For centuries, the word “church” has been synonymous with faith. It’s where people gather, worship, and seek guidance in their spiritual lives. But if Jesus were to walk into many of today’s churches, would He recognize them as part of His vision? Would He find a body of believers truly living out His message, or would He see an institution that has drifted from the simplicity, love, and authenticity He taught?
In Bike Path Wisdom, Frank Decotis challenges the conventional notions of church, questioning whether modern Christianity has become more about the system than the Savior. He reflects on what Jesus actually preached and how much of today’s religious structures align—or fail to align—with His teachings. Let’s explore why church, as we know it, might not always be what Jesus had in mind and how we can rethink faith in today’s world.
The Original Church: A Movement, Not an Institution
When Jesus spoke about the church, He wasn’t referring to grand cathedrals, denominational hierarchies, or political affiliations. In fact, the Greek word for church, ekklesia, simply means “assembly” or “gathering.” The early church was a community of people who followed Jesus, meeting in homes, sharing meals, and supporting one another through life’s struggles (Acts 2:42-47). There was no corporate structure, no bylaws, and certainly no tax-exempt status.
Over time, however, church evolved from an organic movement to an organized institution. While organization isn’t inherently bad, it can sometimes overshadow the true mission. Instead of focusing on personal relationship with Christ and living out His teachings, many churches have become places of performance, politics, and rigid dogma.
When Religion Replaces Relationship
One of the biggest concerns Jesus had during His ministry was the way religious leaders burdened people with laws and traditions, rather than pointing them toward a genuine relationship with God. The Pharisees were notorious for their strict adherence to rules, but Jesus called them out for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28). He knew that religion without relationship leads to pride, judgment, and division.
Fast forward to today, and many churches still struggle with the same issue. Sermons sometimes emphasize behavior modification rather than transformation through Christ. Attendance and tithing can feel like measures of faithfulness rather than genuine connection with God. The very place meant to foster spiritual growth can sometimes be the one that stifles it.
Church as a Business: The Mega-Church Dilemma
There’s no denying that some churches today operate more like corporations than communities. With multimillion-dollar buildings, celebrity pastors, and business models designed to “grow the brand,” it’s easy to lose sight of the Gospel. While outreach and excellence are important, Jesus never measured His ministry by numbers or wealth. His focus was always on people—meeting them in their struggles, healing their wounds, and calling them into a life-changing relationship with God.
The danger of the business-like church model is that it can become more about entertainment than edification. Lights, music, and high-energy sermons can create an experience, but are people truly being discipled? Are they learning to walk with Christ daily, or just attending church as a weekend event? Jesus didn’t tell His disciples to build bigger churches—He told them to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity: Who Would Jesus Welcome?
One of the most radical aspects of Jesus’ ministry was His inclusivity. He dined with sinners, healed the unclean, and spoke with those society rejected. Yet, in some modern churches, there exists a culture of exclusivity. People feel they have to “fit in” before they can belong. Whether it’s dress codes, unspoken social rules, or denominational divides, church can sometimes feel more like a club than a refuge for the broken.
But Jesus never required people to have their lives together before coming to Him. In fact, He sought out the lost, the hurting, and the marginalized (Luke 19:10). If churches truly want to reflect Christ, they must create spaces where people from all walks of life feel welcomed and loved—without judgment, without pretense.
Reclaiming the Heart of Church: What Can We Do?
If church today isn’t always what Jesus had in mind, how do we course-correct? It starts with individuals and communities making intentional shifts toward authenticity, humility, and love. Here are a few practical ways to do that:
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Focus on Relationship Over Rituals
Encourage personal encounters with Jesus over mere religious obligations. Church should be a place where people grow in faith, not just follow a routine.
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Emphasize Community and Discipleship
Shift from being event-driven to relationship-driven. Small groups, mentorship, and personal accountability can make a big difference.
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Break Free from Corporate Church Culture
Instead of investing in bigger buildings, invest in people. Support missions, help the needy, and focus on outreach rather than expansion.
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Welcome Everyone, Without Condition
Make church a place where people feel safe to ask questions, wrestle with doubts, and grow at their own pace. Jesus never turned people away, and neither should we.
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Encourage Honest Conversations About Faith
Not everything needs to be sugarcoated. The best spiritual growth often comes from wrestling with hard truths and asking real questions.
Conclusion: Church Isn’t a Building—It’s a Body
Jesus never intended for faith to be confined to a building. The church is not an institution; it’s a body of believers, a movement of people transformed by the love of Christ. While organized religion has its place, it should never replace the simplicity of walking with Jesus, loving others, and living out the Gospel in everyday life.
So let’s rethink what church really means. Let’s return to the heart of Jesus’ message and build communities that reflect His love, grace, and truth. Because in the end, church isn’t about where you go on Sunday—it’s about who you walk with every day.
