In this blog post, I would like to highlight a few quick differences between the modern church and the biblical church. Over the years, the way people practice their faith and the structure of religious institutions has evolved. While some changes have been positive and necessary, many have led to a departure from the core teachings of the Bible.
Unfortunately, the modern church, especially in the United States, is continually progressing towards the cusp of the same religious legalism that Jesus Christ abhorred. I frequently discuss my frustration with the contemporary church, and in this post, I would like to zero in on a few easily identifiable points that have led to my aggravation.
Emphasis on Entertainment over Family and Ministry
One noticeable shift in the modern church is the emphasis on entertainment. Many churches now employ modern technology, such as elaborate sound systems, professional lighting, and multimedia presentations, to enhance the worship experience. While these elements can help engage the congregation, some argue that they can also distract from the true purpose of worship.
Technological advancement can be a great thing, but in the case of the church, it is quite frightening. Gone are the hymnals, the choirs, and one-on-one engagement. In are the overpaid prosperity gospel pastors, worship leaders striving to embody pop icons, and even virtual church. Whereas the ancient church was about a family witnessing to the lost, the modern church is a pop concert for the already converted.
In contrast, the biblical church focused more on simplicity and the word of God. The early churches gathered together to study Scripture, pray, and encourage one another in faith. The emphasis was on the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, promoting spiritual growth and transformation. This differs significantly from the modern church, which strives to give members a “spiritual high” and focuses on the individual member rather than the collective family.
Consumerism and Materialism
Another aspect of the modern church that has received criticism is its alignment with consumerism and materialism. Some argue that churches today, in an attempt to attract and retain members, have adopted marketing strategies that mirror those of the secular world.
In the ancient world, churches focused on spiritual healing rather than material provision. In the modern world, the churches are businesses. The offerings taken up each week line the pockets of the CEOs (pastors). Only a minimal amount of such offerings go toward missions.
In contrast to the materialism of the modern church, the biblical church emphasized a selfless, sacrificial lifestyle. Jesus taught his followers to focus on loving God and others, rather than accumulating wealth or seeking personal gain. Not only so, but Jesus detested the materialism of Jewish leaders in the temple. Jesus expresses anger not at the irreligious, but the religious zealots who use the Temple as a marketplace (Matt. 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18) The early churches followed Jesus’ call for communal living, sharing their resources with those in need. What would Jesus think of the church selling Bibles, t-shirts, and CDs, as is custom in the contemporary church?
The Role of the Clergy
The structure and role of clergy have also evolved within the modern church. Traditional church hierarchies often feature a clear distinction between clergy and laity, with the former taking on leadership positions and performing sacraments or rituals.
But now it is one person, generally a male, serving as CEO of the church. Beneath him are the staff. Beneath the staff are the members, the peasants of the church hierarchy. The members are nothing but numbers to the staff. How many people can we get in seats this Sunday? How many conversions can we force? How many tithes can we get to buy the pastor another thousand dollar suit?
In the biblical church, however, the emphasis was on the priesthood of all believers. Every individual was seen as having a personal relationship with God and a responsibility to serve others. Leadership roles were based on spiritual gifting, rather than formal ordination.
Conclusion
In the ancient church, no one person took control of the entire church. Believers gathered together to share in the joy of their religion. They did not attend the same building each Sunday; they immersed with other believers near and far, gathering in their homes to worship. They did not worship in state-of-the-art facilities; they worshipped in any place they gathered together.
What has happened? I have made the comparison before of modern church leaders and the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day. These individuals capitalize on religion. That is not what Jesus envisioned. Jesus promoted a lifestyle of faith, one characterized by humility, devotion, and love. Today, the church is characterized by judgment, money, and numbers.
Church attendance is continually declining. Why? Because the church has become a business. It is no longer the family that Christ envisioned.