A recent article stated that many Americans consider themselves to be growing more spiritual, but they no longer believe in the church. While there is much to criticize about the modern church as an institution, the concept of abandoning something that was established by Jesus goes contrary to Scripture and true spirituality.
When we use the term spiritual, we must remember that it can encompass a wide spectrum of thought and practice. Hinduism, Demonism, Spiritism, Islam, Pantheism, Wicca, Christianity, and every cult can be seen as spiritual by their adherents. Spirituality without the Word of God and the Holy Spirit is a dangerous element that can lead many astray from truth.
Too many professing believers have been deluded into thinking that church affiliation and involvement is an optional portion of the Christian life. I remember many years ago having a visitor attend our services, and on his visitor card he wrote that he was a member of the “invisible, universal church”. I suppose if you are a member of an “invisible” church, then it is acceptable to support the ministry with invisible tithes and offerings. Many of the mega-church ministries have made this mindset even worse, because it is very easy for people to simply get lost in the crowds as folks come and go for the multiple services conducted each Sunday.
Jesus refers to the church as His Bride. In light of this description, I think it is only appropriate that we take the institution that was started by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit as something that is worthy of our support and attention. As Paul journeyed in his missionary travels, he started churches in many of the places he ventured to with the Gospel.
Pastors have a responsibility to serve and lead the folks that God given to their care, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:1-5). The individual believer also has a responsibility to heed the advice and leadership of Godly instruction, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17).
It is hard to instruct those that feel no obligation to be faithful to the church that God would have them serve Him and others. The church is still viable, but for it to be what it needs to be, we need the faithfulness and support of those who claim the name of Jesus. This is not a time for “free-range” spirituality, but it is a time when God’s people need the support of solid Bible preaching and the fellowship of other believers. It is difficult to live for God, but it is more difficult when we are wandering alone without the support of those who are committed to our care.
