How can I become active at “church” when I really have no desire to do so?

So much of “church” today just seems so non-essential.  It seems to be more involved in entertainment, education, “pot-luck” fellowship, etc., rather than the type of radical life that Jesus called his followers to live.  We have become “maintainers” of the status quo, and experts celebrating mini-changes in people’s lives.  Unfortunately, I see more of “Pharisee” and “lawyer” in church than I see “fisherman” and “tax collector.”

Yes, Jesus loved the church and gave himself for her, but he also called us to “deny yourself, take up the cross, and follow” him.