Joyful Discipleship: The Consumer Versus The Follower

Introduction: Why Does Church Feel Like a Department Store?

Several years ago, my wife and I were searching for a new church. After visiting a few, I asked myself:

“Is it just me, or do many modern churches feel the same?”

Digging deeper, I discovered something surprising: much of them look and feel the same because they can be traced back to K-Mart in the 1970s. That’s why many churches feel like department stores because they literally copied them. Here’s the proof:

K-Mart Grew & Became a Model for Church

In the 1970s – Big Retailers & K-Mart was facing heavy competition. To stay ahead, they began sending out surveys asking questions like:

• “What do you like?”

• “What do you dislike?”

• “What would make you shop here more?”

Based on customer feedback, they rearranged their stores. The results were explosive: 1,000 stores and $10 billion in revenue.

How Churches Adopted the Same Model

Around this same time, church leaders began asking very similar questions—this time to their communities:

• “What do you hate about church?”

• “Why don’t you attend?”

• “What would make you come?”

• 1975 – Bill Hybels (Willow Creek, Illinois) built a church model directly from community surveys. He later admitted: “We made a mistake. We should have started teaching people.”

• 1980 – Rick Warren (Saddleback, California) did the same before launching Saddleback. In his book The Purpose Driven Church, he wrote: “We surveyed the unchurched. Their answers shaped the way we designed our weekend services.”

The results? These churches expereiced Explosive growth. Thousands of members flocked to these “seeker-sensitive” churches, and the model spread across America and the world.

But what were the long-term effects?

From Discipleship to Consumer Christianity

The seeker-sensitive movement shifted the church’s focus. Many churches became designed to attract non-Christians (seekers) every week. The Sunday focus shifted:

• From Bible teaching → to motivational self-help lessons

• From scriptural hymn music → to modern style songs

• From individual mentoring → to programs and events

• From feeding Christians → to feeding non-Christians

The result? A massive population of new Christians with a consumer mindset. Churches became like businesses offering a product. Christians became like consumers, exchanging time and money for a tailored experience.

But what did Jesus say?

“Stop making My Father's house a place of business.” – John 2:16 NASB

The church was never meant to be a place of consumer exchange, but a place of prayer and discipleship.

While these models often produced consumer habits, God in His mercy has still used many of these churches to bring people to Christ. But our call as disciples is not to stay at the surface — it is to go deeper with Him.

So the real question is this:

• Are you a Christian Consumer – taking, but still hungry?

• Or a Joyful Disciple – walking closely with Jesus Christ?

Today, we’re going to examine the difference between a Consumer Christian and a Disciple of Jesus.

The First Difference Between Disciple & Consumer

1. Joyful Commitment vs. Convenience

John 6:51-54, 60, 66-69 NASB

[51] I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh. [52] Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" [53] So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. [54] He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
[60] Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?"

[66] As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.
[67] So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?"
[68] Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.
[69] We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."

What It Means to Be a Disciple

The Greek word for disciple, μαθητής (mathētēs), comes from manthano → “learner, pupil, apprentice.” A disciple is someone who attaches themselves to a teacher — not only to gain information but to imitate their life and ways.

A disciple is committed because they believe Jesus alone provides life. Like Peter said in verse 68:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

We don’t become disciples to earn salvation — Jesus has already done that work on the cross. We become disciples because He has saved us, and now we joyfully follow.

To the Disciple

The disciple joyfully commits to Christ and His body:

• Reads the Word During Inconvience, because they know:
  “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” – John 6:63
  For them, reading Scripture isn’t just discipline — it’s receiving life itself.

• Attends church During Inconvience, not out of ritual, but because they believe Jesus’ promise:
  “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” – Matthew 18:20
  Attending church is not about being loyal to a brand — it’s about drawing life from Christ and His body (His people).

To the Consumer

The consumer is only committed when convenient. They may receive from Jesus, but they also keep something else on the side.

Their attitude is not, “Where else can I go?” but instead, “What do you have to offer?”

Examples of consumer Christianity:

• Giving only when there’s extra, instead of offering the firstfruits (Prov 3:9).

• Attending church only if the schedule is free, the weather is good, or nothing “better” comes up.

• Sitting in the rain for hours at a sports game, but complaining if the church sanctuary is a little cold.

They are fair-weather fans:

• They stay for the crowds and victories, but leave when times are tough.

• They treat faith like sports fans with a new team every year — always looking for excitement, never staying planted, always taking but never sowing.

Even in Jesus’ ministry, crowds grew and shrank. From 3 to 7, from 7 to 20, from 20 to 12 — discipleship wasn’t about the numbers. Jesus looked at the twelve and asked:
“Do you want to go away also?” (v. 67) He didn't care about numbers.

He wasn’t seeking consumers. He was separating the true disciples from the ones of convenience.

Reflection Questions

Even when we fail, Christ remains committed to us. His faithfulness is the reason we can return and recommit daily.

• Have you treated discipleship as optional when schedules, weather, or comfort get in the way?

• Do you commit to Christ only when it’s convenient — or do you joyfully commit because you believe that's Jesus' His Word and His Body provide life?

2. Joyful Self-Denial vs. Gratification

Luke 9:23-26 NASB

[23] And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
[24] For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.
[25] For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
[26] For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

Jesus makes it clear: anyone who follows Him must deny himself. Discipleship is choosing what Jesus wants over what we want. The confession “Jesus is Lord” means He is Master.

To the Disciple

For the disciple, self-denial is not misery — it is joy, because they see the eternal reward behind it.

• Self-Denial Equals Temporary Discomfort but Eternal Glory
  “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17 NASB95
  It’s like leaving a job, knowing you already have a far better one lined up.

• Self-Denial is Carrying the Cross Toward Future Joy
  “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2 NASB95
  It’s like training for five years for the Olympics and then winning gold. The temporary hardship is nothing compared to the joy of the victory.

The disciple embraces self-denial as a pathway to deeper joy in Christ.

To the Consumer

For the consumer-minded Christian, self-denial is a roadblock to pleasure. Their motto is:

• “Date anyone, eat anything, drink anything, do anything — as long as it feels good.”

• They follow the world’s mantra: “Follow your heart” instead of Jesus’ call to “Follow Me.”

• They unknowingly echo the satanic slogan: “Do thy will” instead of the biblical call to “Do God’s will.”

The Bible warns us about this mindset:

2 Timothy 3:4-5 NASB

[4] Treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
[5] holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

Consumers may claim Christianity but lack its power — the power to change, to overcome, to deny urges, to push past weakness.

Their excuses sound like:

• “I’m too tired, so I won’t read my Bible.”

• “I don’t feel like resisting this sin, so I’ll give in.”

But the true disciple says:
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 NASB95

Where True Power Comes From

Consumers lack God’s power because they lack His truth.

• The Power of the Gospel
  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” – Romans 1:16 NASB95

• The Power of God’s Grace
  “…it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.” – Hebrews 13:9 NASB95

• The Power of Christ in Weakness
  “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB95

Consumers don’t know or trust these truths. They:

• Don’t grasp the true gospel message (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

• Don’t understand the depth of God’s grace.

• Rely on human strength instead of Christ.

And without God’s power, they cannot truly deny themselves.

Reflection Questions

We don’t deny ourselves in our own strength. The Spirit of God strengthens us with grace (2 Corinthians 12:9), so that even in weakness, His power works through us

• Do you see self-denial as a roadblock standing in the way of your personal pleasure?

• Do you see self-denial as joy because it is momentary suffering that leads to eternal glory?

3. Joy of Serving vs. Being Served

Matthew 20:25-28 NASB

[25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.
[26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,
[27] and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;
[28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Jesus wanted His disciples to serve as He served. To wash feet—not wait to be washed.

To the Disciple

The true disciple takes Jesus at His word:

“…remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35 NASB95

They believe God’s promises:

• “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” – Proverbs 11:25 NASB95

• “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25 NLT

God has transformed their heart to sincerely care for others. They live out Philippians 2:4:

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” – NASB95

For the disciple, service isn’t about recognition, comfort, or benefits. It is about love for Jesus and others. They find joy in giving, believing God Himself will refresh them in return.

To the Consumer

For the consumer-minded Christian, serving is never really about others. It’s about what they can get out of it. They serve in order to consume and enjoy the rewards of serving, such as:

1. Recognition

2. Comfort

3. Benefits

We see this attitude in Scripture:

• Judas (John 12:5-6 NASB95):

  [5] "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?"
  [6] Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it.

• The Pharisees (Matthew 23:5 NASB95):

  But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.

If recognition, comfort, or benefits are absent, the consumer sees no reason to serve. To them, church becomes a restaurant where everyone else is the waiter:

• You sing, I listen.

• You love, I receive.

• You talk and give energy, I rest and conserve mine.

• You give the whole time, I take the whole time.

Reflection Questions

And when we fall short, we remember that Jesus first served us by giving His life. Our service flows out of gratitude for His ultimate sacrifice.

• Has church, in your heart, become more like a restaurant—a place where you only come to be served, while everyone else does the waiting?

• Do you joyfully serve out of love, believing it is a blessing to give and that God will water you in return?

4. Joy of Saving Souls vs. Saving Treasure

Luke 12:18-21 NASB95

[18] Then he said, “This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.
[19] And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’”
[20] But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?”
[21] So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Jesus calls us to invest in heavenly treasure, not earthly wealth. Our greatest treasure is salvation itself — and we are called to share that treasure with others.

To the Disciple

The disciple sees the world differently. They believe souls are lost, and like Jesus, they are moved with compassion:

Matthew 9:36-38 NASB

[36] Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.
[37] Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
[38] Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

The disciple knows that sharing the Gospel was not a side suggestion from Jesus, but His final command before leaving this earth:

Matthew 28:18-20 NASB

[18] And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
[20] teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

For the disciple, this isn’t about obligation. It’s about love for Jesus and love for souls. Because they love Him, they can’t stop sharing Him.

As Proverbs 11:30 reminds us:

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins sou

To the Consumer

The consumer-minded Christian is not focused on saving their own soul, and certainly not the souls of others. Their priorities lie elsewhere:

• More focused on a savings account than salvation.

• More excited about the next vacation than the next opportunity to share Christ.

• Concerned only for their immediate family (which is natural and good), but never for lost souls beyond.

• Attending church without ever engaging in loving the lost or sharing the Gospel.

For the consumer, Christianity is always about what they receive. It rarely, if ever, pours out in gratitude toward others.

It’s like someone who discovers the best buffet in town but never tells anyone. Why? Because they don’t really cherish what they’ve found. If they did, they couldn’t keep it to themselves.

Reflection Questions

We don’t share the gospel to check a box or prove ourselves holy. We share because we’ve received the greatest treasure — salvation by grace — and it naturally overflows to others.

• Have you been looking out only for yourself, storing up treasure on earth instead of investing in treasure in heaven?

• Do you truly believe people are lost and in need of Jesus, like sheep without a shepherd?

• Does your heart long to honor Jesus’ last command to make disciples—because you love Him?

Be the Disciple of Jesus

The disciple believes:

• Commitment to Christ brings life.

• Self-denial produces future glory.

• Serving is a blessing and refreshing.

• Saving souls is greater than storing treasure.

The consumer takes—but the disciple gives.
The consumer seeks comfort—but the disciple seeks Christ.

I pray you believe like a disciple, not like a consumer. And even if you see yourself drifting toward consumer habits, remember this: Christ does not cast you off. He calls you back, forgives you, and invites you deeper into joyful discipleship through His Spirit and His grace.

Amen.