The Market Driven Church

In the market driven economy of today’s church world, bigger is always better, and seems to be the measuring stick of the blessing of God on your work. If you have 50, you need 100. If 500, you need a thousand. If 1000, then you need 5000, and so on. I think the rallying cry of the 21st century church seems to be, “I must increase, so that He can increase”. Where are the John the Baptists who willingly step out of the way so the Savior can shine? “I must DECREASE, so He might increase” were the words of John. He didn’t try to use 1st century cutting edge evangelism techniques to “bring ‘em on down to the Jordan”. He didn’t sugar coat the message so as not to offend anyone. He declared, “repent”. Then when Jesus came, he moved out of the way. The ministry continued, but John graciously faded.
I heard of a church that had fake snow falling during the “worship” time. FAKE SNOW? You’ve got to kidding!?! Where is Jonathan Edwards with His sermon, “Sinners in the hands of an angry God” when we need him? I’ll tell you where. You do serious damage to your church growth programs when you tell people the Biblical truth that they must turn away from their sins. Ravi Zacharias recently spoke about the New Age influence on the Church today. He says these trends come from Hindu and Buddhist influence that require no moral convictions while having the pretense of Spirituality. Unfortunately, this has led to subjective Theology rather than willing obedience to the commands of Scripture.
Recently I read an article entitled “How to market your church”. Terminology such as target audience, creating a brand, demographic study, all point to capitalistic venture led by unreachable CEO’s. Has the Church become the world? Have mega church pastors become the CEO’s of capitalistic churches who are unreachable? Is there a difference between CEO’s of the world and CEO’s of the Church?
I must increase so He can increase. Celebrityism goes hand in hand with the market driven church. Church want ads for “Senior ”pastors are loaded with terminology such as, “Must have proven track record of church growth”. I guess that would disqualify Jesus. Didn’t He ask His disciples, “Are you going to leave me too?” after one particularly hard teaching? The market driven church needs charismatic, dynamic, motivational preachers so everyone leaves church FEELING really good about themselves. The goal in ministry seems to be to build mega church, write a book or ten, become a celebrated author, and then hit the Christian conference speaking tour. “I must increase so He can increase”.
Aaaahhh, wait a minute! Now I’m beginning to get the picture. Market your church, become rich and famous…it’s all becoming very clear now. “I must increase so I…ahem, I mean, He can increase”

I think I need a bigger house and a new car. Anyone have any good marketing ideas for OUR church??