The Fifth Thing that's Wrong

Ken Eckerty has posted a website entitled "Why I left the Organized Church" (http://www.savior-of-all.com/organized.html). It gives 10 or more reasons, and I'd like to take them on. The fifth thing that's wrong:

Activities and ministries that replace our first love of Christ.

Churches are busy places, full of programs for this and activities for that generally have a rationale within their larger missions. But activity can easily become disconnected from the purpose for which they were created. Activities can substitute for spiritual growth and depth. Activities can be a real obstacle to contemplation that needs peace and calm.

More seriously, some churches measure their effectiveness by the extensiveness and variety of their programming. As long as everyone is busy and happy, the church is doing its job. Of course, these busy and happy church members are also immature in their faith.

Which leads me to ask the church: Is our main focus on carrying out the Great Commission - making disciples, baptising them and teaching them? Are we interested in genune spirituality or great programming?