Over the years I have heard a number of people complain that their church is not feeding them, that they are not getting a lot out of it. Each time multiple images come to mind, which by God’s grace I usually do not share with them. One of the first things that leaps to mind is, “It is not the purpose of the church to feed you!” I get a mental picture of an adult being spoon fed in a high chair with food all over them screaming, “I am not getting fed!” Sort of like this but with an adult…
When we see an adult getting fed, we know something is wrong. Either that person has mental or physical challenges, or they are very ill, but it is not normal. We expect to see adults utilizing a knife, fork, and spoon in a semi-refined manner, reducing the food on their plate to manageable bites and feeding themselves, unless they are trying to eat Asian cuisine with chopsticks. So why do adults complain when they are not getting fed? As we have said before the expectation of scripture is that we do feed ourselves, Hebrews 5:12 – 14.
This is critical for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that our children will pick up our attitude toward things. If we require others to feed us, they will expect the same. If we expect others to serve, so will they.
So if the purpose of church is not to feed us, what is its purpose? What is your view?
There is more to say about this, it may take a couple of days…
This is an incredible post! I love the point you made that if you are an adult and someone else has to feed you we all know something is wrong! The same can be said when parents don't want their kids to go to children's church because they want to "worship together as a family". It makes you wonder if they spend time worshiping God together as a family any other time during the week. Anyway, all that to say that I agree with you. Keep up the great work!
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