Ephesians 5:25 “Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.”  Fox News ran a sobering clip and article this past week titled, “I’m a pastor and I want you to quit church. Now!”  Before you jump to conclusions, the author was not really saying to quit church.  He was only saying to quit the casual and consumer way many people and denominations now approach God’s principles for actively and seriously participating in church.  I praise God that my home church has not yielded to this trend and has actively and intentionally engaged our members to serve the Lord.  But, individual members are still prone to do what is happening in churches across America today. Church attendance is shrinking in our nation and there is a common theme and finding from research.  A lot of people who attend church are passive towards serving, giving and service.  We have all heard that 80 percent of the work is done by 20 percent or now less of the people.  Many churches have become a church of spectators.  However, churches that preach God’s Word without compromise, stay focused on Jesus and have intentional ministries to reach and disciple members do not fall into this trend.

This media release went on to point out that something has to change.  Casual attendance and the belief that others will serve, give and share the Gospel are tearing down churches across our country brick by brick.  It further stated, “As believer, it’s time we are either all in or we get out.  What would happen if we stopped being casual and started belonging with growth of our personal faith by serving like Jesus.”  We need to be reminded that the local church isn’t a building but a body of believers fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.  When a leader approaches his individual involvement and commitment in a casual manner, it weakens the entire body of Christ and spiritual impact we are called to have.  Jesus felt the church was worth dying for, so it should be our mission as Christians to value living for it.  Each of us is called to be an active leader in our local church and to not neglect the spiritual gift within us.  The truth is, if we don’t feel passionate about something, we don’t do it.  The bottom line is how passionate we feel about Christ and the church.