Shrinking Christianity

So it would appear that Christians are switching denominations and in some cases dropping out altogether.

Certainly it is un-remarkable that people do not believe. From the beginning of time, groups of people have chosen not to follow God.

The real question is, if people are leaving…was Christ ever there to begin with? Can a society snatch away a person from the hand of Christ? If not, then these trends would indicate that people are in Church but not following Christ. If churches are people and people are leaving, then some churches are a culture but not a church.

If Christ is not in a church, then it’s no wonder people drift away. Church can be fun on its own, but a Christ-less church is no match for things of the world.

So why is it that Churches exist in this empty manner?

What is it that distracts a church/denomination from Christ? Are we too caught up in rules? Does our own success become its own reward? Does the day-to-day get in the way? Do we get too proud? Do we get too churchy? Do we get too worldly? Do we study too little? Do we study too much? What is it?

Throughout scripture it seems ridiculously easy for groups of God’s people to have the appearance without the reality. And almost by definition, we’re flyin’ high as this happens. We all need to take a hard look. I have a feeling our distractions will surprise us.