A Simple Look at How Today’s Church Drifts from Christ’s Original Vision
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matt 16:18)
Many people look at the church today and wonder if it still reflects the teachings and mission of Jesus Christ. When we look at what’s happening in many modern churches, it’s easy to see that things like prosperity, politics, and legalism have started to overshadow Christ’s original plan. Let’s break down what this means in simple terms.
The Prosperity Focus: Chasing Wealth Instead of Faith
One major way the church has strayed is by pushing the “prosperity gospel.” This message says that if you have enough faith, God will reward you with health, wealth, and success. But if we look at Jesus’ life, He never promised that following Him would make people rich or free from troubles. In fact, He talked about helping the poor and warned against loving money. By making prosperity the center of their message, some churches have put material gain above spiritual growth.
Politics from the Pulpit: Faith Hijacked by Agendas
Another big issue is how politics has mixed with religion. Instead of focusing on Jesus’ call to love others and serve those in need, some churches have become heavily involved in political debates and power struggles. This can make church feel more like a political rally than a place of worship. When the church aligns itself too closely with any political party or ideology, it risks putting human agendas above Christ’s teachings.
Legalism: Rules Over Relationship
Legalism is when churches focus more on following rules than on building a real relationship with God. This can create an environment where people feel judged or excluded if they don’t measure up to certain standards. Jesus often criticized religious leaders of His time for doing the same thing—making faith about rules instead of about loving God and others. When churches become legalistic, they can push people away from grace and forgiveness, which is at the heart of Christ’s message.
What Did Jesus Want for His Church?
When we reflect on Christ’s intentions, they were straightforward: love God, love others, and share the message of hope. Jesus said, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the greatest and most essential commandment. The second is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matt. 22:37-39) He embraced everyone, reached out to those in pain, and tore down walls that separated people. The purpose of the church was to be a community of believers who support one another and serve the world—not to operate as a business, a political organization, or a rigid system of rules.
Finding Our Way Back
It’s important to remember that the church isn’t a building or a brand—it’s the people who follow Jesus. If we want to get back to Christ’s plan, we need to put love, service, and humility first. That means caring for others, seeking justice, forgiving freely, and focusing on what really matters: following Jesus.
Let’s challenge ourselves and our churches to reflect Christ’s example, not just in words, but in actions. That’s how we can bring the church back in line with the heart of Christ.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 