McChurch, Church-fil-A, and Kentucky Fried Church
 

I've heard many sermons that draw comparisons between restaurants and the church, (hopefully their objectives aren't the same!) Ministers and saints have worked hard to sell the idea that salvation and spiritual growth are virtully impossible outside of the local assembly. And finally, standards have been allegedly justified partially on the basis that secular businesses, e.g., McDonald's maintain them.

Which brings me to the question, is the church a business?

Also, if churches lost their tax-exempt status, would they change their organizational structure? Good or bad? (hint: large portion of the body of Christ exists outside of America).

Re: McChurch, Church-fil-A, and Kentucky Fried Chu
 

NEK

I think you are hitting the nail on the head to use a uphimen (probebly not spelled right) my mom used to use. We have become the pharisee of Christ day. We need books to explain Gods word. NOT!!! Reminds me of a thread several months ago on tithing. Funny how man takes Gods words and makes them say things God never intended them to say. Man has made the kingdom of God big bussiness. Oh yeah he may have reach many more this way,(TV,Radio,etc) no I think not, the early church grew in leaps and bounds going from house to house. Yet We can not reach our own neibor accross the back fence. Should tell one about the leval of their christian witness.

Here is a thought does Jesus rule the christians heart, or does the local church pastor?

Re: McChurch, Church-fil-A, and Kentucky Fried Chu
 

Americans have definitely learned to run the church like a business.

Many churches and ministries are now corporate structures funneling thousands and even millions of dollars into the pockets of it's executives.

Re: McChurch, Church-fil-A, and Kentucky Fried Chu
 

Yes. And in my humble opinion, if the American church model exhibits all of the functions and attributes of a business, it will also suffer its weaknesses and shortcomings as well.

Although, many Christians in other nations still seem to remember the words of Jesus, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" Matthew 18:20.