The church has discredited itself.

Remember getting up early, dressing to fit in, racing to your assigned seat on time, the rumors, the cliques, being ostracized, the teachers that scared the hell out of you, and the others who couldn’t care less about you?

One would think I’m reminiscing about the “glory days” of high school.

Unfortunately, I am not — I’m talking about “the church.”

Ben Berwers

Let me clarify quickly — When I say “the church” I’m talking about the Christian church as seen and understood as a whole by society, not the Webster dictionary definition. There are exceptions within “the church” that do not do what I’m talking about, but in my experience, those churches are rare. If you find that rare church, hold onto it and nurture it diligently.

The church has discredited itself so many times; it’s insane. Do you know what nonbelievers see and why so many are driven away?

Insane salaries for pastors, million dollar buildings, way too many interpretations of the Bible, cliques, judgement (lots of that!), fire and brimstone lectures, told what to believe to “belong”, scandals, cover-ups, doctrine held in higher regard than the Bible, not allowed to ask questions, crazy church traditions to enter Heaven, false teachers galore, hatred, and forced tithing to the church.

Hypocrisy at its finest.

These actions are seen by nonbelievers across the world. This is why I choose to stand apart. Not just from the world but from “the church” as well.

I’ll go to church if God leads me to and for the duration He wants me there. I have no issue with that; currently doing that right now. But I will never become a “member” of a church, as in going through the process to be officially recognized by their counsel. I am already a member of His church, and I won’t allow any man to step on my faith.

There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and it starts with us.

The church now is not what Jesus wanted or commanded. He did not say go and take what I’ve said, build some buildings, and come to me once a week in your finest clothing.

Too many in the church are stuck behind their precious little pews, pretending to do God’s work and following His instructions. It’s like the act of going to church is a prized accomplishment or something.

Remember what Jesus did to the Scribes and Pharisees, the so-called “religious elites” of their day? He blasted them because they were hypocrites.

Do you really want to be at the end of that conversation with God one day?

• Start anew in God.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19

• It is ok and encouraged to ask questions.

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

• And go out in the world.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19–20

The church is not some private club.

It is a mission to bring as many to God’s table as possible.

First published in Never Stop Writing on Medium.

© Jane Isley

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