Why do you attend church?
I was listening to a webinar about three weeks ago, then read an article last week that sparks this question. I think your answer is revealed in how you define church. Many today define church by an address (18375 Cochran) or a building. Yet, we know this isn’t what the New Testament teaches. Instead, the church (ekklesia) is the “called out ones,” called out by God to be a different people (1 Peter 2:9-10). The Bride of Christ isn’t a building. Jesus isn’t returning for brick and mortar. NO, Jesus is coming for those He bought with His blood, saved by faith and transformed by the Spirit. So when we arrive any day of the week at an address or building, we don’t hug the bricks or ask for prayer from paint; we instead cling to the people of God. And with this understanding, our attending church should be far different than attending a concert, game or lecture, right?
The webinar addressed the issue of leading groups where information is communicated with the purpose being connection. There are those that are there who desire the connection (worshippers — more later). Yet we all know that cannot be said for everyone. The presenter gave three other categories of attendees that must be encouraged to move from their arrival state to one desiring connection. Let’s apply these to those who attend church. See if you find yourself in any of these.
Consumer. The person who is simply there to see if there is any useful information to pick up. They arrive distracted (usually on their phone) until at least when the service begins or the sermon time arrives. They are usually there because they have to be or are compelled by someone or something. Their minds are all over the place so you have to find a way to “capture” their attention, though holding it can be difficult if the information/sermon isn’t helpful or entertaining enough.
Critic. This person arrives looking for reasons to disagree and be able to say this information doesn’t apply to me. In the church, these are people who are thrilled when they can find something to fact check the pastor so they can correct an incorrect reference, mistake in the bulletin or have an issue with something. They are not looking to be transformed but finding fault with someone or something. Honestly, I have come to the place where I can identify the critic long before they get close enough to speak.
Curmudgeon. This is the person with their arms crossed, never moving to engage another (but upset if others don’t engage or greet them). They have a “seat,” and to find someone in “their” seat is almost more than they can handle. They have expectations, but there are limits. They will stand, arms crossed as the musical worship occurs, but don’t expect a word of praise from them. Like the curmudgeon who shouts at the kids, “Get off my lawn,” they don’t want anyone “stepping on their toes” or asking them to get out of their comfort zone. Just be thankful they showed up today.
Then there are the worshippers, may their tribe increase! These are the ones who live all week worshipping the Lord individually and look forward to gathering together with other believers to worship (praise, pray, give, hear the Word, etc.) anytime the church is gathered, They orient their lives toward worship so it is no wonder that any gathering is important to them. They don’t allow distractions of any kind to keep them from worship; they are better than the postal service, for they are not fair weather worshippers. I have had the privilege of worshipping with many who, though they are physically infirmed (sometimes released from the hospital the day before) make it a priority to worship their God with His people on Sunday. They arrive not to be seen, but to serve both God and His people. May you arrive at church the next time it gathers as a worshipper of Him who died, was buried and rose again for you. He is coming again for His church, the called-out ones.
Pressing on…
Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor
