Christians aren't consumers, we are contributors. In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson describes how we can move from "me" faith to "we" faith.
1. We've turned church into a burrito bar, not a potluck.
- Custom culture has crept into the church.
- "I need to get fed" = consumer mindset.
- But spiritual fullness doesn't come from endless intake.
2. We've reversed the flow of Christian life.
- Church isn't just where we receive.
- Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for selfish worship (1 Cor. 11:20–22).
- Modern faith: inhale only, never exhale.
- When your entire spiritual life is built around what you receive—what you get out of a sermon, what you feel during worship, what you need to make it through the week, you will eventually feel empty. Not because God failed to show up...but because you never poured out what He already gave you.
- If you never pour out, you eventually suffocate.
3. Grow in private. Give in public.
- Hebrews 10:24–25 – we gather to encourage and spur one another on.
- You grow in the quiet place. You give in the gathering place.
- The church is a place of participation, not passive inspiration.
- Maturity = contribution.
4. Bring something. Leave nourished.
- Acts 4:32, 34–35 – radical generosity led by the Spirit.
- This is the miracle of Christian community: Everyone brings something, and everyone leaves nourished. No one's left out. No one's forgotten. God meets us as we meet each other.
- This isn't communism—it's Christlikeness.
- Give your time, joy, story, smile.
- Life rhythm: Receive. Release. Repeat.
5. How do we live this out?
1. Treat church like a dinner table, not a diner.
1 Cor. 14:26 – Everyone brings something.
The Church is meant to be a table where everyone brings something. Not a drive-through line. Your presence, your prayers, and your service matters.
2. Be someone's breakthrough.
James 5:16 – Your prayers may unlock healing for someone else.
So many times we find ourselves listening to God for ourselves, we never stop to ask God how we could encourage someone else.
Church is not just where we get filled—it's where we pour ourselves out.
Mature disciples don't just ask, "What's in it for me?" They ask, "What can I give away?"
Question: Are you a contributor or a consumer?