{"id":1854,"date":"2014-09-16T08:00:01","date_gmt":"2014-09-16T12:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/?p=1854"},"modified":"2026-05-18T16:49:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T20:49:18","slug":"free-from-consumerism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/free-from-consumerism.htm","title":{"rendered":"CHURCH FACILITIES: Keep Free from Consumerism"},"content":{"rendered":"
To get the greatest benefit from this practicum, make sure you have read related training on the site. Click below to read about Christ-Like Character:<\/em><\/div>\n
Church Leadership Basics: God’s Heart for the Church<\/a><\/center><\/div>\n

\"ConsumerismConsumerism can be the accumulation of material goods but it is also an attitude wherein value is attached to the acquisition of goods. We can see this creep into churches when the facilities move from being mere tools to a measure of success. How big and how nice the building is replaces how functional it is for living out God’s purposes.<\/p>\n

But, how does God measure success?<\/h2>\n

Since we are HIS Church, with Christ as the Head, what He views as important matters.<\/p>\n

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  1. faithfulness over results (Josh. 1:7; 1 Kings 2:3; Prov. 3:1-4; Matt. 25:14-30; 2 Tim. 4:7-8)<\/li>\n
  2. trusting in God to work, not in our own efforts or striving (Prov. 3:5-6; Phil. 4:13)<\/li>\n
  3. internal character over outward appearance (1 Sam. 16:7; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:27)<\/li>\n
  4. eternal, not temporal possessions (Matt. 6:19-21; 16:26; Phil. 3:7-9)<\/li>\n
  5. God’s glory, not how we look (Jn. 12:43; Gal. 1:10)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Effects of Consumerism on Christ-like Character<\/h2>\n

    The Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide<\/strong><\/a> looks at two effects of consumerism on Christ-like character.<\/p>\n

    For More on Being Christ-like: Resources about Christlikeness in the Church<\/a><\/p>\n

    All Posts about Facilities Management:<\/h3>