Can you Un-Church the Churched?

“How do you unchurch the church? How do you kill religion and tradition and stop it from spreading? How do you unteach the sound of the Hammond organ [that make some believe it is the presence of God]?

​This is my paraphrase of a question recently asked on a Facebook post.

​As a product of the church, I am very familiar with the ins and outs of its system. I have been a church musician from 10 years old, and I have served in nearly every capacity. Most recently, I have served as the pastor of a traditional church. I know church. I love the many wonderful relationships I have gained and still maintain.

​Currently, I am leading the ‘church’ I have served for 28 years into becoming a network of house gatherings. I have experienced first-hand what it means to unchurch the churched. It is actually an attempt to recalibrate the mindset of people. Anybody can leave a sanctuary and meet in a living room. However, if WHAT we do is not infused with WHY we are doing it, then all we have done is change locations with no real purpose. The reality is that you can’t effectively unchurch anyone who still holds to a church mindset.

...you can’t effectively unchurch anyone who still holds to a church mindset.

Harriet Tubman is reported to have said, “I freed a thousand slaves – but I could have freed many more had they known they were slaves”. The church system has so clouded the minds of its

adherents that they believe they are correct in what they do. They use scripture to support traditions created by man (Mark 7:13). Their experiences are touted as spiritual validation (John 4:20). Emotionalism is confused with the real presence of the Lord. Becoming unchurched begins when you receive the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God!

​The churches that appear to be growing have found a way to put on a bigger and better performance than the other churches in their vicinity. They draw in the crowds with polished praise teams, crisp musicians, dance troops and preaching that appeals to the senses. Their growth is more transfer evangelism than winning new converts. When their appeal wanes, the people go looking for the next spiritual thrill. I would like to offer 3 ways this can change.

1. ​​​​ Pray that believers see the truth

​Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus that “The eyes of [their] understanding [would be] enlightened… (Ephesians 1:18). Once a person sees the truth – they cannot un-see it. Once they experience the presence of the Lord without the filters of religious pageantry – they will want no substitutes. Once they get the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God – they will run from sectarian depictions of Him.

2. Remain steadfast in your resolve

​Those of us who say we have been delivered from churchianity, the burden on us is to live it out. This is more than rhetoric – it is our responsibility. There is a great temptation to give up when you are faced with conflict, ridicule and accusations. Hold fast and in time, the Lord will vindicate you.

​Since we began the process of transitioning four years ago, we have been misunderstood and at times mischaracterized. Yet, by remaining steadfast, those among us are growing in both the Word of God and in covenant relationships. We were greatly encouraged when in the last year, two other ministries in our area have embraced what the Lord is doing in us. We are prayerfully coming together with them under the headship of Jesus Christ. It is clear that the Lord is orchestrating a regional network of believers. By remaining steadfast, we are seeing Jesus build His ekklesia His way. Everyone involved is committed to Him more than the traditions of the past.

3. Know that you are called

You are called out to impact the world you live in. You have a significant place in the Lords ekklesia. People are watching you. Walk worthy of the vocation that you are called into (Ephesians 4:1-3). Remain humble before the Lord. Stay focused. Enjoy this wonderful season of growth in your life.  ​

The ministry of The Ekklesia Center is to help guide believers into a firm understanding of what Jesus is building in the earth. Visit our website  often to get more insights to help you in your journey.

www.TheEkklesiaCenter.org