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Christianity Today, January, 2008 |

Spiritual Consumerism's Upside

Why church shopping may not be all bad.

Richard J. Mouw | posted 1/25/2008 08:27AM

Recently I read yet another lament of evangelicalism's "consumerist" approach to spiritual matters. Such critiques usually say that evangelicals encourage people to shop around to find the kind of church ...

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Ryan Patch

Posted: February 06, 2008 2:50 PM

With all respect to the author and his credentials- I feel like there is a mix-up in this. You are celebrating the diversity of vocation- which truly is a grand thing. Essentially, you are saying that it's great that people have so many places in the church to give- and I agree. The problem that many have with our idea of "church shopping" is that we are not asking ourselves where we can *give*, but where we can *get*. Vocation is asking where God is calling us to serve and, in turn, asking how our gifts can best be used to bless others. Church shopping is asking where we can be the most blessed.

Jochem H

Posted: February 05, 2008 6:23 AM


Thank you, exiciting article! Many people in the Netherlands (with its traced denominations and mutual quarrels) should read this.

Paula

Posted: February 01, 2008 4:23 PM


Mouw doesn't get it. The point with choosing between BK and McD's is that it's JUNK!! Big deal if the guy who made the analogy has his own personal food preferences. Someone needs to teach this man critical thinking skills. He can start with the Fallacy Detective by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn. I found it incredibly useful in homeschooling so he should be able to understand it.

Ray Downen

Posted: February 01, 2008 3:09 PM

What we have believed matters greatly on the day of judgment, as does what our beliefs caused us to do. We'll not be judged according to our likes and preferences, but according to our acceptance of truth and how we then acted upon truth. Jesus is Lord. Many churches say so with joy and power. No one should choose to attend and support a church where the Bible is not loved and honored, for the Bible is God's sure Word. Only Jesus saves. The best church for anyone is the church which most honors and lifts up Jesus as Lord. We surely should look (shop) for a church of Christ where God's people love one another and seek to be a blessing in their community. It is not wise to unquestioningly trust any spiritual leader(s). Our search should lead us into fellowship with other free Christians who both trust and obey JESUS rather than any human organization or self-appointed leader. Cults demand loyalty to the cult leader(s). God offers freedom and love to all.

paula

Posted: February 01, 2008 2:15 PM

I think comparing the many vocations in the Catholic Church, ranging from lay apostolates to priests, deacons, brothers, sisters- cloistered or active, or just quiet pew sitters is interesting but has one glaring error: it ignores the simple fact that they all recite the same profession of faith (Nicene Creed ) at every Sunday mass all over the world. Catholic doctrine does not change. Whatever one's vocation in life-I as a married woman- have the same core beliefs as a Carthusian monk. That's what is meant when we recite the Nicene Creed: "...We believe in ONE holy catholic and apostolic Church." (emphasis mine). The same cannot be said about protestant churches.

Troy Scott

Posted: January 30, 2008 9:55 AM

I have great respect for Dr. Mouw. Unfortunately he doesn't seem to be living in the same world many pastors live in. The kind of shopping he espouses and the kind of shopping we deal with are completely different. I wish most church shopping was as thoughtful as the ones he described. Unfortunately it goes more like - My kids had a great experience last week at another local youth group. They've started reading their Bibles more this past week. It's obvious they need to worship there. So even though we have never actually visited the church ourselves - as their parents we are going to support their decision. It's our new home church. Sorry this leaves so many holes in leadership in your small group and youth ministry. See Ya! Thank you for shopping at Wal Mart.

Carlton Johnstone

Posted: January 29, 2008 3:24 PM

It is encouraging read an article like Mouw's that highlights the positive side of 'religious consumerism' or 'church shopping'. Research (including my own PhD research) clearly demonstrates that a wider range of church choice increases the overall participation of people attending and getting involved in church. I find the language of church shopping and church/religious consumers to be problematic. It has become a category of negative judgment that lacks understanding. The metaphor used by James Hopewell of 'house hunting' is more accurate. People are looking for a church (place) to belong. What that entails can change as one enters into different stages of life. Furthermore if churches worked more on building community and what it means to do life together in a fragmented urban context rather than an over-emphasis on church as a Sunday service then churches might begin to return to the New Testament vision of a new community as the body of Christ.

Leroy

Posted: January 29, 2008 12:31 PM

I jump around from church to church as much as possible in search of the best sermon, cutest chicks, best after church snacks, most comfortable pews, best sound system, best worship music, your name it. I do this because I it seems that this is exactly the sort of behavior in which I am encouraged to participate by the existence of so many churches offering up all of these earthly delights, all of which are bought with the hard earned money of the faithful tithe givers. When churches have marketing programs and market themselves like a consumer product, how else would you expect me the targeted consumer to behave? I consume that which the sol called local church offers up for my consumption, like bait before a fish. I can't help it. So, I am the consumate church shopper, just as I am a consumate consumer outside of church. And as long as there are new offerings laid before me, I will continue to shop, at least until I have shopped myself to death or died trying.

juan bautista

Posted: January 28, 2008 4:16 PM

Mouw celebrates our diversity in Christendom but never tackles the question of which group best represents the New Testament model. I suppose we are celebrating some degree of error when we say we should ignorantly celebrate our differences. For example, why do we politely nod, when we inwardly disagree on a basic Christian ordinance such as baptism? Is this cause for celebration? Either the paedobaptists are biblical on baptism, or the proponents of believer's baptism are biblical on baptism, but not both. We act as if it doesn't matter. As much as I love my orthodoxy-holding paedobaptist brothers, it does matter if obeying the New Testament matters. Let the Reformation continue, then we'll have even more to celebrate.

Ken	Posted: January 28, 2008 11:22 AM

That's the problem with guys like you...you think too much and never come up with the right answer. Because your thinking leads to an unbiblical answer or position. First off, the Fuller student you mentioned as being female should not be ordained as a church leader, particularly in a position leadership over men. Have you forgotten what the Apostle Paul taught in 1 Corinthians14:34-35.? This still applies as a principle for church leadership and polity. This type of thinking or imagination is precisely why the 'church" today has so many problems, it lacks true biblical teaching. When a congregation correctly adopts a biblical set of standards such as not ordaining women, all those who disagree get up and leave. Never mind that their disagreement is with a biblical principle. That is what leads to multiple denomination hopping and shopping...keep looking until find the church that tastes good and is pleasing to eye. Never mind the doctrines of the Bible, I don't like the way they feel

Mark Watson

Posted: January 28, 2008 9:09 AM


The problem isn't switching denominations or going from a denomination to a non-denominational mega-church (or vice-versa). The problem is switching for any reason other than God's call. That's when it becomes consumerism. If God is calling you to a mega-church, so be it, just understand that rarely does God call us to comfort. And most people tend to “shop” for comfort.

Jinny Brow

Posted: January 28, 2008 1:05 AM

My husband and I have attended regularly and/or been members of several different denominations, ranging from S. Baptist to Episcopal. Though they differ in what we consider non-essentials, they all hold true to the essentials of the Christian faith. My husband and I both hold BAs in Bible and Theology and advanced degrees (in other areas). In other words, we know how to study and do research. We have moved ("shopped") around for many reasons other than theology alone. We attended a Presbyterian church because it was ministry minded and had a home-school support group during a time that we needed one. We currently attend a conservative Episcopal church because they offer many opportunities to serve and also have a ministry for families with disabled children, which we need. Our family has never found a church with theology that we agree with 100%. Therefore we have found that being flexible in that area and using other criteria to judge the appropriateness of our choice was essential.

IndyYouthGuy

Posted: January 27, 2008 6:44 PM

"The consumption of sermons and worship styles by an ordinary Christian family looking for an enriching spiritual life may not be all that different from the scholars' consumption of theologies and liturgies." This statement begs the question, "So what defines this 'enriching spiritual life' that an ordinary Christian family is looking for?" Is it what I see the church-hoppers in my community equating with an enriching spiritual life--that is, .better music more engaging sermons? There is an epidemic of spiritual narcissism in our churches at present. This "What's best for me is what matters most" mentality is the antitheses of the Scripture's reference to Christ-followers as a body.

Marty DeBoer

Posted: January 27, 2008 4:35 PM

"Church" - biblically - is "followers of Jesus supporting one another in the ways of the Kingdom." (my definition.) Churches (not unlike my Christian family) do not insist on micro-definition of doctrine, prescribed worship styles, nor sermons as the central element of a gathering. Like in my family, "fellowship" occurs through interaction and developed relationships - all with the goal of becoming mature and contributing members of (Kingdom) society. Mouw appears to be describing his experience with Church Support Organizations - those organizations that offer programs and activities, and hold membership requirements that over time have come to dominate the biblical church, and have (unfortunately) come to be known as the church. I personally would shop for good programs. But I would stay with my church through thick and thin. (They are the ones who uphold me, and I them, in the ways of the Kingdom.)

Fuller Alum

Posted: January 27, 2008 1:50 PM

I am going to have to disagree with the Pres. Spiritual consumerism and spiritual journey are two different things. Spiriutal consumerism is the result of "church goers" likening the church to a dispenser of religious goods and services, created and distributed by "trained professionals." Spiritual journey should always be preparing or leading someone more deeply into community (e.g. sisters of charity, monestary, or just your church). The church is less like a product and more like a family. And though one may move location on occassion, it is rare that one jumps ship from their family from week to week. But consumerism in the church stems from our anemic ecclesiology. Evangelicals understand the church to be a secondary collection of individuals, thus not necessary to the process of salvation beyond the conversion experience. Thus evangelicals choose churches based on percieved experience because they don't understand the church to be a community of people bound together.

Gene	Posted: January 26, 2008 9:46 PM

I came from a strict Catholic family...got saved @ the age of 8 @ a charismatic Episcopal church...then we attended a charismatic Methodist church for a few years....then went to a non-denominational charismatic church...then Assembly of God church....then a cessasionist Baptist church....then a non-denominational charismatic church along the lines of Sovereign Grace....then a non-denominational Word of Faith church....then back to the AG....over 30 years I feel like I have grown in each of the churches I attended....I also get upset when people tend to judge other denominations as I have attended many of them....I think people can outgrow their current fellowship and it may be necessary for them to look for something that is a better fit....I attend an AG church now, but go to conferences and see speakers at other "houses" on a regular basis....wise men still seek Him....I think you need to see what's going on outside your own church and denomination or you can get stagnant.

Kevin

Posted: January 26, 2008 6:06 PM


I'm surprised that Dr. Mouw didn't point out the difference between seeking God's leading and just being self-centered and shallow. Some people can do the latter while blaming it on the former.

Art Will

Posted: January 26, 2008 6:03 PM

I understand what the article is saying, however the poll question, like many poll questions means little without qualifiers. I have been an active part of six local churches, but I did not change churches for any reason other than a job change. I am 54 years old. I have lived in six cities and have regularly attended six churches in my life. Nevetheless, the question of church shopping can be an important one in that when because of difficulty, people leave a church too easily, they lose an important opportunity to apply thier faith and Biblical principles to life in the sometimes messy, real life world of church One of the greatest times of spiritual growth I ever had in my life occured when I stayed to face a situation I could have easily left behind.

Mitch

Posted: January 26, 2008 2:37 PM

I was not in the least concerned with what I was and what type of church I was attending as long as it was christian based and followed scripture, however when I was put into the deacon training path I quickly found that I was by history a certain person of faith that I must honor, that being Prussian and Huegonot meant that for me I was decidedly Baptist and by lineage Protestant separatationist so with further education into what and where protestants and baptist's meant I grew in my understanding of the type of church I would find, without this I think I would not really understand the vast history of who I am and why, if you don't know your beginnings how will you know if your journey is on the correct path, I found through discovery that all the struggles my ancestors went through gave me a history that I was comfortable to follow and gratefull for. research your decisions, don't be a uneducated consumer.

Pastor Dave Poedel, STS

Posted: January 25, 2008 5:51 PM

I made one shift in my 54 years, from Roman Cathoic to Evangelical Catholic (aka Lutheran). The parallels between discernment between various community expressions in the Roman Catholic Church, it is important to note, all fall under the same umbrella. To move from Lutheran to an independent charismatic to a "non-denominational" community church may be a bit different. While there may be some ribbing between Benedictines and Carmlites, the competition between Protestant traditions often makes the move from one to another a form of going from a "lesser" to a "better" Listening to Lutherans who move to a "nondenom" speak of moving from "dead" to "living" (usually not correct) or to something "so much better" is less than charitable and less than honest. I could go for a trend toward fidelity to where you are planted!

Matt Herndon

Posted: January 25, 2008 5:22 PM

Mouw pays scant attention to the terrible downside of consumerism in order to make a slight point on the upside—a point with which few would disagree. Few would argue, for example, that seminary should be a place of exploration. The reality of modern Christian consumerism is that it leads people to make religious decisions based on shallow personal preference, not serious spiritual inquiry. Most Christians don’t leave churches because of “spiritual taste”, but for far more worldly reasons. The early Church was such a strong and vibrant place because their members were compelled by something more important than religious preference. They were motivated by the unity of Christ’s body, which virtually forced them to live lives of grace and cooperation. As it is, we have large numbers of Christians reshuffling themselves according to music style, charismatic pastors, cafeteria-style ministries, and second-tier theological points...instead of working hard to be one as God is one.

Gregg Turk

Posted: January 25, 2008 5:14 PM


This poll question doesn't make and sense because there is no time component. For instance, I have been a church attender for 40 years and have been in 10 churches. That is far different than a person who has attended church for 5 years and attended 8 churches.

Philip Tang

Posted: January 25, 2008 5:04 PM

Recently the Roman Catholic Pope reminded the world that the RC is the only true church. There is a big difference between the Roman Catholic tradition and the Protestant tradition. Evidently the best that can be said about Richard J. Mouw is that he is confused. Perhaps he can try to be a Buddhist monk for a couple of months and be enlightened; or be an Iman and go on a jihad. With the passing of George E. Ladd, it appears that anyone can get better theology from my church primary Sunday school than from Fuller Seminary.

Connie Lard

Posted: January 25, 2008 4:57 PM

I found the author right on target! There are many different reasons a person might choose to leave a particular fellowhip or denomination. Those who are left behind are often hurt by what they see as desertion and form opinions that are likely incorrect regarding the motivating factors of the people who have left. Why can we not give others the benefit of the doubt in these matters and wish them well in their journey instead of assuming the worst?!

Anonymous

Posted: January 25, 2008 4:44 PM


Is "attender" a word? Just wondering. ;o)

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