Ever notice that most churches have a "profile?" It's not something that is spoken or even part of the "Requirements for Membership;" but its still there.
What am I talking about? Well, most churches have a "target group." That's a certain demographic (I hate that word) that they are trying to appeal to. It can be, for example, Youth, or 20 somethings, or even 30 somethings.
Now if you fit into their "profile" then you are catered to in almost every way. You and your children are entertained. "Messages" targeted to what you like or are dealing with one an everyday basis. A series of "messages" are "targeted" to you, all designed to make you happier, comfortable, even wealthier. "Messages" are carefully worded to avoid offending anyone.
Now, if you don't fit into their "profile" then you are basically ignored until you leave; or die. (Whatever comes first).
The basic problem with this (besides being un-biblical) is that it creates two classes of "Christians." One is "in;" the other is "out." If you are "in", God can use you in a special way; if you are "out," well you need to find another place to worship (there is little hope of God every using someone like you).
More often than not, I am in the "out" category. You see, I am a 58 year old ex-pastor who taught the Bible verse-by-verse and actually believed that it has more to offer than books written by the "hip" so-called "christian" authors. (I even believe in Hell; scandalous, isn't it?).
Being in the "out" category is kinda cool. Read what Harley Howard wrote about A. W. Tozer:
"A. W Tozer, unquestionably one of the greatest men who ever preached the Bible, was a man ridiculed while he lived because he was so "out of touch" with the religious establishment around him. What made him so "out of touch" with those around him was the fact that he was so "in touch" with God."
Oh, yeah, and there was another fella who was "out." His Name is Jesus, and he was so far "out" that they crucified Him.
So, if you find yourself on the "outside;" don't bother looking in. You won't like what you see.
5 comments:
I LIKE THIS...SO TRUE AND SAD....
How true, I think that's why lots of people just "drift away" and stop going to church.
hirocloudspy: I believe that you are right. I have met many over the years that did not fit the mold, so they were quietly ignored to death and left. So sad.
Very true assessment Okie P...I wish it weren't so, but that's a dynamic that's prevalent in Church as a Business.
Well said, OP!
I believe that the main type of congregant most churches are looking for is young, college and married couples. I know my former church taught we have to reach the youth because once they hit their 20's there hearts are pretty well hardened to the gospel ( I think now it was the gospel as preached by that church). Also married couples have usually steady incomes, kids that will fill Sunday School classes, private school, summer programs etc.
One thing I've seen older folks, the disabled and not well employed form a type of underclass in many churches IME. In one Baptist church I used to attend the singles group was 50% disabled people which was a great opportunity for service and fellowship on one hand, but on the other could make folks feel that being single is also a disability and a double disablity if single! Most of us were also under employed or unemployed.
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