Most of us can understand the frustration that so many feel about church. Recent publicity alone about abuses among churches and church leaders has turned a lot of people away from churches. In addition, some have noted that churches have gotten bogged down in traditions that have little relevance today. Others feel that churches are full of hypocritical people.
We would suggest to you that the problem is certainly not with God and it is not a problem with the principle of church. The problem may lie with the individuals involved as well as a misunderstanding on many of our parts about what church is.
The church is not God. The word church just means the assembly of those called out. Churches arise out of a collection of individuals who have come to understand and believe in Christ and have committed their lives to him. In following Christ, these people are drawn together by his command for his followers to band together in communities to teach, build up, encourage, and assist each other.
Over the centuries since Christ there have assuredly been many mistakes made by believers. Those mistakes are often carried on in beliefs and practices. Make no mistake about it, many of these practices are archaic and unnecessary as they are nothing but the attempts of earlier Christians to obey the teachings of Christ. It is understandable that today’s generation would have trouble connecting with God through these rites. Many churches, such as Northeast Church, are attempting to rediscover the simplicity of Christian community and worship. We would suggest you visit us or a similar church in your area to see if things might be different for you.
It must also be noted that many have felt turned off by what they perceived as hypocrites in churches. First of all, some have a misunderstanding of what a hypocrite is as well as what it means to be a Christians. Being a Christian is to admit one is imperfect and in need of the salvation Christ offers freely. Christians are not perfect and honest ones freely understand and admit it. We are in reality sinners, but God, in Christ, has chosen to see us as sinless and thus calls us saints.
To witness a Christian sinning does not necessarily mean that person is a hypocrite. You may just be witnessing them in their weakness. Hypocrisy is appearing to be something when you’re another. Hypocrites are individuals who act one way on the outside but are completely different on the inside. Of course there are hypocrites at church. Hypocrites will be seen in every endeavor of life. Perhaps there’s a little hypocrisy in all of us. However, we would ask you to ask yourself if you really believe that all Christians and churches are full of hypocrites. This kind of cynicism leads only to isolation. There are probably at least cores of sincere, genuine believers in most churches. Surely, there are many churches filled with true believers.
And, lastly, consider this thought: if it is a hypocrite standing between you and God, who does that mean is closer to God? Don’t let anyone’s apparent misuse of a Christian appearance keep you from finding the truth that is in God. Church was instituted by God himself and thus the problem is not with the idea of church, but the problem is what church is all about–helping sinners learn to live as saints.
If first you don’t succeed, try try again.