The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.

What keeps people from getting involved at churches like Fairview Church of the Nazarene? In this episode, Adam and Seth talk about preaching from the lectionary before exploring how a consumerist mentality influences how Christians and pastors view church and even their faith.

As Seth describes it, consumerism asks the question, “What’s in it for me?” When churchgoers have this mindset, they look for places with satisfying and exciting experiences and avoid churches like Fairview where opportunities to serve abound and rubbing elbows with messy people is guaranteed. And when Christians fail to choose a kingdom perspective over a consumerist one, they can make the mistakes of compartmentalizing their faith and putting themselves before others. Pastors aren’t exempt from this mentality: the pressure to focus on numbers and attendance instead of discipleship is something Seth and other leaders have to fight against.

Listen in to this episode to hear more about what a kingdom mindset looks like and learn why Seth preaches from the lectionary. 

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [2:04] How and why Seth preaches from the lectionary
• [6:11] Adam on filling up and flowing out
• [7:13] Why consumerism keeps volunteers, donors, and exemplary families from flocking to churches like Fairview
• [11:45] Judging churches by the wrong criteria 
• [14:22] Consumerism expressed in how we use our time
• [16:20] Consumerist mindset vs a kingdom mindset
• [18:24] How to get parents to let their kids mingle with “those” kids
• [19:41] How consumerism affects a pastor’s definition of success
• [22:10] Qualitatively vs quantitatively measuring success 
• [25:14] Focusing on making disciples

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Fairview Church of the Nazarene website

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