Hello Church,
Who is the customer in the church? Think hard before you answer. I have my opinion and I'll give it in just a moment.
First, have you watch 'The Social Dilemma'? It's on Netflix and is absolutely fascinating! My daughter Hope was assigned to watch it as part of a class at school. We all watched it. We all learned something. In the mind of Facebook, Google, Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and all the rest..... we are not the customer.... not even close. But we are used to attract the customer. We are, in a sense, the bait and there are strong ethical concerns to consider in the midst of it all. A must watch as there are major implications on how we are treated by social media, psychologically and emotionally.
While watching it, my mind turned to the church. Who do we think is the customer and who is the customer and should there even be a customer? The long-time church member? The visitor? Jesus? Who are we serving? Who do we cater to? To whom do our goals center around? The outside community?
These are critical questions and should be based on our theology. However, sad to say, our theology doesn't always come into play. The Pastor tries to make it so, but even we pastors get lured away from divine purpose and into human interests.
My opinion? The customer is two-fold and it depends on where you are in your spiritual journey. If you don't yet know Jesus, you are the customer. To put in corporate terms, the Church brings you the product: Jesus who loves you unconditionally; who dies for you; who calls you to discipleship; who gives you new life and hope and peace and grace. Best of all, there is no cost. It's free.
Once you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, the customer changes. You now become a servant, not a customer. You listen and learn from God. You do what God would want you to do. Your life focus becomes living into your purpose sent from God. You live to please God. You want to do the divine thing; the Christ-like thing. In Paul's words, 'you put on Christ'. You carry the cross. Christ lives in you. The difference is that you are not just receiving it. You are living it. So now who is the customer? This is where I think we mess up. Jesus is the customer. Christians (literally 'followers of Christ') serve Jesus. We do not serve each other. When we do serve each other (including the one who does not know Jesus), we do so to please Jesus, not each other. Jesus is the customer.
Where are you in your spiritual journey? Have you crossed the threshold from being served to serving? It makes a huge difference on your perspective, attitude and expectations of the church. Do you go to church? Or are you part of the church? Something to think about. It makes a difference.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
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