Coffee Shop Christianity

For the past few weeks, I have been going to a coffee shop almost every day. Usually, while I'm there, I am able to tune out the rest of the world and have a chance to think, write, and listen to whatever I have on iTunes. Sadly, I have now come into the coffee house so much that the workers ask me if I want the usual. I feel like Norm on Cheers. It's only a matter of time until they give me a shirt and an apron and put me to work! Being there as much as I am, I see all sorts of people walk in. Some come in and sit down with their bibles, and others come to socialize. However, everyone comes because the coffee shop has something that they like. For some, like me, it's solace with a little white noise, to others it's coffee and conversation, and to others it's anything but home.

I started thinking about the similarities between this coffee shop and the current situation of the church. Many, if not all, current Christian churches desire to have something for everyone. However, I ask myself how polarizing the Church is supposed to be. Are we supposed to be a bitter taste to some? When Christ says that the world will hate his followers (not a quote), is that because of our indifference toward the world, or the nature of the gospel? The conclusion that I came to is that it is both.

I see a trend with the modern church, in that we are trying to be popular. We attempt to create tantalizing special effects in order that it may captivate the congregation. Even small churches are attempting to prepare room in a modest budget for video screens and better instruments. What is the desired result? Hopefully it brings more people in that they might hear the gospel. Unfortunately it is a sleight-of-hand trick that leaves the audience staring at the distraction (the effects), rather than the revelation (the gospel). 

The mistake that I think we are making is that the appeal to the church is supposed to be the gospel. However, that makes most of you nervous, because you think that the gospel alone doesn't appeal to the masses, and you are right; it appeals to Christians. Ultimately, the Church is faced with a decision: would we rather have 10,000 of the unbelieving filling the pews, or 10 of the believing? I think the choice, for the most part, has been made. Consequently, our sanctuaries are filled with coffee shops and roller coasters. However, if there is a group of 10 believers that are fulfilling their evangelical obligations on the days between Sunday and Sunday, then the people that come to salvation will be attracted to the revelation of Christ. The Church will be polarizing to those that have no desire for Christ, and appealing to those that want to grow as disciples.