My distaste for Sunday-focused church models has been increasing lately. I used to look forward to Sundays. Now, partly due to being let go from my last church without proper care and partly from my constant examination of Biblical theology, I am more and more frustrated with the superficial, performance-based Sunday experience. I understand this is not all local churches, but it has been my experience as of late. There seems to be little effort made to move from delivering a “worship experience” (whatever that is) and walking with people amidst the daily challenges of following Jesus. Much of American church culture seems to have touted an amazing life transformation fueled by regular church attendance, generous giving, reading the Bible, and following Jesus. We seem to have forgotten the message of “count the cost” and then decide to follow. In response to the idea that we may stunt or stop church growth by moving away from Sunday’s being the big thing, we must remember that not even Jesus was afraid to lose followers. John 6:66-69 – 66After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” We too, need to be willing to speak truth and partner with Jesus in building His Church the way He wants to build it. The Gospel is a stumbling block after all, and the recent scandals have proved that many churches are too focused on growing their own kingdom apart from Heaven’s.