Is the Church losing its mandate?
Dear Editor,
As we enter the sacred season of Advent, a time of anticipation and reflection on the coming of Christ, it is crucial to examine the state of our churches and their adherence to the divine mandate.
This period calls us to focus on the person of Christ, yet there is a growing concern that some churches are shifting their focus to personalities rather than the teachings and example of Jesus.
In Manchester, the behaviour of certain self-proclaimed prophets has become a point of contention. Their actions, often manipulative and self-serving, have led to a deplorable state of affairs within their congregations. Men of the cloth, who should be setting an example for others, are instead leading their members astray. The sad truth is that the membership has taken on the bad attitudes of their leaders, mirroring their negative behaviour. This raises a critical question: Is the church losing its mandate?
The Bible teaches us to love our neighbours as ourselves and to treat each other with kindness and respect. However, when church leaders and members alike engage in behaviour that contradicts these teachings, it reflects poorly on the entire Christian community. It is a serious issue when the focus shifts from Christ to individuals who seek to elevate themselves above the message of the Gospel.
Advent is a time to return to the core of our faith, to remember the humility and love of Christ, and to realign our actions with His teachings. The Church must reclaim its mandate to be a beacon of hope, love, and integrity. Here are some ways the Christian church can pull itself from this sad state of affairs, guided by biblical teachings.
* Emphasise servant leadership: Church leaders should embody the servant leadership exemplified by Christ. As stated in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
*Promote accountability: Leaders and members alike must be held accountable for their actions. James 3:1 reminds us, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
*Foster a culture of love and respect: The Church should be a place where love and respect are paramount. John 13:34-35 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
*Encourage humility: Leaders should practice humility, as taught in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
*Focus on Christ-centred teaching: The teachings and sermons should always point back to Christ and His message. Colossians 3:16 advises, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.”
As we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth, let us reflect on how we can better embody His teachings in our daily lives. Let us strive to be true neighbours in Christ, treating each other with the love and respect that He exemplified. Only then can we ensure that the Church remains a true reflection of Christ’s love and continues to fulfil its divine mandate.
Bishop Dr Ryan Reddie
ryanreddie33@gmail.com
