The church is meant to be a place of healing, spiritual growth, love, and community. However, like any institution, unhealthy cultures can develop that hinder rather than nurture faith. We should know that sometimes church growth is not always a sign of church health. Many churches have acquired cultures that are not Christ-centered, causing more harm than good. We should be aware of these toxic cultures and replace them with biblical, Christ-centered practices.
It is, however, essential to remember that the church is not a perfect institution. It is made up of imperfect people who are still works in progress and who are still on their spiritual journeys. This is also evident in the first church, which was not perfect. They had struggles and disagreements, but they still preserved and grew in their faith and stayed focused on spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.
No church will ever be perfect, but it’s essential to identify and address cultural dynamics that harm individuals and distort the gospel message. Indeed, the gospel is the only hope for the church today. If the church keeps looking to Him, the author and finisher of our church’s faith, it will find a cure at the cross of Jesus Christ.
By rooting out these unhealthy behaviors, churches can faithfully reflect Christ’s love and become the healing centers they are meant to be.
Here are 14 examples that serve as a call for reflection and change.
Legalism Over Grace
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
Legalism focuses too much on following strict rules, often putting less emphasis on grace and mercy. This approach creates a judgmental atmosphere in which people feel criticized for their mistakes, leading to fear.
From the verse above, the Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by our actions. Therefore, churches should focus more on God’s grace, which will allow room for repentance and growth.
Celebrity Pastors
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” – 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 NIV
Pastors have become like celebrities in some churches, drawing attention away from the most important person, Jesus Christ. They have become the center of attention, overshadowing the core message of the gospel. Instead of congregants focusing on deepening their relationship with Christ, they often end up carried away with the pastor’s lifestyle and public persona. This is idolatry. They end up putting their faith in the pastor rather than God.
In the verse above, Paul reminds us that it is not individuals but God who causes growth. No man is above God, regardless of status, and God will never share His glory with anyone. Churches should focus on what matters and encourage community worship and shared leadership.
The Prosperity Gospel
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4 NIV.
First, we should know that God is not against believers prospering. He is the one who gives us the ability to acquire wealth. However, some churches guarantee wealth and success based on faith alone without hard work. This belief can hurt people when faced with sickness or financial struggles, making them feel like they lack faith.
Every successful person in the Bible got there through hard work, faith, and trust in God. Genuine faith is based on trusting God through every situation, knowing that challenges can build our character.
Exclusivity and Cliques
Cliques are part of life in many churches. They are small, exclusive groups that form within the church, only allowing certain people to join while leaving others out. This is very toxic to the church, causing division, bullying, harassment, and gossip, which can cause it to stop functioning.
Churches should be welcoming places. The Bible teaches that we are all one in Christ, regardless of our background. We can not claim faith in God if we favor some people over others. The book James 2:1-4 talks about this very clearly, explaining that discrimination is misguided judgment by evil motives. This is not what Christ taught us. He never discriminated against anyone.
Condemnation of Doubt
Everyone, including church leaders, has experienced doubt at some point in their spiritual journey. Consider Thomas. Even with all his questions and doubts, Jesus never condemned him. Having doubt does not mean a lack of faith; it is part of our faith journey.
Some churches, however, discourage questioning or having doubt, creating a culture where difficult questions are unwelcome. This will drive away those struggling with their faith.
Spiritual Abuse
This mainly occurs when church leaders exploit their authority to control and or manipulate others. They often use scripture to validate their actions. This kind of abuse inflicts profound spiritual and emotional wounds, leaving one feeling betrayed and powerless.
Spiritual abuse is contrary to Christ-centered leadership, which is based on service and humility. It demands blind submission and obedience rather than encouraging spiritual growth. Individuals under this kind of leadership often experience fear, shame, and guilt. This will, in turn, cause long-term psychological damage, leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Jesus exemplified servant leadership. Authentic leadership prioritizes the well-being of its followers over its power and status. Church leaders should foster love, support, and healing. Spiritual abuse has no place in the church.
Gossip and Slander
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Some churches, often disguising it as “concern,” tolerate gossip, which, after some time, if not checked, will ultimately tear down the community instead of building it up. The Bible urges us to use our words to uplift others. These behaviors create divisions and distrust among members. The church is encouraged to be a safe place where people come to find healing, comfort, and spiritual growth.
Judgment Over Compassion
Churches that show no compassion but prioritize judgment risk alienating those who are struggling with sin or facing difficult life struggles. Jesus preached compassion and grace, reaching out to those society rejected. The church should emulate this, offering empathy and support to those who need it. Churches should be a direct reflection of Christ, supporting spiritual growth.
Fear-Based Teaching
Yes, Christians should be aware of hell and punishment. However, basing your teachings on the purpose of spreading fear creates an unhealthy relationship with God. This kind of teaching overlooks the grace and love found in the gospel of Christ. The Bible tells us that perfect love drives out fear and reminds us that God did not give us a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind.
Materialism in Church Life
When the church focuses so much on outward appearance and wealth, it strays from the biblical call to simplicity and generosity. This kind of teaching shifts focus from spiritual richness. Jesus taught us that true treasure is in heaven, not in possessions.
Lack of Accountability for Leaders
The church suffers when there is no accountability. Leaders who practice this often subject the congregants to abuse. The church dynamics should be transparent. Authentic leadership should be humble and accountable. We should all be open to correction to uphold high standards.
Overemphasis on Numbers
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
Most churches focus on attendance and financial growth, which is acceptable to some extent. However, if the church focuses on these things, we will divert from the true purpose of community, which is mainly Spiritual growth. The great commission is to make disciples, not just fill seats.
Focus on Appearance Over Authenticity
Most churches put so much pressure on perfect appearances that believers will, therefore, try to “keep up appearances” but hide their real struggles. This culture prevents genuine connections, leaving many isolated and alone. It has destroyed people’s lives, leaving them stranded in their dilemmas with no one to help.
The word of God encourages transparency and authenticity. God wants us to be open to Him and approach Him with our struggles. He is ready to forgive and help us through them when we openly confess to Him. The church is where we go to be vulnerable because it is a safe space.
Ignoring Mental Health
In many churches, mental health issues are seen as only spiritual problems, with prayers as the only solution. I cannot emphasize enough how important prayer is, but it is vital to recognize that mental health may also require medical help. Jesus is not against seeking medical help and there are instances where your healing will come through medical help. Just as Jesus healed spiritually and physically, churches should support a holistic approach to healing.
The Church Should Be a Place of Healing, Love, and Spiritual Growth
These are a few examples of toxic church cultures that hurt the entire body of Christ. Churches should strive to identify and address these patterns; only then will there be a community centered on love, grace, and truth.
May the churches strive to be places where all believers can thrive and reflect Christ’s heart in their actions.
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Susan is a mother of four beautiful babies and a born-again Christian. She took over Hope No Matter What in 2024 and enjoys sharing her knowledge of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Her passion is to bring hope and encouragement to others, and she prays that by sharing her knowledge and personal story, she can inspire others to find enlightenment in God's word.