Scot McKnight at Jesus Creed continues with the conversation regarding Hirsch’s book and this week he discusses chapter four, Disciple Making. The question that he poses are “(Questions for the day:) Is consumerism the biggest threat to discipleship today? What is the best way to make disciples?” Hirsch treats this section with a bit more emphasis, seeing the making of disciples as “the single, most crucial factor” in contributing to mDNA that lies at the heart of a missional church or movement. His contrast throughout the chapter lies in the contrast between a “white hot” movement rooted in a mission and the passive, consumerist Church of modernity.
I think that the question regarding the threat posed by consumerism to discipleship can be better framed by reversing the focus; why isn’t discipleship a threat to consumerism. The American context in which I’m reading the book is very much defined by its consumer tendency. We are free to pick and choose from countless choices and, in many cases we need not expend much effort at all to receive goods and services. We can be passive consumers and participants in the culture. This culture has obviously affected the Church where we often find the vast majority of Sunday morning consumers passively receiving programs and services with little demanded in return.
The consumer mentality threatens discipleship because, by its very nature, it is not a passive activity. Discipleship in the way of Jesus requires accountability, dedication, and personal investment, all things that are anathema to the consumerist mindset. The pastor that models and expects it from a congregation will often experience consumerist reaction as the passively committed members seek an easier to consume experience.
In returning to my restatement of Scot’s question: why aren’t we more of a threat to consumerism? Do we who are pastors allow the passivity to take root in our congregations? Are we engaged in discipleship ourselves sufficient to stoke a white hot faith within us? Why not? Is it easier to read (consume) someone else’s work instead of creating our own?
LOVE | ACCEPT | FORGIVE 