In a previous post I wrote about having a flashback. I’m not going to recap it. You can go here and read it for yourself. To continue my thoughts:
Skye’s definition/description of “Church, Inc.” is this:
It is shorthand for ministry devoid of mystery, for pastors who assume that the exercise of their calling is a matter of skill more than the gravity of their soul. It represents the exchange of the transcendent calling of Christian ministry with mere management of religious institutions and services. If ministry is encountering the heat and light of an uncontrollable sun, Church, Inc is the tanning salon in the local strip mall.
Skye goes on to ask a very complex question: the attraction to religious consumers is easy enough to grasp, but what is the appeal for pastors? The answer is not an easy one and I suspect he will spend the book dissecting it. I’m only in chapter 6 and I think I’ve gone through a pen while highlighting!! To top it off he includes this quote by Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the United States Senate:
In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and woman centered on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece, where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome, where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America, where it became an enterprise.
BINGO!
Jesus didn’t set up an enterprise. He established his church. He didn’t tell the disciples to “Go, learn the business principles of the world, then take the message to others, and I will be with you to the end of the age.” I think it high time pastors get back to being pastors (shepherds), and churches get back to being churches not small businesses.
There is so much more to say but…
So…
OFF SOAPBOX (for now).
More to come.
My head is spinning Bill because this is exactly how most missionaries, especially those who work in the remote places see most churches in America. Making church a business is not even an option in the jungle, who would be impressed. Now some missionaries like to stretch the amount of converts they have since it makes a good update.
Same principal, their updates are usually about them and all they do and not about them ones who have found Christ. We love to meet with those who have worked for years before they even get one believes the gospels. Getting the gospel out there is a selfless act.
That is one sad commentary about how the American church is seen by her own people. But it is also sad we can’t take a missionaries work as proof positive of their service without them having to “pad” their reports. Gotta be a change. Thanks for your input.
The quote from the former Senate chaplain made me sit up and take notice. We should be about the “business ” of following the Lord and obeying Him.
Blessings, Bill!
That really caught my eye also Martha. Sort of sets the tone for the rest of the book.
When I read your post, I couldn’t help but think of the money being exchanged in the temple for sacrifices and Jesus getting angry about it. I’m glad my church is not money-focused, but I do recognize the continual draw that my pastor has toward the financial aspect. As you noted, every pastor does.
I honestly try to avoid that kari. We have a finance team and I am not on it. As part of the Leadership team, we do have to make some monetary decisions but it is mostly those unbudgeted items (like benevolence) that I am involved in. i don’t want to be pulled by money.
A very loud AMEN can be heard from Lewistown, PA, Bill!
I HEAR you loud and clear Pam.
Wow! That statement is a home run! Bingo is right.
So easy in this culture to worship the provision instead of the Provider.
Bono of U2 said in a song, with which I whole heartedly agree, “My God’s not shot of cash, mister!”
yeah we do tend to view God as a cash cow in many circles. Thanks Floyd.