The Church as Consumers

When I say the "church" above I do not mean the institution of the church but the body of Christ that is THE Church. The people that make up His bride being stuck in this rut of consumerism being made up of consumers.

Just for clarity for myself I looked up the definition of consumer and consumerism as well as read about what others are saying on this issue (some of their posts are listed at the end of this post for you to check out if you would like to).
Consumer: a person or thing that consumes; Economics. a person or organization that uses a commodity or service.
Consumerism: the concept that an ever-expanding consumption of goods is advantageous to the economy. The fact or practice of an increasing consumption of goods.

When I think of a consumer I think of a person that sits back and takes from society or a group or whatever and does not contribute to society.
I picture it like this, remember back to school when the teacher would give you a group assignment and there were a couple of kids in the class that nobody wanted to be in a group with because everyone knew they wouldn't do any of the work but still get the same "credit" or grade as the rest of the group. Of course all of us had the urge to be that guy or girl but we didn't want the reputation that came with it.

Why does it not bother us that our involvement in the church can be that way and nobody feels bad about it? Especially since the church is one of the two institutions that Jesus instituted and our involvement is birthed out of our relationship with God. Last time I checked, a relationship is a two way street. Not many relationships last very long if they are one way. Eventually the person doing all the giving steps away from the relationship. Now, that will not happen with God and will not happen with the Church but that really shouldn't be motivation for us in this case anyway.

There are probably lots of reasons that people smarter than I could give as to why we are where we are as a consumeristic church body but I am focusing on ministry moving forward and trying to answer the question "How do we combat and eventually change the mentality of churchgoers to be fully engaged participants in the bigger story"?

Do we forget that we come to church not to receive but to give and in the process we receive.
It looks like this:
I come to church with anticipation of meeting with like-minded people to worship (in whatever form) give glory to, express love to, humble ourselves before a Holy God and He in fact meets with us! Then we are able to edify one another...see Hebrews 10:24-25

So, what are ways that we must change the institution of the church in order to change the mindset of the body of believers that make up the Church.

Interaction is one thing that pops into my head. Experience is another. Finding ways to partner with God in His redemptive work.

What does that look like, specifically, in this suburban upper middle class church & youth ministry that God has placed me in?


A few links to a few articles or blogs I read about this subject. I do not necessarily support or endorse any of these but I found them to be good food for thought.
Christianity Today
Sojourn
Out of Ur
Mark Sayers