Our church is a strong advocate of "local" churches. We firmly believe that unless the local churches are strengthened, the "universal" church cannot be strong. Many in our society approach church in various ways. Some practice a "cafeteria style" church where they go here for this and there for that. Usually, they have no spiritual authority over their lives and are not members of any particular local church.
Some practice a "convenient store style" church where they go in for what they need and quickly come out as soon as they can. Their motto is "What's in it for me?" Often, these folks only attend Sunday services and rarely get integrated in a particular local church. Generally, no church leader knows of them. Their primary value is "convenience."
Some practice a "leap frog style" church where they only stay at a church for a short length of time. One year there, six months here, and two years at another place. They are usually fickle and uncommittal. When the going gets rough, they are the first ones to hop out the door.
Some practice a "holiday style" church where they only go to church for special days in the year such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Usually, they have no idea that God desires to work in and through the local churches to accomplish His redemptive plans.
Some practice a "wherever the wind blows style" church where they go wherever their friends invite them. They go to a different church every week or every other week. Generally, they rotate among a hand full of churches based on where they feel like going for that week or what event a church might be having. They have no ownership of any church and are primarily concerned about "what I can get out" of the church than "what I can put in."
As you can see, there are many types of "church goers" out there. Our church strongly advocates the "local body of Christ style" church where each person is asked to become an integral part of the church family. Together, we strive to become more committed to God and to one another. We function under the spiritual guidance of God-ordained-servant leaders, and we seek to follow Christ in submission and obedience. In addition, we seek to be available to God in carrying out His redemptive plans. In other words, we strive to be a church modeled in Acts 2:42-47.
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