From Spectators to Disciples: Combating Consumer Christianity

From Spectators to Disciples: Combating Consumer Christianity

In an era marked by consumerism, the evangelical church faces the daunting task of transforming churchgoers from passive spectators into active disciples. Consumer Christianity is characterized by a desire for personal fulfillment and convenience over communal commitment and spiritual growth. While comfort and accessibility are valuable, they should not eclipse the core mission of the Church: to make disciples as mandated in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.”

The Challenge of Consumerism in Faith

The consumer mindset seeps into religious life when individuals approach church services and programs as consumers seeking entertainment rather than as participants in a shared faith community. Such an approach can lead to a transactional view of God and faith, where attendance and giving are seen as means to obtain personal blessings rather than acts of worship and service. This stands in contrast to Romans 12:1, which urges believers to offer themselves as “living sacrifices,” participating actively in God’s redemptive work.

Scriptural Calls to Discipleship

The Bible is replete with calls to active discipleship. In Luke 9:23, Jesus outlines the cost of following Him: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” This call to self-denial and daily commitment contradicts the consumerist desire for instant gratification and casual affiliation.

The Epistle of James also emphasizes the importance of active faith: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22). James challenges the complacency of contentment with mere knowledge of God’s Word, advocating for a faith that works in love and service.

Actionable Steps for Cultivating Discipleship

1. Teaching on Discipleship: Regularly preach and teach about the biblical call to discipleship, stressing the importance of active engagement over passive consumption.

2. Celebrating Service: Encourage and celebrate acts of service within the congregation, recognizing those who actively contribute their time, talents, and resources.

3. Personal Spiritual Practices: Foster disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, fasting, and meditation, providing resources and guides to help believers grow personally in their faith.

4. Mentorship Programs: Pair mature believers with newer Christians for mentorship, emphasizing life-on-life discipleship for spiritual growth and accountability.

5. Mission Focus: Engage the congregation in local and international missions, demonstrating that the church exists for others and not merely for itself.

6. Stewardship Emphasis: Teach about biblical stewardship, reframing giving and service not as transactions for personal gain but as integral parts of worship and discipleship.

7. Small Groups and Community: Promote active involvement in small groups where faith is lived out in community through shared study, prayer, and service.

8. Leadership Training: Equip and empower emerging leaders within the church, fostering a culture of discipleship that creates more active disciples.

9. Intentional Outreach: Encourage members to reach out within their spheres of influence to share the Gospel and live out their faith visibly and tangibly.

10. Discipleship Resources: Provide resources such as books, online courses, and workshops focused on deepening theological understanding and practical application.

Building a Church of Doers

As followers of Christ, our aim should be to build vibrant communities of faith where every member is engaged in the radical discipleship modeled by Jesus. This requires intentionality in moving away from the element of passive consumption to a dynamic culture where every member is equipped to be a minister of the Gospel.

By encouraging believers to embrace their call to discipleship, the church will not only grow in numbers but, more importantly, in depth. As we see increased engagement in service, giving, evangelism, and community building, we witness the true fruit of discipleship.

In the forthcoming entries of this blog series, we will delve into the issues that are shaping the evangelical landscape today. May each topic challenge us to reflect on our call as believers and compel us to action for the sake of the Gospel.

As we close this reflection on discipleship, let us recommit to the vision set forth by Paul in Ephesians 4:12-13: “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up… and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Let our churches be places where disciples are made, grown, and multiplied—a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel in action.