"Going to church"

When people imagine “going to church,” many think of gathering with others as observers. They see musicians and teachers, witness a presentation, hear a sermon or reading or song—they observe and receive. When these things take place, people are mostly passive, and they fall into an audience mindset—that is, they become spectators.

This tendency runs deep in our contemporary American psyche: we’re very “at home” being spectators. And further, we expect to be well entertained, bolting quickly if our wishes aren’t met. With TV, we switch channels in a flash if we lose interest. With the internet, we surf hastily from one link to another. With movies and music books and the news, same thing: if it doesn’t “hit the spot,” away with it! Even conscientious believers who desperately want to resist the entertainment mindset when it comes to church life find its lure to be powerful and its presence pervasive—and insidious.

Allow me to propose an entirely different vision of what it means to be the church: God’s people are a team. We’re like a football team on which every player makes a key contribution. Each member has a unique role that’s essential in the pursuit of victory. A sure win can be blown by one distracted kicker or one careless cornerback. As active participants rather than passive spectators, all players make vital contributions. By contrast, a player who just wants to sit back, drink Gatorade, and watch the game is a player soon sent to the locker room. Here’s the point: the people of any given local church are a team, and the “players” come together as active participant worshippers - greeters - counselors - teachers - helpers (etc.).

The “team” mindset is right because it’s like the body analogy: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Cor 12:27). Think anatomy: who ever heard of a heart that just observes? Others body parts would object, “Get pumping or we’re done for!” Who ever imagined lungs that just sit back and watch the show? It would be catastrophic. So too, in the body of Christ we all need to work together. For the honor of Christ our Head, and for the thriving of his church fellowship, the active outworking of each believer’s gifts through prayerful caring and sharing is essential.

To be continued.

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