Jesus, as he turned his attention toward Jerusalem, began to utter some of his most difficult teaching. He talked about going to the cross, yet at this time, most of his followers (including the 12) were still thinking that he would lead Israel out of Roman occupation. After the feeding of the 5000, followers came to him, and basically asked for another miracle meal, and a spectacle. And when he started with the hard teaching about sacrifice and suffering, many of them turned away. They were looking for "dinner theater" and he told them to eat his flesh and drink his blood.

How many of us decide what church to attend, based on the ministry programs, and how they meet our needs. How are the children's programs, how are the youth ministries, how is the worship service, how is the teaching from the pulpit?

How exactly is this different from Jesus followers looking for dinner theater. Where do these criteria lead? Often, they lead to a church becoming all about the needs of the congregation, and when the congregation selfishly expects their needs to be met, they can revolt when they are not. Church can become an inward facing club – far removed from the great commission.

So how do we (ministry leadership) combat selfism in ministry? Teaching is one way. Having a consistent message that Christians are expected to produce fruit is important, because it combats the Christian as Spectator (dinner theater) mentality. Getting people involved in ministering outside the body as well as in, is another way. Community ministry – serving others in the community as an outreach is another way to help people see this. Last is accountability. Having your members understand their accountability for working in the fruit production area is key. Challenging individual attitudes that smack of self-seeking, with the command to pick up your cross daily is important. When people complain about their needs being unmet, ask them what they are doing to meet others needs. Each of us should be reaching out in whatever way possible to meet the needs of others, and focusing on opportunities to serve, rather than to be served.

And how do we (as Christians) combat these attitudes in our own life? See the church not only as a way to get fed, and as a place for our children to grow in Christ, but as a place for us to express our gratitude to our Lord by giving our gifts, talent, and time to serve others. Our criteria for selecting a church should be equally focused on how we can get involved in serving, as it is how we can be ministered to. How does the church help us grow in Christ, how does the Church help us reach our neighbors, how does the church allow us to use the gifts and talents the God has given us, how does the church hold me accountable?