Census Death

I've had to check myself during Easter and New Year Eve services over the years.  My human side gets extremely frustrated over people who prostitute God on these days; but my spiritual side quickly reminds me that not long ago I was one of them.  I was the guy cramming in churches for the show; taking up a seat for someone who was really dedicated....making a mockery of the entire event.  So, although the crowds can be nerve racking, the best thing for me to do during these times is to serve others.  Then, instead of being bothered by my snotty assumptions, I get to see how people lives get changed in in only 1.5 hours before the business side kicks in (i.e. name, number, address, email address, and so on) of trying make sure that church roster (and hence the revenue) goes up.   The never-ending quest to become a mega-church and/or to be a part of one.

What's up with the mega-church thing anyway?  I mean, clearly people giving their lives to Jesus Christ is THE most important thing.  And being around Believers on a regular basis is supported in the Bible (Hebrews 10:25, for all you "I-don't-need-to-go-to-church" folks).  But does this support the mega church?  Does anything?

Well, while the more the merrier is often implied, there are some drawbacks.  Take in consideration what happened when King David attempted to take a census of Israel, documented in 2 Samuel:24.  Apparently, it was a thing that The Lord God didn't approve of because it resulted in Him sending a plague that killed 70,000 people that David just finished counting.  Why was this wrong?  The Bible doesn't clearly say, but some critical thinking can give us some answers about King Davids' motive.  Here's the simple way to think about this, why would a king need a census?  Answer: to help determine taxes and tax rates, to help determine eligible workers, and to help determine eligible soldiers.  Relate that to today; where all churches essentially take a census.  What does a church need for those numbers?  For some of the same reasons an Iron Age king needs it.  Some churches even ask for you to complete W-2 forms, so there's the tax option right there.  And without wasting too much more time, ALL attendance records for profit and "non-profit" organizations trace their roots to money earning or saving.

So it's a money grab...and to an extent I don't have a problem with that.  But the question is this:  how effective are those 10,000 members with ministering the great news of Jesus Christ to others...and, how effective are senior pastors in equipping their members in doing so?  Because if people, joining large congregations just to "get a powerful word" is prevalent, then the only beneficiary in that deal is the senior pastor and the church bottom line.  However, if each member who receives that word capitalizes off it by demonstrating it to others, then an entire generation benefits.

You mega church members...stop hiding in your plush seats behind your tablet screens.  And pastors, while your gift is clearly evident, the goal is for the tree to produce fruit in many seasons for many people; not just one time.  Get passionate, get inspired, and get active.

Peace