Prof. Oyewole Sarumi Ph.D.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30 (KJV)
The Church, as designed by God, was always meant to be a place where Christ is exalted and His message is proclaimed. However, in recent decades, particularly in the post-modern era, we have witnessed a subtle but alarming shift. The focus of the church has moved from Christ to man. This phenomenon can be traced back to the ever-changing trends in society and culture, as well as a desire to adapt to the world around us. But, as we examine this shift, we must ask: What is the cost of prioritizing men over Christ in the post-modern church?
To understand the implications of this shift, we must first define what the “post-modern church” is and look at how the focus has changed from the person of Christ to the desires of men. We will explore the consequences of this change, and the dangerous result of the Holy Spirit’s departure from the church.
DEFINITION OF THE POST-MODERN CHURCH
The term “post-modern” refers to a time after the Modern era, characterized by a rejection of absolute truths and traditional norms. In the post-modern world, individual experiences and perceptions have become more important than objective reality or truth. The church has, unfortunately, mirrored this shift in many aspects, adopting methods that prioritize cultural relevance over biblical truth.
The post-modern church, while still maintaining the facade of Christianity, has embraced the changing tides of society, often sacrificing biblical teachings and focusing more on pleasing people, enhancing experiences, and offering solutions to earthly problems. The focus of the church is increasingly on making members feel comfortable, accepted, and entertained, rather than challenging them to live out the transformative gospel of Jesus Christ.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POST-MODERN CHURCH
There are many characteristics of the PMC, but I will just mention a few here, you can get a full gist in my piece “The Challenges of Post-Modernism on Christianity” published in ChurchTimes in 2024.
Cultural Relevance Over Biblical Truth
The post-modern church has placed a heavy emphasis on relevance to culture, often at the expense of doctrinal truth. Sermons are tailored to meet the desires of people, focusing on their emotional and psychological needs rather than on the gospel and its call to repentance.
- Entertaining Worship Services Worship services, which should be about glorifying God, are often turned into entertainment events designed to draw people in. The use of lights, smoke machines, and live performances aims to keep congregants entertained rather than focused on worshiping the Savior
A Focus on the ‘Self’
Self-help messages, motivational talks, and prosperity teachings dominate the pulpits of many post-modern churches. The focus has shifted from the humility of the cross to the self-empowerment of the believer. This “me-centered” gospel creates a narrative where Jesus is seen more as a means to personal success rather than the Savior who calls us to sacrifice and service.
Worldly Influences
Rather than standing firm on biblical principles, the post-modern church often adapts itself to the prevailing cultural trends. Whether it’s in terms of social justice, political alignment, or lifestyle choices, many churches today are more likely to conform to societal standards than to uphold the teachings of Scripture.
WHY WE SEE LESS OF CHRIST AND MORE OF MEN IN TODAY’S CHURCH
It’s very discerning even to the discreet that in today’s church, we can see more of men and less of Jesus Christ, and everyone seems to be happy with such a scene. There are several reasons, but let’s discuss a few below:
- The Desire for Popularity and Numbers Church leaders often seek to grow their congregations by any means possible. In the age of social media, the success of a church is often measured by its number of followers rather than the depth of spiritual transformation happening within its walls. To maintain this image, many churches turn to strategies that focus on entertainment, self-empowerment, and prosperity, which draw in larger crowds but obscure the gospel of Christ.
- Fear of Offending People
The truth of the gospel can be offensive, and it requires repentance—a complete turning away from sin. Many pastors, fearing rejection or backlash, avoid teaching difficult biblical truths, such as sin, judgment, and the need for salvation. Instead, they focus on “feel-good” messages that don’t challenge the status quo.
- Self-Exaltation of Leaders
Leaders in the post-modern church have often become celebrities, with their faces plastered on billboards, bookshelves, and TV screens. These leaders are seen as the focus of the ministry, and their personal success stories are glorified above the message of Christ. The emphasis is on their charisma, talent, and influence rather than their ability to accurately preach the word of God.
- Cultural Shift Toward Secularism
In today’s world, many people want a form of religion that is in line with their values and lifestyles. The church, in an attempt to remain relevant, has, unfortunately, aligned itself with worldly values—promoting success, comfort, and convenience over repentance, holiness, and obedience to God.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S DEPARTURE FROM THE CHURCH
I got most of the points raised below from the FB piece title “When the Holy Spirit has Left the Church”, by Paul Eri because it captured my thoughts well in this regard.
When the focus of the church shifts from Christ to men, the Holy Spirit begins to withdraw, leaving behind a powerless institution. This departure has far-reaching consequences are discussed below:
- True Repentance Becomes Impossible
Without the work of the Holy Spirit, true repentance cannot take place. The church becomes a place where sin is not called out and transformation is impossible. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit is absent, leaving individuals unchanged and bound by their sin.
- Promotion of Man-Made Mountains and Special Places to Meet God The post-modern church often places emphasis on special locations or personal experiences as the “place” to meet God. This might include retreats, conferences, or specific church leaders who are seen as the ultimate spiritual guides. However, true worship is not confined to a building or an event but is found in the daily lives of believers as they walk with Christ.
- Focus on Earthly Issues
The church becomes more concerned with addressing temporal issues like wealth, success, and personal happiness, rather than focusing on the eternal and spiritual truths of the gospel. The call to deny oneself and follow Christ is replaced by messages that encourage self-gratification and fulfillment. They call this the social gospel, and I wonder what that means as it is strange to the Holy Scriptures
Processes, Programmes, and Rituals Become the Focus
In the absence of the Holy Spirit’s power, the church becomes driven by processes and rituals rather than true spiritual transformation. Ministries become about programmes—events designed to entertain and motivate people rather than leading them into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Human Covenants and Denominational Doctrines Take Precedence
Doctrines and covenants created by men often take precedence over the commands of Christ. The unity of the Church is replaced by denominational differences, and human-made traditions outweigh the teachings of Scripture. Have witnessed meetings of groups or associations of these church leaders, nothing tangible for the souls are the focus but frivolities.
A Shift Toward Pleasing Men Rather Than God
As the focus shifts from Christ to men, the church’s aim becomes the appeasement of people rather than the glorification of God. The fear of man and the desire for approval take precedence over the fear of God and the desire to obey His commands. Have you watched video clips of where ministers and church members are squatting or kneeling down before they can talk to their church leaders? It is highly insane, nauseating and offensive to the Bible as that attitude is beyond honouring them, but enslavement.
Preaching About Visitations Outside the Bible Becomes Normal
Instead of preaching the gospel as it is written in the Bible, churches in the post-modern era often emphasize personal revelations or visitations that are not grounded in Scripture or highly esoteric and extra biblical while forgetting Rev.22:18. These new teachings are presented as special knowledge, leading many astray from the core truths of the Christian faith
Obedience to the Truth is No Longer a Priority
In many post-modern churches, obedience to the truth of Scripture has become optional. It is now relativism as what you think or believe is truth to you might not be to others.. Leaders prioritize unity, acceptance, and political correctness, leading to a compromised gospel. The call to live holy lives, obey God’s word, and make disciples is overshadowed by the desire to keep people happy.
Conclusion
The church today faces a critical crossroads to maneuvers without injuring itself and the people. The post-modern church has embraced methods that focus on pleasing men and entertaining the masses, at the expense of preaching the unchanging truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the focus is no longer on Christ, the Holy Spirit withdraws, and the church becomes a powerless institution. The salt of earth has become bland and tasteless, while the light of world is dimmed and in romance with darkness!
As leaders, we must challenge ourselves to return to the core principles of the faith, placing Christ at the centre of all we do. We must ensure that our preaching is biblical (exegetical and not eisegetical), our worship is genuine, and our lives reflect the truth of the gospel. This is the path to true spiritual transformation, and it is the only way to build a church that honours Christ and advances His kingdom here on earth. That is our duty that has been abandoned for the pearls and spoils of ministry in our days!
My Challenge and Call to Action for Church Leadership!
Leaders, it’s time to reflect: Are we prioritizing Christ in our ministry, or are we more focused on appealing to the world for the spoils of ministry? Let us return to the basics of the gospel and lead with humility, obedience, and a commitment to make Christ the centre of everything. It’s time to decrease, so that He can increase. Many of us now too big in our church that we have covered people from seen the true Christ. It is time we get out of the way as our people are tired of daily playing of giraffe-games to see and know the real Christ. Let’s prioritize Christ over men and see the power of the Holy Spirit revive people in our churches. If we can do this in humility, Christ will do the rest for His Church!
Let’s lead by example, and together, we can bring Christ back to the centre of His Church. Are we ready?
I believe that a new generation amongst the remnant are brewing for a new day!
I come in peace 
