Red flags: Church behaviors you should be wary of

Have you ever been to a church where their ways didn't quite match your beliefs? 

Even though the church is said to be close to Christ, it's run by regular humans, who, like all of us, are not perfect. So, things they do might not be perfect either.

As you go through your faith journey, remember that just as people mess up, the things they set up, like churches, can have some flaws too. 

These flaws are what we call "church red flags" – signs that something might not be quite right for your spiritual growth and connection. 

The point of these red flags isn't to make you stay away from church. They are to help you know when a church might not be the best fit for you.

In this article, we'll talk about some of these red flags that you should be careful about.

Making tithing a requirement

It’s a red flag if a church makes tithing something you must do, not something you want to do. 

Here's why this matters: Some pastors need more money for their families than the church gives them. 

To help address their need and maintain the ministry, it’s nice to share some of your wealth that came from Christ. But be careful if a church is too focused on how much you give them.

Tithing, which means giving a tenth of your income, comes from an old rule. 

It was part of the deal when the Israelites got laws from God, called the Mosaic covenant. But nowadays, because of Jesus, those rules aren't as strict for Christians.

Today, giving money to your church is a choice you make, not a have-to. It's about what you want to do because you care about your church and community.

Remember, when you give from your heart, it makes your connection with your faith community even stronger.

Lack of transparency

Transparency is a crucial aspect of a trustworthy church, and it's a red flag if a church lacks it. 

When you give money, whether through tithes or donations, you have a rightful expectation to know where that money is being used. 

An ideal church understands this and openly shares details about their budget and how they spend the funds. They might even provide you with this information if you ask. 

However, if a church seems unwilling to grant you access to these details, it's a significant red flag that should catch your attention.

Transparency isn't just a good practice; it's a sign of a church that values your trust and wants you to feel confident in your support.

Refuses to tackle about sin

A church might raise a red flag if they only talk about love and blessings, but avoid discussing sin. 

It's important to remember that in the Bible, whether you look at the prophets, Jesus, or the apostles, their preaching included both good news about forgiveness and strong warnings against sin. 

They called for people to turn away from wrongdoing and follow God's ways with His help. This balanced approach is true Christian teaching.

A church that focuses only on positive messages but ignores the reality of sin might not be giving you the full picture. 

Just as false prophets preached peace and prosperity without a solid foundation, a church that skips talking about sin could be missing a crucial part of the message. 

Love and blessings are part of the Christian message. But they make more sense when we understand our need for them due to our struggles with sin.

Only wants to save themselves

A red flag in a church is if they only focus on their activities and don't connect with the community to share about Christ and salvation. 

Jesus taught us to reach out to everyone, and you can see this in the Bible when he and his followers interacted with different people.

For instance, in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19, Jesus entered the city of Jericho and encountered Zacchaeus, who was disliked by the people for his profession and reputation as a tax collector.

Zacchaeus, being of short stature, climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus as he passed by. 

Jesus noticed him and, to the surprise of the crowd, called Zacchaeus down from the tree. Jesus then invited himself to Zacchaeus' house, despite the disapproval of the people.

This encounter led to a transformation in Zacchaeus' heart, as he repented for his wrongdoings and pledged to make amends.

But more than that, this interaction was a powerful demonstration of Jesus' willingness to engage with those considered outsiders or sinners by society.

When a church only looks inward and doesn't engage with the community, it might be a sign that something's not quite right. 

Christianity is about caring for others and sharing the message of love and redemption. If a church isn't doing that beyond its walls, it's worth considering if it's following Jesus's teachings.

Criticizes curious believers

The Church's relationship with curiosity has been complex. 

On one hand, it has driven scientific and innovative progress, rooted in faith in God and a desire to explore the universe. However, new ideas have often clashed with traditions, leading to the rejection of those who challenge established beliefs.

Christians have Scripture as a foundation of truth, guided by the Holy Spirit. 

Yet, not everyone can understand the Bible by themselves, which is why it is advised that they ask questions to their pastors and mentors at church.

Churches are supposed to help you find answers and guidance. 

If the pastor doesn't want your questions or talks down to you for asking, that's a big red flag. 

Similarly, if you're going through a time of questioning your faith and you seek answers from church leaders, they should be willing to help you.

Ideal church

No church is perfect, but you can find an ideal one by observing if they welcome everyone with open arms.

Just as the father joyfully received his wayward son, this ideal church embraces everyone, no matter who you are.

Moreover, try to look at if people gladly serve and give, driven by their desire to help in the ministry.

Also, observe if the church equips its members with a solid understanding of the Scripture so they can discern the right actions from those that aren't aligned with God's teachings.

Remember, the ideal church might not be perfect, but it reflects the spirit of the Father in the parable – welcoming, giving, and guiding. As you seek a place of worship, keep these qualities in mind.

A church that makes an impact in the community

In the end, the distinction between a red flag church and an ideal one becomes crystal clear. 

Red flag churches merely put on a show without a meaningful impact on the community. They control and harm those within their walls while neglecting the needs of those outside. 

On the other hand, ideal churches act as catalysts for thriving and growth in communities. They create a positive ripple that affects both their members and the world beyond.

Remember to seek a community that uplifts, guides, and genuinely cares for you.

You are a valuable investment, deserving of care and support. Your faith deserves nurturing and expansion, not exploitation.

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