The Danger of Consumer Christianity

 

Consumer Christianity is one of the quietest yet most dangerous shifts in the modern church.  It does not openly deny Christ; it subtly redefines Him.  Instead of seeing Jesus as Lord, many now approach Him as a product to be consumed, evaluated, and replaced if expectations are not met.

 

From Disciples to Consumers

In consumer Christianity, believers no longer ask, “What does God require of me?” but rather, “What does the church offer me?”  Church attendance becomes transactional.  If the preaching feels too strong, worship is too long, or the conviction is too uncomfortable, people simply shop elsewhere.

Jesus never called customers; He called disciples.  “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23 (KJV)  That invitation stands in sharp contrast to a faith built around personal preference.

 

Comfort Has Replaced the Cross

Consumer Christianity avoids discomfort.  Messages about sacrifice, repentance, holiness, and endurance are often minimized because they do not “sell.”  The cross becomes symbolic rather than sacrificial.

Yet Paul declared, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” – 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV)  A gospel without cost is not the gospel Christ preached.

 

Choice Has Replaced Commitment

When faith becomes a product, commitment becomes optional.  People commit only as long as their needs are being met.  Loyalty to a local church, spiritual authority, and biblical accountability weakens.

Scripture teaches covenant, not convenience. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering.” -Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)  Consumer Christianity teaches holding on only when it feels good.

 

Entertainment Over Edification

In consumer-driven churches, success is often measured by attendance, atmosphere, and excitement rather than transformation.  Worship becomes performance, preaching becomes motivation, and Scripture becomes a supporting reference instead of a foundation.

Paul warned, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” – 1 Corinthians 4:20 (KJV)  Power is formed through truth, not trends.

 

Selective Obedience

Consumer Christianity embraces the parts of Scripture that affirm personal desires while ignoring passages that confront sin or demand surrender.  Obedience becomes selective, and truth becomes customizable.

Jesus said, “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, do not the things which I say?” -Luke 6:46 (KJV). Lordship cannot be selective.

 

Shallow Roots, Fragile Faith

When faith is built on personal benefit rather than deep conviction, it collapses under pressure.  Trials, correction, and persecution quickly expose shallow roots.

Jesus warned of this in the parable of the sower, those with no root endured only for a time (Matthew 13:20-21).

 

The Cost to the Church

Consumer Christianity produces:

  • Spiritual immaturity
  • Weak biblical discernment
  • Low commitment
  • High offense
  • Little endurance

A church shaped by consumers may grow wide, but it will not grow deep.

 

A Call Back to True Discipleship

The solution is not better marketing, but deeper discipleship.  The church must return to preaching Christ as Savior and Lord.  Following Jesus means surrender, obedience, and perseverance.

Paul summed it up clearly: “Ye are not your own..therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV).

Consumer Christianity asks, “What can God do for me?”

True Christianity asks, “How can my life glorify God?”

One produces spectators.  The other produces saints.

The church does not need more consumers; it needs consecrated followers of Christ who are willing to carry the cross, count the cost, and follow Him fully.