I came across this quote by Richard Halverson, former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate.
“In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women 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.”
How true.
The church has become big business. Flashy websites, TV shows, multi-million dollar budgets. Once they get you in the door, you are bombarded with rockin’ music blasting through a state of the art sound system and you sit back to enjoy the next hour or so of media gospel presentation. By the time you leave, you’ve also had the sales pitch for the latest CD cut by the church’s “worship” band and the pastor’s newest book release. Oh, and don’t forget to stop in at the visitor’s center on your way out to pick up your free gift.
Apparently Jesus Christ isn’t enough of an attraction anymore.
I know this isn’t every church. But it’s what the unbelieving world sees.
I’ll have to think and pray about this one.
Inside the Writer 