10 Reasons Folks Join Church
E.A. Johnston reveals the ten common, often misguided reasons people join churches, emphasizing that true faith and salvation are the rare but essential motivations.
In this topical sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the ten common reasons why people join churches, many of which are driven by selfish or superficial motives. He challenges listeners to reflect on their own reasons for church involvement and highlights that true salvation and Christian commitment are often the minority motivations. Johnston's candid observations encourage believers to pursue genuine faith and authentic discipleship.
Full Transcript
Our churches have changed so much over the last couple of decades and both their message and their amenities have changed. I started wondering why folks join a church and I found that there's basically 10 reasons why folks join a church and this is a list I came up with from years of observation. Number one, some folks join a church to sell you something.
They are salespeople looking for new customers. I'll never forget the man I had in my Sunday school class that I was teaching. He called me at my house at night very urgently asking me to go meet him at a local coffee shop.
It sounded like life and death. When I got there he just wanted to sell me some discount golf clubs or furniture from the company represented. I later found out he woke up other members of that class to try and sell them the same junk as well.
So some folks join a church to sell you something. Number two, some folks join a church for the amenities provided like they join a country club. They'll ask you questions like how big are your ball fields, do you have a gym, things like that.
Some folks join a church for the smorgasbord of amenities provided. Number three, some folks join a church to serve in some capacity and the only reason they do this is for self-recognition. They want to be recognized and patted on the back for being such a sacrificing person.
So some join for self-recognition. Number four, some folks join a church to rise to a position of power. Why? They fight and claw their way over others just to become the chairman of the deacons.
They just want power over others. Number five, some folks join a church for dating purposes. They want romance and they will look you up and down to see if you qualify.
They just want romance and someone to date. Number six, some folks join a church so they can be a big giver to the church financially with the sole purpose of being able to strut around, being able to throw their weight around. They just want influence.
Number seven, some folks join a church because they have nowhere else to go. They are lonely. They just want social contact.
Number eight, some folks join a church because they want to sing solos in the choir and showcase their talent. They love applause and they join the church to hear you clap for them. Number nine, some folks join a church because they like to hear themselves talk.
They will wiggle their way into your small group so they can corner the conversation and talk your ears off, like Peter cut off the ears of Malchus. They will cut your ears off if you give them a chance. Number ten, some folks join a church because they want to be saved and be a Christian.
These of course are the minority and they make up a small percentage of the church membership.
Sermon Outline
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I. Reasons People Join Church for Personal Gain
- To sell products or services
- For amenities and social perks
- To gain recognition or power
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II. Reasons People Join Church for Social or Personal Benefits
- For dating and romance
- To showcase talents and receive applause
- For social contact and to avoid loneliness
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III. Reasons People Join Church for Influence
- To gain financial influence
- To dominate conversations
- To rise to leadership positions
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IV. Genuine Reason to Join Church
- To be saved and become a Christian
- Recognizing true faith as the minority motivation
- Encouragement to seek authentic spiritual commitment
Key Quotes
“Some folks join a church to sell you something.” — E.A. Johnston
“Some folks join a church for the amenities provided like they join a country club.” — E.A. Johnston
“Some folks join a church because they want to be saved and be a Christian.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Examine your own reasons for church involvement to ensure they align with genuine faith.
- Avoid joining or participating in church for selfish motives like recognition or power.
- Focus on authentic discipleship and seek salvation as the primary purpose of church membership.