Churchianity describes any Christian church when the pastor, his church or its activities become more important than Jesus Christ himself. It’s easy to see how that can happen! A talented member of the congregation has a special gift. The ministry prospers, and attendance grows. News spreads and soon that church has the reputation of being the place to be Sunday mornings! So what’s wrong with that? One small thing: It’s all about the gifted individual, and Jesus is nowhere to be found.
Imagine meeting a stranger and learning that he’s a Christian. How soon in the conversation do you ask him what church he goes to? Or how soon does he bring it up by asking you? Don’t be rude, but the best answer to that question may be, “what’s that got to do with anything?” How about instead asking, “So, what’s God been doing in your life lately?
A hollow substitute for Christ
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10.27). Sadly, many believers come short of that in their Christian experience. They may be faithful church attenders, and even leaders or teachers in their church Sunday school programs. Hearing the Lord’s voice is more than that, and knowing and following him requires much more commitment and diligence than getting dressed up one morning each week. Some Christians go through their whole lives substituting active church participation for knowing Christ… for abiding in Christ. Their whole experience is the church, believing that being in the (so-called) “right church” Sunday mornings somehow proves right-relationship with God. It does not.
Churchianity pastors
Of course pastors promote their churches, but how many first and foremost encourage each believer’s direct relationship with the Lord? John the Baptist is a role model for church leaders: He directed his audiences to Christ, rather to himself or his ministry. Each of us are responsible for making the right choice on that score for ourselves daily. For pastors responsible for entire congregations though, the responsibility is much greater.