Coffee. Concerts. And Church.

“I believe it is unbiblical to elevate entertainment over preaching and to put public relations ahead of worship in our church services,” wrote John MacArthur in his book “Ashamed of the Gospel” and subtitled “When the Church Becomes Like the World.”

MacArthur’s book was orbitally published in 1993 and has been updated twice. He further warns against fleshly enticements, secular methods, and watering down the gospel to draw crowds. Current trends show little change as churches head farther in that direction.

In two recent facebook posts I read these criticisms. Although I don’t agree with all of their theology, Frances Swaggart offered this observation and critique.

A lot of churches now have coffee bars in their lobbies. Some of them also sell donuts and muffins. I understand the thinking behind it—that having these things helps attract people to church and gives regular attendees a reason to maybe come to church a little earlier and fellowship before the service starts. And I imagine selling a bunch of coffee and donuts brings in a little extra money for things the church might need.

But a coffee bar is not something you will find at Family Worship Center. When we were remodeling our church, the contractors assumed that we would want one, and they were looking around for the best place to install a coffee bar, but we told them no.

We have great respect for the house of God, and to add something like a coffee bar only encourages people to interrupt the praise and the worship and the preaching of God’s Word just so they can go in and out to get coffee. That is very disrespectful. We believe you should come to church to worship the Lord. You don’t come to church to drink coffee; it’s not a coffee-drinking time. We’re there to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, and we refuse to enter His courts with a cup of coffee in hand.

In another post on a church group page, which I failed to document the author, the writer speaks of visiting various churches in his area. He complained that they seemed more like secular concerts designed to entertain, instead of worship services focused on praising God. MacArthur called it “Give Me that Show Time Religion.”

Both posts reminded me not only of MacArthur’s book but also Jesus’ stern rebuke to the religious leaders of His day.

The Bible records that twice in Jesus’ ministry, once in the beginning and then during His last week on earth, that He cleansed the Temple of those who He said made His “Father’s house a house of merchandise!” (Jn. 2:16).

The Temple Cleansing involved two issues.

First, was the money changers. When people from out of town came to the feast days in Jerusalem they often needed to exchange their currency for the local currency. The money changers set up booths exacting an exorbitant surcharge for their service. It took advantage of the poor. And preyed on their desire to worship, but at a hefty profit to the greedy money changers.

Secondly, there were those selling animals for sacrifices. Almost every visit to the Temple required a sacrifice. Animals could be purchased outside of the Temple at reasonable prices. However, according to Barclay, Temple authorities appointed inspectors within the Temple to be sure the animal was “without spot or blemish.” To be safe, it was better to buy the sacrifice on Temple grounds, since they were approved. The merchants often marked up the price 25 times higher than normal. Apparently, the family of the High Priest owned some of these booths and profited from this scheme. Possibly this is why Annas was anxious to have Jesus arrested when he struck a blow to his greedy monopoly.

All of this raises some questions.

• What is the purpose of the church?
• When does a worship service cease to become worship?
• Why do you attend church services?
• Are you focused on praising God or pleasing self?
• Have church leaders “made merchandise” of God’s House through secular schemes, carnal enticements, social objectives, or political purposes?
• Has attending church become a spectator sport, instead of a God-focused occasion to participate in praising Him?
• Have church leaders made merchandise of the gospel as evidenced by their luxurious mansions, lavish lifestyles, and material possessions?

Jesus said the religious leaders had turned God’s “house of prayer” into “a den of thieves” (Lk. 19:45).

I wonder what He would say today?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman