We did this by providing our people the opportunity to spend time with others just like themselves, in similar life situations, age brackets, financial positions, and social strata. We knew that this would greatly increase their comfort level. We chose homogeneity. That is, we chose to center around things like age, weight, sex, life situations, marital status, and child-rearing. As our people focus more on their own life circumstances rather than the cross or a common confession, they demand an even narrower array of options so that they won't have to be uneasy among those who do not match their life situation and individual concerns.
Leaders exhaust themselves attempting to satisfy the demand.
Meanwhile, the world goes to hell as our evangelism takes a backseat to our endless parade of new ministries. Claiming to stand up for the cause of Christ, we end up imitating the world. We have fueled the fires of consumerism only to look back on a conflagration out of control. We soothe our consciences by applauding our great organization and rising numbers, but true spiritual life is not found in orderliness or statistics. In too many cases, the cross becomes just another mascot for each special-interest group to feel like they are doing something religious.