Unfortunately, there aren't too many poor 3rd worlders making decisions about which US church to attend.
You are dealing with people who have a minimum of 2 cars, 2 tvs, 2 cell phones, 2 computers, 2 refrigerators, central air, and overstuffed furniture throughout.
I'm betting that any Christian of US persuasion who currently attends the air-conditioned church of their dreams will intentionally leave that church if the church deliberately turns off the air conditioning and vows never to use it again as a show of solidarity with their sweaty 3rd world friend .
You and me included.
I don't have problems with making practical considerations. But is there anywhere in Rick's story that makes the caveat you did, e.g. "this is for people who have 2 cars, 2 tvs," etc.? This is written to all churches, regardless of size and financial status. This puts a heavy burden on small struggling churches to conform to some sort of material standard or else God will abandon you/you will not grow. Where's there room for God to work in spite of circumstances in that? It is legalistic to keep hammering on practical aspects as if they are of utmost importance. Let's hear about Jesus instead. Because the only thing that sets free is Him, so knowing more and more about him (as opposed to how-to articles/sermons) is what I want. I don't understand why anyone wouldn't want more of Him, unless they aren't his in the first place.