Church is Not a Country Club
The church is not a country club. Now at first read, you probably thought to yourself “no duh!” There’s probably not a church in the world that would describe itself as such. At least I pray that’s not the case! Unfortunately, many churches act as one without recognizing it.
Now I love golf. And as a golf enthusiast, the Master’s golf tournament is probably my favorite. This tournament happens every year at the most exclusive country club in the United States, and that’s Augusta National located in Augusta, GA. It’s actually not published how many members they have, but it’s believed to be around 300 total. This club is so exclusionary that if you have to “ask” to be a member, you’re not welcome. That’s right, it’s by invitation only. Initiation fees are believed to be between $25-50K, which is a bargain compared to some other country clubs that can well exceed over $100K. But don’t think you can just join if you are rich. Becoming a member of Augusta National is more about “who you know” than “how much you’re worth.” In fact, it was only 2012 when Condleezza Rice and Darla Moore joined to become Augusta’s firstfemale members. A caddie from Augusta once revealed that a member of the club enjoyed walking his dog on the course in the mornings. However, was told he wasn’t allowed because his dog wasn’t a member! It was resolved by him paying a guest fee for the dog. So basically, a dog is more welcome at August National than you and I!
Sadly, many of our churches have the same spirit of exclusion as Augusta National without even realizing it.
We may not be as public about it or even aware of our segregated tendencies, but they’re there. They are revealed when the church’s congregation and/or its “members” are more concerned with their needs being met than seeing the needs of those outside its walls. Our churches become country clubs when those who give the most amount of money drive its mission and vision. We are no more different than Augusta when our leadership positions inside the church are filled by people who have “seniority” or are viewed as being “accomplished.”
You still may be saying to yourself, “that’s not my church, I don’t feel that way.” Let me ask you this…
When you look at your congregation on Sunday morning, do you see persons of different generations, ethnicities, economic classes, and social statuses?
Are the worship team members that fill your platform diverse or are they all twenty-something’s with skinny jeans? Or are they all in there 60’s with choir robes?
Are there strategic events and conversations that happen where your church specifically reaches out to those who don’t go to church?
Does it take years for people who attend your church to “earn” the privilege of serving in leadership positions?
Is the language that is communicated filled with “church-speak?” (Words that only other Christians use and would understand.)
Would someone who doesn’t even believe what you believe even be welcomed and received to walk through your church halls?
In Mark chapter two, Jesus and his disciples are having dinner at the home of many “disreputable sinners.” In fact, Scripture tells us that there were many people of this kind who were followers of Jesus. The religious teachers who saw this specifically asked his disciples “Why does he eat with such scum?” Hearing this, Jesus fires back,
“Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call, not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” – Mark 2:17 (NLT)
You see God did not establish the local church to be a country club for the spiritually privileged. He’s called it to be a hospital for the broken.
The moment our churches turn their eyes inward and spend more time, energy and money on pleasing the saints rather than reaching the sinner, we’ve turned it into Augusta National.
If you are a follower of Jesus, I want to challenge you. I challenge you to be less consumed with whether or not your church meets every one of your needs or expectations. I challenge you to be less bothered by whether or not you “like” every aspect of the worship service or if the pastor’s message moved you. Be less concerned about whether or not your friends all attend church with you. In fact, just be less concerned with “you!”
Be more concerned about the souls of the people who aren’t attending church. Be more concerned about your church making a positive impact on your community. Be more concerned about whether or not those who don’t know Jesus are loved and welcomed when they walk into your lobby. In fact, be reallyconcerned if those same people don’t even know your church exists.
Keep looking up,
Pastor Alan Hannah
Pastor Alan is the lead pastor of Allegheny Center Alliance Church. To find out more about ACAC, go here.
