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So, I'd encourage you to consider five truths about the tendency to being a customer of the church.
First, people naturally want to be objects of the ministry, not partners in it. That's why the Bible says, "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Hebrews 10:24, KJV).
Second, people want to see others serving while they are the one being served. That's why the Bible says, "Based on the gift EACH ONE has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10, HCSB).
Third, if you are a pastor, one of your most important roles is to equip people for ministry. That's why the Bible says that God gave leaders "for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12, HCSB).
Fourth, it is not natural to be a giver. It is natural to be a receiver. That is what we desire, but that selfishness is what the Bible speaks against. That's why the Bible reminds us that it is "more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Fifth, when only pastors do for people what God has called all His people to do, everyone gets hurt and the mission of God is hindered. God has given gifts to his people for the good of all. That's why the Bible says, "a demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial" (1 Corinthians 12:7).
When God's people think less like customers of the ministry and, instead, see themselves as the owners of the ministry, it's a whole different kind of church.
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