Exit Churchianity

Should We 'Do Church' or Should We 'Follow Christ'?

The pastor of the Galatian church unrolled the supple hand-written parchment with deliberate care, his hands trembling not only from age but also from the gravity of the message he was about to deliver. In a hushed tone filled with reverence and sorrow, he began to read the impassioned words of the Apostle Paul aloud to the gathered assembly. As his voice resonated throughout the room, a profound silence fell over the congregation, as if every heart had collectively paused to absorb the weight of the rebuke. “Oh foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?” Paul’s words sliced through the stillness like a clarion call to repentance, exposing the insidious deception that had stealthily taken root in their midst. Once a community ablaze with vibrant, transformative faith, they had gradually succumbed to the allure of legalism, choosing to embrace rigid traditions and empty rituals rather than the liberating, all-encompassing grace of Christ. Their faces, illuminated by the flicker of candlelight and stained with expressions of shame and dawning realization, seemed to ask silently: How had they allowed such a pernicious influence to infiltrate their hearts? How had they drifted so far from the foundational truth of the Gospel?

Paul’s words were a passionate entreaty to revive the core of the faith of the church at Galatia by embracing the transformative power of Christ’s love and sacrifice. Yet, this was not and is not a challenge unique to the Galatian church. The same warning reverberates through the corridors of time, echoing into our modern era and reaching every corner of today’s church. One must ask: Have we, too, become ensnared by an alluring deception? Have we, in our busy schedules and cultural comforts, allowed the profound, life-changing message of Christ to be replaced by tradition, worldliness and spectacle?

What is Churchianity?

Churchianity is a word used to describe the practice of merely performing the activities associated with church without embodying the deeper, transformative relationship with Christ. It represents an institutionalized form of Christianity where the emphasis is placed on appearances, carefully maintained traditions, and an ever-expanding list of gimmicks, programs and publicity stunts rather than on genuine discipleship and heartfelt obedience to Christ’s teachings. In many instances, a church ensnared by Churchianity will continue to preach, sing worship songs, engage in prayer, and even participate in some level of community ministry. However, these outward actions mask a disturbing truth: at its very core, the church is not following the path of Jesus; it is simply adhering to the well-worn routines of church life, disconnected from the dynamic and transformative power of the Gospel.

The insidious nature of Churchianity lies in its ability to maintain an external resemblance to a church community even one that at times can appear to be thriving and vibrant. People continue to attend services, actively participate in small groups, and engage in outreach programs. Yet beneath this polished exterior, there is a profound absence—a void where the authentic, transformative power of Christ should be. Instead of fostering a culture that challenges believers to live out their faith through the daily bearing of one’s cross and obedience to Christ, Churchianity nurtures a congregation of passive attendees who are content with a comfortable, unchallenged existence.

Hallmarks of Churchianity

Social Clubs

In many modern congregations, the church has slowly morphed into a social club, where the primary goal shifts from fostering spiritual growth to securing social acceptance and personal comfort. These gatherings often prioritize comfort and camaraderie over the raw, sometimes uncomfortable, truths of the Gospel. In such environments, sin is rarely addressed in the light of genuine repentance; when it is mentioned, the response tends to be steeped in legalism or outright ignored rather than offering the compassionate, restorative love that should characterize a Christ-centered community. Those who muster the courage to confess their struggles frequently find themselves met not with understanding and grace, but with judgment and even ostracism. In these instances, instead of acting as a hospital for the broken-hearted and the spiritually wounded, the church becomes an exclusive enclave where the appearance of holiness takes precedence over the messy, yet beautiful, reality of redemption.

The Church Aristocracy

In the letter of James, he writes, “If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?” To the first century Jewish world, your place at the table defined your status, but today, what ways are we as a church catering to the wealthy and affluent?

Churchianity breeds the emergence of a church aristocracy—a social hierarchy within the congregation that often mirrors the broader societal stratifications. In many churches, distinct social groups develop, with the wealthiest and most influential members occupying positions of power and authority. These individuals, often revered for their status and affluence, inadvertently shape the church’s priorities, while those from less privileged backgrounds are left to the periphery. This imbalance creates an environment where church leadership and staff tend to subtly cater to the needs and expectations of the elite, or rub shoulders with them often, reinforcing an exclusivity that hinders the development of genuine community and true brotherhood in Christ.

Abdication of Ministry Work

One of the more troubling aspects of Churchianity is the gradual abdication of hands-on ministry work. Rather than actively engaging in discipleship, evangelism, and direct service to the community, many churches choose to outsource these crucial activities to external organizations. While there is merit in supporting a network of ministries, this outsourcing becomes problematic when it signifies a retreat from the church’s foundational calling. A significant portion of the church’s resources—donations, time, and energy—may be diverted toward maintaining operational costs, increasing staff salaries, and funding elaborate marketing strategies. Meanwhile, only a small fraction of these resources reaches those in desperate need of genuine, life-changing outreach. In such cases, the Great Commission becomes a delegated responsibility, a lofty ideal that is spoken about in theory but seldom lived out in the everyday lives of the congregation. Often, the ministry work of the poor is the first to leave, as this does not comport with the outward appearance of wealth, affluence or trendy youth desired by the leadership. For the few that do participate in ministry, their acts of service are quickly applauded, photographed, and marketed by the church in social media posts to increase maximum visibility to draw attention to church piety.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. — James 1:22-25

Schisms

Churchianity also has a pernicious effect on unity within the church, often breeding internal divisions and schisms. Instead of uniting believers through the central, unifying figure of Christ, churches steeped in Churchianity frequently experience factional splits. These divisions are less often about fundamental doctrinal disagreements and more about internal conflicts—leadership disputes, social tensions, and power struggles that serve only to fracture the body of Christ. The very spirit of unity that Jesus prayed for in His followers becomes a casualty of a system that values image and routine over authentic spiritual communion.

Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! — 1 Corinthians 1:13

The Rat Race

In a desperate bid to sustain dwindling attendance numbers and to appear dynamic in a rapidly changing cultural landscape, many churches trapped in the cycle of Churchianity turn to gimmicks and superficial spectacles. From hosting petting zoos and community fairs to orchestrating extravagant publicity stunts, these churches try every trick in the metaphorical book to attract new members. Yet in doing so, they lose sight of the one element that truly transforms lives—the unfiltered, powerful proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of addressing the spiritual needs of a broken world and offering the healing that only Christ can bring, these churches focus on entertaining and attracting new congregants, hoping that a dazzling spectacle might bring people through the door. However, this simply traps the new attendees in the same cycle of social status blocking them from the soul-renewing work of the gospel.

What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are! — Matthew 23:15

Pastoral Insulation

In many cases, the very leadership meant to shepherd the flock becomes isolated within a protective barrier of administrative and managerial layers. Pastors in such environments often find themselves rendered inaccessible to the very people they are meant to guide. Encumbered by a network of advisors, administrators, and protocols designed to insulate them from criticism, these pastors become untouchable figures, distanced from the everyday struggles and questions of their congregation. This insulation prevents the kind of open dialogue and accountability that is necessary for true spiritual growth and communal healing.

Pastoral Overbearance

There are also pastors who also fall into the trap of micromanagement. These leaders become consumed with controlling every minute detail of the church’s operation, obsessing over appearances and performance metrics. Their focus shifts dramatically from nurturing genuine spiritual growth to ensuring that the church’s image remains unblemished and that every program operates like a well-oiled machine. This overbearance stifles the organic development of faith, replacing heartfelt discipleship with a rigid, bureaucratic form of church administration that values order over the unpredictable, messy journey of following Jesus.

The Cause of Churchianity

At the heart of Churchianity lies a pervasive and crippling emotion: fear. Parishioners often live in fear—fear of confessing their sins, fear of being judged harshly, and fear of social exclusion. This atmosphere of trepidation creates a barrier to genuine transparency and vulnerability, essential ingredients for true spiritual healing. The absence of living, relatable testimonies within the church compounds this fear, as individuals are left without models of authentic redemption and transformation.

Similarly, church staff frequently operate under a cloak of fear, hesitant to challenge the status quo or advocate for meaningful change. Their options are limited to implementing superficial fixes—marketing strategies, program adjustments, and other short-term solutions—that do little to address the underlying issues. Moreover, pastors and senior leaders often become so fixated on quantifiable measures of success, such as attendance figures and membership growth, that they lose sight of the true essence of ministry. In this performance-based mindset, the church becomes trapped in a cycle where image and numbers take precedence over the life-changing work of the Spirit.

Pastors of Churchianity congregations also are bound by fear. They fear the dwindling attendance or number of recent converts may cause the doors to shutter. Or that if the wealthy and affluent aren’t catered-to, then the funds they provide might dry up, or worse the praise and influence they receive from the wealthy and affluent might also dry up. They fear that if the spectacles they have traditionally hosted in the past will not draw the same number of people as it did before. They fear the gospel of Jesus might make the comfortable leave and their tithes with them.

Conclusion

A church that clings to the shallow and ultimately unsatisfying model of Churchianity is on a perilous path toward stagnation, division, and eventual irrelevance. In contrast, a church that courageously surrenders to Jesus, openly confesses its shortcomings, and earnestly seeks genuine transformation will experience a revival that touches every aspect of its community. The power of the Cross of Jesus Christ and His gospel of Peace remains sufficient to break every chain, heal every wound, and restore every heart. The world does not need another meticulously choreographed, well-rehearsed Sunday performance; it desperately needs the real, tangible presence of Christ—a presence that transforms lives from the inside out.

Have you been stuck in an endless cycle of Churchianity and are ready to break free? If so, then pray this:

Heavenly Father, in this moment of reflection and confession, I come before You acknowledging that I have been ensnared by the cycle of Churchianity, placing undue value on mere routine rather than cultivating a deep, personal relationship with You. I confess my sins openly before You and before my brothers and sisters in Christ, asking for Your mercy and forgiveness. Grant me the courage to be honest and vulnerable, shedding the layers of fear that have kept me from fully embracing Your truth. Transform my heart, and may our church become a sanctuary of healing and restoration rather than a place of judgment and exclusion. Help us forsake empty gimmicks and superficial spectacles, and instead, to wholeheartedly rely on the transformative power of the Gospel. Revive our spirits, O Lord, so that we may truly follow You with every fiber of our being. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bibliography

For more information on Churchianity, visit exitchurchianity.com.
Scazzero, Peter, Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation
Saczzero, Peter, The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team, and the World
Jonathan Benz, The Recovery-Minded Church: Loving and Ministering to People With Addiction
Ken Sande, Peacemaker
Idleman, Kyle, Follower: Becoming More Than Just a Fan of Jesus
McKnight, Scot, A Fellowship of Differents
Volf, Miroslav, Exclusion & Embrace
Sider, Ronald J., Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity

Scripture References

Galatians 3:1
2 Corinthians 11:3
Matthew 23:27-28
2 Timothy 3:5
James 5:16
Acts 2:42-47
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
John 8:32
Romans 12:2
Matthew 16:18

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Reimagine Curator February 26, 2025 11:59
Exit Churchianity

Should We 'Do Church' or Should We 'Follow Christ'?
The pastor of the Galatian church unrolled the supple hand-written parchment with deliberate care, his hands trembling not only from age but also from the gravity of the message he was about to deliver. In a hushed tone filled with reverence and sorrow, he began to read the impassioned words of the Apostle Paul aloud to the gathered assembly. As his voice resonated throughout the room, a profound silence fell over the congregation, as if every heart had collectively paused to absorb the weight of the rebuke. “Oh foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?” Paul’s words sliced through the stillness like a clarion call to repentance, exposing the insidious deception that had stealthily taken root in their midst. Once a community ablaze with vibrant, transformative faith, they had gradually succumbed to the allure of legalism, choosing to embrace rigid traditions and empty rituals rather than the liberating, all-encompassing grace of Christ. Their faces, illuminated by the flicker of candlelight and stained with expressions of shame and dawning realization, seemed to ask silently: How had they allowed such a pernicious influence to infiltrate their hearts? How had they drifted so far from the foundational truth of the Gospel?

Paul’s words were a passionate entreaty to revive the core of the faith of the church at Galatia by embracing the transformative power of Christ’s love and sacrifice. Yet, this was not and is not a challenge unique to the Galatian church. The same warning reverberates through the corridors of time, echoing into our modern era and reaching every corner of today’s church. One must ask: Have we, too, become ensnared by an alluring deception? Have we, in our busy schedules and cultural comforts, allowed the profound, life-changing message of Christ to be replaced by tradition, worldliness and spectacle?

What is Churchianity?

Churchianity is a word used to describe the practice of merely performing the activities associated with church without embodying the deeper, transformative relationship with Christ. It represents an institutionalized form of Christianity where the emphasis is placed on appearances, carefully maintained traditions, and an ever-expanding list of gimmicks, programs and publicity stunts rather than on genuine discipleship and heartfelt obedience to Christ’s teachings. In many instances, a church ensnared by Churchianity will continue to preach, sing worship songs, engage in prayer, and even participate in some level of community ministry. However, these outward actions mask a disturbing truth: at its very core, the church is not following the path of Jesus; it is simply adhering to the well-worn routines of church life, disconnected from the dynamic and transformative power of the Gospel.

The insidious nature of Churchianity lies in its ability to maintain an external resemblance to a church community even one that at times can appear to be thriving and vibrant. People continue to attend services, actively participate in small groups, and engage in outreach programs. Yet beneath this polished exterior, there is a profound absence—a void where the authentic, transformative power of Christ should be. Instead of fostering a culture that challenges believers to live out their faith through the daily bearing of one’s cross and obedience to Christ, Churchianity nurtures a congregation of passive attendees who are content with a comfortable, unchallenged existence.

Hallmarks of Churchianity

Social Clubs

In many modern congregations, the church has slowly morphed into a social club, where the primary goal shifts from fostering spiritual growth to securing social acceptance and personal comfort. These gatherings often prioritize comfort and camaraderie over the raw, sometimes uncomfortable, truths of the Gospel. In such environments, sin is rarely addressed in the light of genuine repentance; when it is mentioned, the response tends to be steeped in legalism or outright ignored rather than offering the compassionate, restorative love that should characterize a Christ-centered community. Those who muster the courage to confess their struggles frequently find themselves met not with understanding and grace, but with judgment and even ostracism. In these instances, instead of acting as a hospital for the broken-hearted and the spiritually wounded, the church becomes an exclusive enclave where the appearance of holiness takes precedence over the messy, yet beautiful, reality of redemption.

The Church Aristocracy

In the letter of James, he writes, “If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?” To the first century Jewish world, your place at the table defined your status, but today, what ways are we as a church catering to the wealthy and affluent?

Churchianity breeds the emergence of a church aristocracy—a social hierarchy within the congregation that often mirrors the broader societal stratifications. In many churches, distinct social groups develop, with the wealthiest and most influential members occupying positions of power and authority. These individuals, often revered for their status and affluence, inadvertently shape the church’s priorities, while those from less privileged backgrounds are left to the periphery. This imbalance creates an environment where church leadership and staff tend to subtly cater to the needs and expectations of the elite, or rub shoulders with them often, reinforcing an exclusivity that hinders the development of genuine community and true brotherhood in Christ.

Abdication of Ministry Work

One of the more troubling aspects of Churchianity is the gradual abdication of hands-on ministry work. Rather than actively engaging in discipleship, evangelism, and direct service to the community, many churches choose to outsource these crucial activities to external organizations. While there is merit in supporting a network of ministries, this outsourcing becomes problematic when it signifies a retreat from the church’s foundational calling. A significant portion of the church’s resources—donations, time, and energy—may be diverted toward maintaining operational costs, increasing staff salaries, and funding elaborate marketing strategies. Meanwhile, only a small fraction of these resources reaches those in desperate need of genuine, life-changing outreach. In such cases, the Great Commission becomes a delegated responsibility, a lofty ideal that is spoken about in theory but seldom lived out in the everyday lives of the congregation. Often, the ministry work of the poor is the first to leave, as this does not comport with the outward appearance of wealth, affluence or trendy youth desired by the leadership. For the few that do participate in ministry, their acts of service are quickly applauded, photographed, and marketed by the church in social media posts to increase maximum visibility to draw attention to church piety.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. — James 1:22-25

Schisms

Churchianity also has a pernicious effect on unity within the church, often breeding internal divisions and schisms. Instead of uniting believers through the central, unifying figure of Christ, churches steeped in Churchianity frequently experience factional splits. These divisions are less often about fundamental doctrinal disagreements and more about internal conflicts—leadership disputes, social tensions, and power struggles that serve only to fracture the body of Christ. The very spirit of unity that Jesus prayed for in His followers becomes a casualty of a system that values image and routine over authentic spiritual communion.

Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! — 1 Corinthians 1:13

The Rat Race

In a desperate bid to sustain dwindling attendance numbers and to appear dynamic in a rapidly changing cultural landscape, many churches trapped in the cycle of Churchianity turn to gimmicks and superficial spectacles. From hosting petting zoos and community fairs to orchestrating extravagant publicity stunts, these churches try every trick in the metaphorical book to attract new members. Yet in doing so, they lose sight of the one element that truly transforms lives—the unfiltered, powerful proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of addressing the spiritual needs of a broken world and offering the healing that only Christ can bring, these churches focus on entertaining and attracting new congregants, hoping that a dazzling spectacle might bring people through the door. However, this simply traps the new attendees in the same cycle of social status blocking them from the soul-renewing work of the gospel.

What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are! — Matthew 23:15

Pastoral Insulation

In many cases, the very leadership meant to shepherd the flock becomes isolated within a protective barrier of administrative and managerial layers. Pastors in such environments often find themselves rendered inaccessible to the very people they are meant to guide. Encumbered by a network of advisors, administrators, and protocols designed to insulate them from criticism, these pastors become untouchable figures, distanced from the everyday struggles and questions of their congregation. This insulation prevents the kind of open dialogue and accountability that is necessary for true spiritual growth and communal healing.

Pastoral Overbearance

There are also pastors who also fall into the trap of micromanagement. These leaders become consumed with controlling every minute detail of the church’s operation, obsessing over appearances and performance metrics. Their focus shifts dramatically from nurturing genuine spiritual growth to ensuring that the church’s image remains unblemished and that every program operates like a well-oiled machine. This overbearance stifles the organic development of faith, replacing heartfelt discipleship with a rigid, bureaucratic form of church administration that values order over the unpredictable, messy journey of following Jesus.

The Cause of Churchianity

At the heart of Churchianity lies a pervasive and crippling emotion: fear. Parishioners often live in fear—fear of confessing their sins, fear of being judged harshly, and fear of social exclusion. This atmosphere of trepidation creates a barrier to genuine transparency and vulnerability, essential ingredients for true spiritual healing. The absence of living, relatable testimonies within the church compounds this fear, as individuals are left without models of authentic redemption and transformation.

Similarly, church staff frequently operate under a cloak of fear, hesitant to challenge the status quo or advocate for meaningful change. Their options are limited to implementing superficial fixes—marketing strategies, program adjustments, and other short-term solutions—that do little to address the underlying issues. Moreover, pastors and senior leaders often become so fixated on quantifiable measures of success, such as attendance figures and membership growth, that they lose sight of the true essence of ministry. In this performance-based mindset, the church becomes trapped in a cycle where image and numbers take precedence over the life-changing work of the Spirit.

Pastors of Churchianity congregations also are bound by fear. They fear the dwindling attendance or number of recent converts may cause the doors to shutter. Or that if the wealthy and affluent aren’t catered-to, then the funds they provide might dry up, or worse the praise and influence they receive from the wealthy and affluent might also dry up. They fear that if the spectacles they have traditionally hosted in the past will not draw the same number of people as it did before. They fear the gospel of Jesus might make the comfortable leave and their tithes with them.

Conclusion

A church that clings to the shallow and ultimately unsatisfying model of Churchianity is on a perilous path toward stagnation, division, and eventual irrelevance. In contrast, a church that courageously surrenders to Jesus, openly confesses its shortcomings, and earnestly seeks genuine transformation will experience a revival that touches every aspect of its community. The power of the Cross of Jesus Christ and His gospel of Peace remains sufficient to break every chain, heal every wound, and restore every heart. The world does not need another meticulously choreographed, well-rehearsed Sunday performance; it desperately needs the real, tangible presence of Christ—a presence that transforms lives from the inside out.

Have you been stuck in an endless cycle of Churchianity and are ready to break free? If so, then pray this:

Heavenly Father, in this moment of reflection and confession, I come before You acknowledging that I have been ensnared by the cycle of Churchianity, placing undue value on mere routine rather than cultivating a deep, personal relationship with You. I confess my sins openly before You and before my brothers and sisters in Christ, asking for Your mercy and forgiveness. Grant me the courage to be honest and vulnerable, shedding the layers of fear that have kept me from fully embracing Your truth. Transform my heart, and may our church become a sanctuary of healing and restoration rather than a place of judgment and exclusion. Help us forsake empty gimmicks and superficial spectacles, and instead, to wholeheartedly rely on the transformative power of the Gospel. Revive our spirits, O Lord, so that we may truly follow You with every fiber of our being. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bibliography

For more information on Churchianity, visit exitchurchianity.com.

Scazzero, Peter, Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation

Saczzero, Peter, The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team, and the World

Jonathan Benz, The Recovery-Minded Church: Loving and Ministering to People With Addiction

Ken Sande, Peacemaker

Idleman, Kyle, Follower: Becoming More Than Just a Fan of Jesus

McKnight, Scot, A Fellowship of Differents

Volf, Miroslav, Exclusion & Embrace

Sider, Ronald J., Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity

Scripture References

Galatians 3:1

2 Corinthians 11:3

Matthew 23:27-28

2 Timothy 3:5

James 5:16

Acts 2:42-47

1 Corinthians 12:25-26

John 8:32

Romans 12:2

Matthew 16:18

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