The Dual Nature Of Church Attendance

This is what you need to say every time you hear someone say that they are not going to attend a certain church because they "didn't like the preaching" (or music, or doughnuts, or anything). You need to tell them that going to church is not solely about what the church can do for you. You need to tell that them that their attitude of consumerism towards the church needs to get tossed out the window in favor for an attitude of contribution.
This comment can be accompanied by a slap to the face if need be.

Ok, the slap in the face is not a good idea. Apples of gold in a setting of silver and all that. But the point remains that many church-goers are going to church for precisely one reason: to receive. This reason in and of itself is not bad (in fact, it's downright necessary), but this reason, all by itself, is completely selfish and contrary to Scripture.

There's two parts to church-going. There is the receiving part, and the scrutiny of this part, many people have down to an art. Critiquing the music style, the preacher's sermon and manner, and the friendliness of the church overall are the issues that everyone seems to consider when looking for a church.

But the second part is sadly neglected. Not only is it absolutely necessary that we go to church (and not some version of it sent over the internet or the airwaves), but it is absolutely necessary that we go to church to give to others. Community interaction is an assumption in many biblical passages (i.e. Acts 2) and a command in others (Hebrews 10:24-25).

And the point of this interaction is that believers can help one another in their walks. You don't go to church only so the preacher can fill you with whatever moral you should live that week, you also go to church so that you can give back to it what God has given you. Your service to the church is the best way to display God to others. Nothing should hinder that, not your studies, not your social life, not your girlfriend or boyfriend, nothing.

So tell your friends they need to go to a church that they can give to.