The modern church: Examining the New Testament model
As faithful and committed Christians, we strive to adhere to the biblical intention and aim of Jesus Christ toward His Church.
While the Church has evolved over the centuries, examining the New Testament model is essential to understand the core principles that should shape the modern Church.
Today, we witness and experience some surprises when we join or attend Christian church services.
Some church gatherings resemble a rock concert or proclaim false doctrines to accommodate our sinful or unrighteous ways of living.
We also place more importance on the physical appearance of the pastor or choose a megachurch and discriminate against the small neighborhood church.
As a result, we often wonder if we are indeed pursuing the true Church as designed and intended by Jesus Christ.
The New Testament serves as a guidebook for Christians, offering actual premises into the early Church and giving insights relevant to the modern church.
The essential biblical features of the New Testament Church
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” - Acts 2:42-47
The early Christian community after the day of Pentecost is the accurate context by which the Apostles laid the mechanics and structure of the Church as inspired by the Holy Spirit.
They committed to the apostles' teaching, engaged in fellowship, shared meals and communion, prayed fervently, and sacrificed their possessions with those in need.
The apostles performed signs and wonders, demonstrating God's power and confirming their message.
On the other hand, the believers exhibited unity and harmony, having everything in common, and found favor with others.
The passage portrays a vibrant and devoted community prioritizing learning, fellowship, worship, generosity, and caring for one another.
As started by the apostles, the New Testament Church is an inspiring model for believers today, emphasizing the importance of devotion to God, community, and acts of love and service.
In terms of Christ-centered worship and teaching, the New Testament Church placed Jesus Christ at its worship and teaching center. The early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).
- Authentic community and fellowship. It emphasized the importance of authentic community and connection among believers.
They shared their possessions, cared for one another, and supported those in need (Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-35).
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit. The early Church thrived under the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
The Day of Pentecost marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, enabling the disciples to preach boldly and perform miraculous signs (Acts 2:1-4).
- Engaging in discipleship and mission. The New Testament Church was committed to making disciples and spreading the Gospel.
Jesus' final command to his disciples was to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Unity and diversity. Finally, the New Testament Church consisted of diverse individuals who came together as one body in Christ.
The early Christians transcended social, cultural, and ethnic boundaries, united by their faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11)
The falsities of the modern Church: A comparison with the New Testament model
Lit candles inside a church. (Photo by Zac Frith from Pexels)
"This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." - Mark 7:6-7
Many Christian churches today have departed from their biblical essence and goals as initiated by the apostles of Jesus Christ. These are some of the deviations present in the modern Church when compared to the teachings of the New Testament:
Distorted focus on material wealth
One of the notable errors in the modern Church is an excessive emphasis on material wealth. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, selflessness, and caring for people in need.
However, some modern churches have shifted their focus towards prosperity theology, promoting the idea that financial prosperity is a sign of God's favor.
Some televangelists and preachers propagate that financial donations to the Church will result in personal wealth.
It often leads to an unhealthy pursuit of material wealth and neglects the spiritual and social aspects of Christian living. This contradicts the New Testament generosity, contentment, and selfless giving teachings.
Church hierarchy and clericalism
In contrast to the New Testament's emphasis on equality and servant leadership, the modern church often exhibits institutional hierarchy and Clericalism.
The early church emphasized the equality of all believers and encouraged every member to contribute their unique gifts to the community.
However, many churches today have developed rigid hierarchical structures, where power is concentrated in a few leaders' hands, stifling the congregation's involvement and spiritual growth.
They have a top-down leadership model where decisions are made solely by the clergy, limiting the participation and input of the laity. This approach undermines the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where each member has a valuable role.
Compromising Biblical doctrines
The modern Church has sometimes diluted or compromised biblical doctrines to accommodate cultural norms or gain popularity.
While the New Testament encourages Christians to engage with the world, it also warns against conforming to worldly values that contradict the teachings of Jesus.
However, some churches have altered their doctrines to align with societal trends, disregarding the timeless truths outlined in the New Testament.
Particular churches have altered their stance on moral issues, such as human sexuality or the sanctity of life, to conform to prevailing cultural norms.
The departure from biblical teachings undermines the authority of the New Testament and dilutes the Church's witness.
Entertainment-centered worship
Contemporary worship practices in many modern churches often prioritize entertainment and emotional experiences over reverence and the pursuit of spiritual transformation.
Some churches have adopted concert-like environments, with elaborate lighting, professional bands, and emotionally charged performances, which can overshadow the biblical content and shift the focus away from the worship of God.
While the New Testament encourages joyful worship and fellowship, it emphasizes the importance of sincere and reverent worship that focuses on God's glory and the edification of the Church.
The pursuit of the New Testament in our modern society
A pastor with church members. (Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels)
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25
Today it is crucial to examine the soul of our Christian churches. Jesus Christ is arriving soon, and it is to His glory that we adhere to the biblical nature of His Church.
The modern Church should prioritize the study of Scripture, fellowship, the Lord's Supper, and prayer, with Christ as the focus of worship and teaching.
It should create a nurturing environment for genuine fellowship, support, and love, reflecting Christ's love for the world.
Relying on the Holy Spirit, the Church can receive guidance, empowerment, and spiritual gifts to impact the world and fulfill the Great Commission.
Discipleship and equipping believers for mission are crucial, along with actively engaging in evangelism and meeting community needs.
Unity amidst diversity, embracing different backgrounds, cultures, and gifts, should be pursued as a witness to God's love and reconciliation.
While the modern church strives to adapt to contemporary contexts, it is vital to recognize and address the errors that have crept into its practices compared to the New Testament.
By acknowledging these deviations, believers can seek to realign their churches with the principles and teachings of the early Church, fostering spiritual growth, community engagement, and a deeper understanding of God's Word.
Let us be a Christian Church that faithfully follows the teachings of the New Testament, seeking to love God and our neighbors with all our hearts.
By doing so, we can bring hope, healing, and transformation to individuals and communities, ultimately fulfilling the purpose that God has called us to as His Church.
