I was laughing as I was talking with my friend at lunch today about some of the things people request to be a part of our church like coffee shops, bookstores, food courts etc., ha.  Lots of churches do this and the people in our church want to have it too.  We are a consumer driven society and we are consumer driven Christians.  We need church to provide the conveniences we experience everywhere else it seems. And of course we know that this is exactly what Jesus taught about following him right?  It would be convenient and neat, no messes and we could get whatever we want whenever we want, right? Next, people will want to be able to get their eyes checked, order up a pair of glasses, get their hair cut and pick up a nice Christian tshirt that is fashionable, copying the style of something seen in Hollister or beyond! Nope, the church isn’t frickin walmart! You want coffee to talk about Jesus with someone, go to the stinking 9 million starbucks in your neighborhood and love the barista who is making your latte’ instead of demanding it like you deserve it. Want to grab a bite to eat after church and do something meaningful?  Get your butt to a restaurant, love the server and leave a big freaking tip! Want to wear something that says you love Jesus, how about a smile, how about some joy?  Wear some love as Paul told us to do, in fact, he said above everything else, clothe yourself in love! Our churches don’t need to be the local mall for crying out loud, they need to be a boot camp that encourages us to get our lazy buns in gear and take the message of the Gospel seriously, so seriously that it envelops our lives, every little fiber!  I’m just saying this convenience mentality is a totally ridiculous way of thinking and I’m tired of hearing the excuses about what we need when it’s all at our fingertips, presented by our pastors and leaders, inspired and empowered by the amazing Holy Spirit!  The need was met long ago on the cross. The adventure awaits outside the doors of our pretty cathedrals and the comfort of our cushioned pews!  Let’s not add to the comfort by turning our churches into walmart! 

p.s. at least the greeters at walmart are nice.  Lots of us could take a lesson from that…..