What if Starbucks Marketed Like a Church?
I’m a bit confused, because many non-Denominational (denominational) churches market like Starbucks. In fact, some may even have a Starbucks. While in college, I attended one of these churches for about 4 years. I was very materialistic and the rock-praise, big screens, skits, and coffee and donuts were very appealing. But I quickly found the message to be watered down. And every time I would invite some friends, the sermon was about tithing or about pledging large amounts of money for the crazy mega-Church “building fund.” As my faith matured, so did my lack of desire for worldly things. The Lord led me to a deeper faith with Him. Now it is not my intention to bash the non-Denominational churches, in fact, they do a lot of good things, and do a great job of bringing non-Christians to Christ. But, my observation is that these churches are passer-through churches. People come for a while and then move onto or back to other more mainstream faith traditions.
John Paul II talked about a “New Evangelization.” This does not mean becoming like the world, but rather engaging the culture, using the tools of today to share Truth with others.
I think part of the biggest problem today, is that we have become so narcissistic (generally speaking). Church becomes, “What do I get out of it?” This is not what church should be about. We (again generally speaking) have lost the sense of “liturgy,” which is ultimately Christ-centered. In a world that worships the Oprahs and the Dr. Phils, the non-Denominational church I used to attend seemed more like a self-help seminar, only with a few praise & worship songs thrown into the mix. Again, I sincerely ask this rhetorical question, is this what church is about? God bless †
20 Nov 2008 Catholic Tech Tips
Great post! We can’t go to mass asking “what’s God going to do for ME today?” We should be asking “what can GOD do THROUGH ME today?” This self-offering is what mass is all about and ultimately what our entire relationship with Christ is about. In fact, any GOOD relationship, period, works on this principle.
That is why, as you noted, those that are truly searching for that type of relationship with Christ ultimately “move-onto or back” to other traditional experiences of faith - experiences that have out-lived any fad of pop-culture. This is ultimately exhibited in the Catholic Faith…the expression of faith that has out-lived them all and embodies the fullness of the faith.