Church Incorporated

(*Disclaimer - It would be easy to think I am addressing specifics in this article, but I am not. I am not speaking to any specific church or individuals with these words. I am addressing the culture I see in MANY American Churches today.*)


Feel free to read into this whatever you want, but its going to get directly to the point.

What's the difference between the Church in America and Corporate America? Sadly, not much! Some of you reading this might not like the brashness of that statement, but the truth of it can't be denied. We have "Americanized" the church in such a way that the lines between how the church runs and how a typical corporation runs are blurred at best, and non-existent in many cases. AND yes, this is a bad thing!


Allow me to present just one (of many) of my personal observations to support these statements:


- We seek out the paying customers WAAAY before we seek out the lost or the poor. Observe your church's Sunday School classes and worship service this week and tell me that I'm lying. Who gets the attention? Who is made to feel welcome? Allow someone who doesn't "fit in" to walk through the doors and see how they are treated.


This is just one example. I will stop just to make this simple point:


I am NOT bashing the church...I'm trying to challenge those who have taken the American ideals of ambition and prosperity and applied them to our worship communities. I'm speaking about those who have taken the principles of capitalism and applied them to the church Jesus started. The truth is I LOVE THE CHURCH and want to see it do exactly what it is supposed to do.


Listen Church! Are we country clubs or are we places of refuge and beacons of light shining in a VERY dark world. Capitalism is fine for our economy, but it has no place in our churches.


Jesus said to give it all away - Capitalism says to get as much as you can!


Jesus said to treat others as you would have them treat you - Corporate America says to look out for number one!


Jesus said to take care of the poor, widows, and orphans - the Business world is more interested in those with money and influence!


Jesus said that true leaders are those who serve - Corporate America says the leaders are those with the most power and give them titles like CEO and Chairman!


Which one does the church resemble more today, what Jesus said or what Corporate America says?


I am not cynical, I am just tired of ignoring these facts. It is time to reform the church...AGAIN! It is time to remove corporate minded leadership and replace it with Spirit-led leadership! I am on a mission and hope you are too. Lets get to work...(a-hem) I mean, lets get to serving!!!


I have more to say on this subject so stay tuned and find a way to impact your world today!