Join now...no obligation...money back guarantee

I am always skeptical of the no obligation, money back guarantee thing. It doesn't matter what it is. It may be a book club, CD club, and jelly of the month club. I never believe the no obligation thing. I always think there is a catch.

However, many people go for that kind of offer. It is the consumer within them that just can't pass up a "good" deal. Over my years in ministry I have noticed that many church members view membership like they are joining a club. If they decide they are not getting the service they need, then it is time to move on to another club that will better meet their needs. I have even seen some ask to get some things back that they have donated!

But that is the wrong picture of church membership. Church members are not to view themselves as consumers. They are not just club members. Instead church members are partners in the mission. They have decided they believe in the mission of the church and they agree to partner with the church to fulfill that mission. They partner with their gifts and abilities, with their influence, with their giving. When you join the mission, it is not a "no obligation" type of commitment. Being a church member should focus you outward toward others and the world, not focus you inward towards yourself.

A church will never become all God wants it to be when its members have a consumerist, no obligation, money back guarantee attitude. A church is to be made up of people who believe that God is up to something big and He wants to use us in the process of reaching people for Him and helping them reach their potential in Christ.