Meyu Changkiri
We live in times of great urgency for the Church and its institutions today. The crisis we face is both profound and alarming. Symptoms of spiritual sickness are painfully evident: nominal Christianity is on the rise, theological institutions are multiplying, yet the integrity and doctrinal soundness of many graduates are questionable. Church leadership is increasingly scrutinized for moral failures and a lack of accountability. Disunity, jealousy, and politics infiltrate congregations, while social divisions such as casteism, classism, and tribalism hinder the true mission of the Body of Christ.
In this context, Jesus' words in Matthew 15:8 resonate powerfully: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Quoting Isaiah 29:13, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their religious hypocrisy. Their outward actions masked inner corruption, and their legalistic traditions replaced God’s commandments. Jesus shifted the focus from superficial actions to the purity of the heart. True worship flows from a sincere heart, not from empty rituals. His rebuke challenges us today: Do we honor God with mere outward expressions, or are our hearts truly committed to Him?
Our outward actions can seem impressive, but it’s the unseen heart, the true inner motives, that matter most. Jesus’ condemnation of hypocrisy is a timeless message: an invitation to worship God in spirit and truth and to serve Him with commitment that glorifies Him.
Despite the alarming challenges facing the Church, we hold to God’s promise in Matthew 16:18: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Renewal begins within each of us, and as we address the roots of the Church’s crisis, we are reminded of the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ.
The Sickness in the Church
The issues afflicting churches today are not new, but they have intensified. Many profess Christianity in name only, showing little evidence of transformed lives. Nominalism reduces faith to rituals without relationship and traditions without truth. Jesus warned against such hollow religiosity: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8). True faith requires a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms both heart and action.
Leadership integrity is under siege. Scandals involving financial misconduct, moral failures, and abuse of authority have undermined the Church’s witness. Leadership is not about power but service. Paul’s standards in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 emphasize blameless character, self-control, and devotion to family and faith. While failures are disheartening, many godly leaders continue to inspire confidence through faithful service. Restoring trust requires accountability, prayer, and a commitment to biblical principles.
The body of Christ is called to unity, yet divisions and envy are rampant. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their factions: “For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?” (1 Corinthians 3:4). Disunity weakens the Church’s witness and undermines Christ’s prayer for unity (John 17:21). Even more troubling, tribalism and denominationalism elevate cultural identities above Christian identity. Churches must refocus on their true mission—glorifying Christ and making disciples of all nations. Unity demands humility, forgiveness, and a shared purpose.
Where Have We Gone Wrong?
The authority of God’s Word has been diluted by subjective interpretations and personal preferences. Hosea 4:6 warns, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Churches must renew their commitment to Scripture as the unchanging standard for faith and practice. Practical examples of false teachings—such as prosperity-focused doctrines or self-help messages—highlight the need for discernment and faithful teaching. A genuine commitment to biblical truth requires diligent study, faithful teaching, and the courage to confront errors with love.
Programs and traditions have often replaced genuine spiritual growth. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls us to make disciples, not merely attendees or tradition-bound followers. Discipleship demands intentional teaching, mentoring, and spiritual formation. Churches must ask: Are we cultivating disciples or simply maintaining rituals? A disciple’s life is marked by continual growth, learning, and transformation. Redirecting energy toward relational ministry will nurture authentic faith.
Leadership has too often been reduced to a position of prestige rather than a call to servanthood. Jesus taught, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). True leadership is characterized by humility, compassion, and a willingness to put others first. Leaders who prioritize prominence over purpose risk distorting the essence of ministry, turning it into a platform for personal gain rather than a mission to serve.
The influence of materialism and worldly ambition has infiltrated the Church. Prosperity-focused teachings mislead believers into equating God’s blessings with financial success, neglecting the biblical call to take up one’s cross and follow Christ. Churches must resist conforming to societal values that prioritize wealth, fame, and comfort over holiness, humility, and service.
Returning to the Basics
True reformation begins by reclaiming foundational principles. The early Church in Acts 2:42-47 provides a model for authentic community—devotion to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and mutual care. These practices cultivate spiritual vitality and unity. A return to these principles requires intentional effort and prioritizing spiritual growth over external appearances.
Personal commitment to Jesus Christ is essential. Romans 10:9 declares, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” True faith transforms lives and leads to obedient action. Churches must emphasize the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ, grounded in repentance, faith, and ongoing spiritual renewal.
Spiritual growth and mentoring must be prioritized. Intentional mentoring relationships and personal accountability are key to fostering authentic faith. Without mentors, young believers are vulnerable to false doctrines and moral compromise. Mature Christians must guide others in their faith journeys with wisdom and compassion.
Unity must be founded on Christ, not personal ambition or cultural identity. Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 4:3 challenges us: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Differences in practice and tradition must never overshadow the gospel’s unifying power. Forgiveness, reconciliation, and humility are essential for healing divisions.
The Role of Every Believer
The Church is not a building; it is the collective body of believers. Reformation begins with individuals. Revival starts with personal holiness and renewed devotion to God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 calls us to humble repentance: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Revival is not a program but a movement of the Spirit ignited by the prayers and actions of committed believers.
Acknowledging our failures is the first step toward renewal. Confession and repentance lead to restoration. Daily prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a commitment to God’s will are indispensable practices for spiritual health. Engage in the mission of the Church with a servant’s heart, rejecting the temptation to seek power. Support and hold leaders accountable while encouraging their pursuit of godliness. Seek reconciliation in broken relationships and cultivate peace in all areas of life. The ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) calls every believer to be an agent of healing and unity, embodying Christ’s love in action.
Conclusion
The Church belongs to Christ, who declared, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). He remains the true foundation, and all lasting reform begins with His lordship. This wake-up call is an invitation to reflection, repentance, and renewed action. Where have we gone wrong? There is no solution in pointing fingers at each other. Every church member is accountable if he or she acknowledges being truly born again. Reform and renewal depend on every individual believer stepping up to their God-given responsibility.
The future of the Church depends on each believer embracing personal responsibility to uphold biblical truth, nurture genuine faith, and serve with humility. Let us rise to the challenge. Let us return to the cross and recommit to building a Church that glorifies Christ through truth, unity, and love. The time for complacency is over. This wake-up call is an invitation to reflection, repentance, and renewed action. The battle belongs to the Lord, but the work of renewal belongs to us. Ask yourself today: Where do I need repentance and renewal? How can I contribute to unity and truth in my Church? Let’s move forward with faith and perseverance.
(The article is an excerpt from topics presented by the author during the 2025 Serampore College Retreat, held on January 11–12, 2025, at the Carey Library and Research Centre (CLRC) in Serampore, West Bengal)
