THE FOUR IDOLS OF CHURCH

(The following is a post from Craig Carlisle that really hit home to me this morning)

Craig is the Association Missions Strategist at 
Etowah Baptist Association.
It was written by Chris Crain, Executive director BBMA.

Dear Birmingham Baptists,

"Unfortunately, [the church growth movement] fell victim to an idolatry as old as the Tower of Babel, the belief that we are the architects of the work of God. As a result, we have the best churches men can build, but we are still waiting for the church that only God can get credit for" (Reggie McNeal, The Present Future, p. 23). McNeal's observation echoes the thoughts of prophetic voices like E.M. Bounds, A.W. Tozer, and Vance Havner, to name a few. The church has trusted in idols for growth and security instead of relying on the power of God. Will Mancini, in Church Unique, has identified four idols that replace God as the center of the church.

The Idol of Place

Church buildings can become idols and give the worshipers a false sense of security. For some, the building provides an "aura of prestige and entitlement" that takes focus away from God's glory. Ascribing undue spiritual significance to a church building is a sin that divides hearts and congregations across the Southern Baptist Convention. After all, Jesus emphasized the imperative that "true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth" and not "on this mountain nor in Jerusalem" (John 4:21-23). The idol of place isn't just about buildings or physical geography. It can be certain rooms within the church, art on the walls, furnishings, and even cemeteries behind the sanctuary.

According to The Alabama Baptist, the Chinese government confiscated the worship facility of a local church from the pastor and congregation. The governmental leaders refashioned the building into a "community center" by painting over the crosses and destroying the religious symbols. Our brothers and sisters in places like this remind us that the church is not the building.

The Idol of Personalities

On many occasions, I have heard pastor search committees share with me—in essence—that the church was one hire away from success. "If we could just find a pastor who excels at". . . raising money, reaching families, redesigning ministries, connecting with the business community, visiting unchurched people, or preaching like my favorite preacher. Churches are often placing their hopes in staff members who can do all of those things as well. Looking for the right personality can become an idol for the church.

The Idol of Programs

Southern Baptists have been leaders in developing programs for local churches. In decades past, people have found their value in leading programs within the church. Royal Ambassadors, Men's Ministry, Griefshare, Ladies Ensemble, Awana, GROW Outreach, are examples of the hundreds of programs offered in Alabama Baptist churches. Mancini said it well: "We need the vision to raise our sight to see the why behind the program, to begin with. Without seeing the more compelling why, we cultivate masters of how. Their hearts find more meaning in working efficiently on yesterday's methods than in working effectively into the future." Programs are not designed to bring the vision to our church leadership or point us toward the mission. As plans come and go (some stay beyond their usefulness), only Jesus and His mission are worthy of our undying loyalty and complete obeisance.

The Idol of "My" People

Do you want to upset an adult Bible study group in a typical church? Ask them to send out several members and start a new group. Or design a new worship schedule or service. For those who detest change, the church must remain constant--right down to the people who sit in the next pew. Whatever you do, please don't challenge our "us four and no more" philosophy of relationships. When new pastors come to a church and begin leading the church to engage new people, the existing stakeholders get nervous and undermine his leadership. Why would Christians not want to reach new people? Their relationships in the church as it exists today have become an idol.

Our response to these idols must be one of introspection. "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV). As the hymn writer Robert Robinson wrote, my heart is "prone to wander, Lord, I feel it—prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above." May our hearts be bound to Jesus Christ and Him alone and not to any idol.

With sincere gratitude,

Chris Crain, Executive Director

BMBA

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