Franchising McChurch: Feeding Our Obsession with Easy Christianity

by Thomas White, John M. Yeats

We live in a fast-food nation, where the service is efficient, the products are peer-tested, and size is king. And this consumer-driven approach is seeping into the church. Across the country, churches are creating entertaining, pop culture-savvy services that feel more market-driven than ministry. On the menu? A proven blend of dynamic music, high-tech dazzle, and topical teachings. And just like any successful product, churches are launching campuses that build on their brand. But is the franchised church of today leading to the disenfranchised believers of tomorrow? Though thousands flock to these services, how many lives are truly being changed? Have we traded real truth for relevancy? Franchising McChurch takes an honest look at the rise of consumer-minded ministries. Authors Thomas White and John Yeats tackle a spiritual shift that is raising provocative issues such Candid and compelling, Franchising McChurch calls us back to the heart of Christ's church, and shares the Biblical design for delivering meaningful, life-changing ministry in a fast-food world.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Christian Living, Theology, Church, Nonfiction, Ebooks

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Others:
Thomas^White: GR author, Applied Ethics
Thomas 2^ White: this page, Various Author
Thomas 3^ White: History
Thomas 4^ White: (d1672) was a Presbyterian divine and Reformed preacher of the Gospel
Thomas 5^ White: Thriller
Thomas 6^ White: How-To, DIY books

Reviews

[Patrick S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm conflicted: I think much of their basic message needs to be considered, but I would be happy to find another book that says it better.

This book seems to suffer for several reasons, making it hard to articulate what's lacking. It tries to do too many things. The McMetaphor sometimes gets in the way more than it helps. The better alternative to what's criticized is not laid out clearly enough. There were things I expected that either weren't there, were abbreviated, or were in a different place.

And sometimes I found myself bristling a little at the tone of the criticism, even though I mostly line up with their view of "easy Christianity" in general and multisite churches in particular. I wondered how the book would convince any in the multisite/seeker-driven audience except those holding lightly to the most superficial set of preferences. On the other hand, the dangers they point to are serious, and the uglier aspects of consumer Christianity aren't just areas where we should 'agree to disagree.'

White and Yeats make some good points and do so unapologetically. But I wonder if anyone has written about these issues (esp multisite) more artfully or convincingly.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely robust Evangelical critique of modern church practices, particularly the multi-site campus movement.

The authors use McDonald's as the metaphor to discuss the tendency in modern Evangelicalism toward efficiency, higher numbers, the entertainment experience, and the association of church membership and participation in terms of consumption rather than shared effort. They critique the move away from effectiveness toward efficiency, as if efficiency is really the goal; they warn against the downsides of predictability and control, the reduced content of teaching, and how it ends up feeding the consumerist mentality that the people of God ought to be challenging.

All of these critiques are brought to bear on the multi-site campus idea which continues to proliferate, pointing out the Biblical difficulties with such a setup in terms of autonomy and the nature of the ekklesia as one group assembling. The authors then suggest ways to quit "McChurch".

The authors are Evangelical and some of the standard caveats about denominationalism, etc. apply; I was disappointed in their elevation of the sermon above singing in terms of their power to instruct and exhort in light of Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16. Nevertheless, I was surprised to find such a thoroughgoing and Biblically rooted critique of the overwhelming success of the consumerist/corporate mentality among Evangelical churches and found it extremely refreshing to see it.

Yes, there are times when the plain and evident issues before the people of God demand them to stand firm and be faithful, but how many times are the real problems with the people of God in those things which they blithely accept without necessarily reflecting on the implications of what they are doing? In the face of secularism it seems that far too many have imbibed consumerism and the mentality of the Industrial Revolution without much meditation on what it means Biblically. Pragmatics have too often trumped "thus saith the Lord"; the fact that it seems to "work" numerically overwhelms any lingering doubts about what is being given up in order to satisfy "consumer demand."

The authors' chosen metaphor is extremely appropriate: the goals of the Industrial Revolution and consumerism are well summed up in fast food and the "McDonaldization" of culture, and it is sad to see so many religious people think the way forward for Christianity must be a similar path. Meanwhile, true discipleship is not being cultivated, joint participation is a mockery, and the people of God languish in an unhealthy diet.

Worthy of consideration and deliberation.

[Sean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sympathetic to the concerns of these authors - having been part of a multi-site church - but their attempt to critique this methodology is not particularly well thought-out. It resembles a potpourri of random thoughts more than a fully developed argument.

[Brandon Stiver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a good book and a very pertinent read for those in American church leadership. Having worked at churches in the past, I've seen the desire of pastors and workers to grow, but it does often come across as growing a brand or being overly concerned about trivial things. I've also seen churches that are honestly serving God, but outgrow their facilities. A church that I was a part of for four years is now doing the campus method and while I don't know how it's going currently, I know that it had some rough patches early on. That same church planted a church about 30 minutes away (which I was a part of the plant) and the church plant has thrived. It certainly raises the question that the authors point to of if we're growing, why aren't we raising up new leaders and planting churches. That should definitely be the focus, but "successful" churches get more preoccupied about expanding their own kingdom. Some of the stories throughout this book were appalling, just gross arrogance and a fundamental misunderstanding of effective discipleship. The saddest thing in all this is that the American church is selling itself short of what it really means to be a community centered on the gospel. I have a strong disdain for churches that try to imitate the world instead of tapping into their own God-given creativity and innovation. I also think it's sad that the individualism and consumerism are so ingrained into many church experiences. I suppose these are more of my thoughts than a real book review, but this book underlines a lot of what's wrong with the direction of the American church and I definitely recommend it, especially to those that are in church leadership. Our focus needs to be on true Christianity, not easy Christianity.

[Judah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that the American church was in trouble, but never in this depth.
Ministers paying non-religious writers to pen their sermons---or out right stealing them. Churches based off motivational talking superstars, who become sort of a miniature pope over their multisite congregation.

It's a wonder, and a sure sign of God's love and patience, that The Lord hasn't struck the country into the sea at this point---especially since this book is already 5 years old.

Deeply engaging, "McChurch" shows us the root of the current trend of adapting secular business marketing and consumerism , and how it almost aways goes against scripture or puts one at high risk of doing so.

Highly recommended to all ministers and Christians alike. Pray we might turn this tide, and our hearts back to God so that he might revive us again for his glory, and not our own.

[Lynette Karg · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some timely warnings for the American church here, but I would have liked to see more Scriptural backing for their observations. The McDonald's metaphor was appropriate but overshadowed the message, which is oddly one of the McChurch dangers they warn about.

[Andy Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good step in the right direction

While I personally am much more skeptical of church structure in general, this book is an amazing step in questioning how we do church. They ask all the right question and have an amazing heart behind their critiques. A very interesting, educational, and fun read.

[Jeff Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much new here. Pretty hostile to megachurches

[Justme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book looking at the pros and cons of mega churches and the consumerism of church.

[Aj Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consumer vs. Producer

How has the church responded to the consumer culture, and what will be the long term consequences? This book is a good first step in answering these questions and more.

[Warren Benton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.25

White and Yeats look at the American Church to try to figure out where the disconnect is. Their problem with some churches looking to connect with people has cheapened the experience. If Churches become highly efficient programs sometimes that doesn't leave time for the true spiritual needs of the congregation. If the Church is just becoming a trendy hangout following the latest trends it may miss out on developing mature believers.

"By choosing to have multiple services with different worship styles, a decision has been made that separates the congregation even further and reinforces consumer-driven mentality."

The authors do not like pastors using their personal study time of the bible to only be studying other people's sermons. This has a weird dichotomy because I get that the bible is the word of god, but there are some amazing pastors out there who in their study found a way to communicate great truths. I see this as something all pastors could use as an additional resource.

Thomas Long of Emory university states "Our Churches have turned into theaters and our preachers have turned into witty motivational speakers with high entertainment value"

Rick Warren stated one time "If my bullet fits your gun, then by all means shoot it"

:Just as the toy in the Happy Meal eclipses the sale of food, some creative sermon illustrations eclipse the content of the message:

:While the stockholders spend no personal time or energy working for the company, they expect a return on their investment of money....In the spiritual world, the expected return is increased membership and increased income.:

:Perhaps we can Measure success based on the integrity of the membership, the practice of church discipline, and the preaching of the Word. :

Both authors do not like the multi-campus trend. They reference a book from 2001 called Stealing Sheep that discuss how we aren't usually making new converts but that we are taking people from one church to try our before they get bored and move on to the next church. They also think that by having churches who may not be local in charge of a local congregation has problems when making local decisions. Starbucks seemed to do this right when they started. Each store was like the others, but were able to take on the flare and feel of the local community.

The authors convey throughout the whole book how they feel our modern church is cheapening the church and they do not like it at all. All throughout this book I kept feeling myself kick back a little on their message. Only because it was saying what I had grown to love was wrong. Now I do think the church is changing, I do agree that in some ways some churches make themselves more about the entertainment than about the message. More about getting people in than maturing people. With the way society is changing we have to find ways to show how Church can and is still relevant.

[Michael Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franchising McChurch: Feeding Our Obsession With Easy Christianity is a very thought provoking book. It illustrates how the McDonaldization of many churches has come to be, and how easy it is to be sucked in it.

This book is like eating a Home cooked meal that your Grandma made just after you had McDonald’s for lunch. It is mainly written to Pastors and Church leaders but the individual person can learn a lot from it too. One of the best features of this book is the “Drive Thru” sections at the end of the chapters – which summarize the chapters main points and also has “Health Inspector” Questions that allow to step back and look at the “Health” of your church or even your own spiritual health.

Franchising McChurch is different from many other books of this genre because it looks at from three different viewpoints, from the front lines, from training new and future leaders, and from being students themselves. It also looks from the biblical, theological, and practical standpoints.

If you want to see how the “McDonald’s style” is or can affect the church and the world in general I recommend this book.

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty poignant book critiquing megachurches. Much more could be said and needs to be said. I think one area of need is addressing "Church consumers" to the actual consumers themselves. The last chapter sort of addresses this.

Of course, they have little consumeristic incentive to read it, but people should learn to think about how they can serve in a particular church.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very solid book. I enjoyed reading it and thinking through its ideas. It was neither pretentious nor condescending. If you want a short, sturdy book about the multi-site church movement, then I'd take a look at this.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helped me understand the different church choices and whether the church in question lines up with Scripture.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I agreed with some, disagreed with other. Overall, it provided a good, somewhat balanced on church growth today,.

[ToniAnn Sprouse]

\

[Danielw · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.