Thom Rainer is the CEO of Church Answers. He was also the president of LifeWay Christian Resources and has authored over 30 books. 

In a recent article he highlighted eleven signs you might be becoming a church consumer instead of a committed church member. Here is number ten:

“You don’t pray for your church regularly.”

His brief article was pointed and honest. Two powerful factors have eroded the health of many congregations in our modern time: individualism and consumerism. Instead of thinking about our congregations as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), many think of them as optional service providers.

McDonald’s with a halo.

On Sunday, I put out a challenge to the congregation where I serve: Pray for your church every day for two minutes. 

Let’s say that God has established a movement of his people on earth who gather in local congregations to honour and serve him and to bless others as the hands and feet of Jesus.

And let’s also say that the wider world tends to dismiss or hate them. 

Let’s further say that a powerful being called Satan is actively trying to destroy them.

Oh, and let’s finally say that the people within that church are being throttled daily and potentially lured away from authentic faith and discipleship with consumerism, individualism, and deception.

No wonder Paul says this to the Ephesians after telling them to put on the full armour of God: “…always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18).

Can I get an Amen?

If you’re a part of the same congregation as me (Westminster in Barrie, Canada), pray for your church every day for two minutes. If you’re a part of another congregation somewhere else, why not do the same?

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Notes:

#prayer #pray #church #community #fellowship #bodyofChrist #faith #bible #devotional 

–“My Captain, My Ship.” Sermon. September 11, 2022. Click here.