Bible-pounding, hell-fire preachers. And if he can’t finish in twenty minutes, well, we couldn’t handle that.
Anything else?

We try to stay away from “fundamentalist” churches because of their legal- ism and from “pentecostal” churches because of their emotionalism. And churches that meddle in political issues make us nervous. You know what I mean.

Do you prefer a church in the tradition of Calvin, Luther, Wesley or perhaps the Anabaptists?

Huh?

OK. Let me see if I get this straight. You want a small church with multiple services, one that is hard on sin yet open and affirming to all, traditional yet relevant. You want a preacher who has a Ph.D. in theology, yet relates well to children. Is that about it?

You got it! What can you recommend? A miracle.  Imperfect and flawed, the church of Jesus Christ is still the hope of the world. Like Noah’s ark, it would be hard to tolerate the smells on the inside were it not for the storm on the outside. Pray for your church today and find a tangible way to encourage her in her mission.

Many sheep are outside (the visible church) and many wolves are inside.  —Augustine

point to ponder • Does your church aim to please its customers or to please God?

prayer focus • The leadership in your church.