Welcome - Fast Food and Church?

What does fast food have to do with church?  Despite some  churches putting McDonald's franchises on their campuses, hopefully not a whole lot (see Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston, TX).

However, on the journey of life, many people choose a church with the same principles they would choose a quick meal while on a road trip.  I want it fast, I want it hot, I want it appealing, I want it convenient and I want to "feel" full when I am finished (If I have kids, they better have a great playground to keep them out of my hair while I am eating).  The problem is most fast food only provides empty calories and has very little nutritional value.  A steady diet of it has long term consequences.  The same is true for those who have a fast food mentality when it comes to their place of worship.  They may "feel" like they are getting what they need, but the food they are "eating" provides no real spiritual nourishment.

So how can you know whether a church is "fast food" or healthy?  The following list is not exhaustive, but certainly should give you some food for thought (I could not resist that one).

• Is the worship music "me" centered or "Christ" centered?:  Just who or what are you singing about?
• Is the worship leader and congregation "going through the motions" or "engaged" during the time of praise?
• Is the preaching "me" centered or "Christ" centered?:  Just who is the focus of the preaching, after all the Bible is God's revelation of Himself!
• Does the Pastor believe in basic Christianity?; the Bible is God's perfect Word, Christ was virgin born, Jesus is exclusively THE way to God, etc.
• How about Communion?  Does the church regularly take of the Lord's Supper and is the sacrament taken with significance honoring the greatness of Jesus?
• Do people linger after the service naturally enjoying other people's company or do they rush out the door to get home?  Remember, the Bible tells us we are a spiritual family stronger than blood!
• Does the children's and youth ministries emphasize entertainment with a little "Bible" here and there (teaching the kids Bible catch phrases to keep you happy) or do they strategically drive down the deep truths of Scripture into their impressionable hearts?

Obviously, there is so much more to consider than the list above, but this should give you an idea of what to look for in a church.  We are living in a time where "fast food" Christianity seems dominate the landscape.  I have to admit as a Pastor it is tempting to provide people with "fast food" spirituality because it so quickly and easily satisfies.  I have to remind myself that "fast food" spirituality may satisfy the "flesh,"but it can not truly satisfy the soul.

Trinity seeks to provide nourishment that comes from loving God through the Word and Spirit, loving one another and loving those who are yet to know Christ.

I hope you will come feast with us!

Blessings,

Jeff Falkowski, Pastor