Below the surface of devotion and fellowship, a toxic undercurrent is brewing within the church's culture.
In an age obsessed with self-promotion and validation, fed by social media the church had succumbed to the spirit of Babylon where fame, fortune, and fans are the benchmark of success. Church leaders have been lured into the trap of seeking recognition and personal gain inside and outside their faith communities. The focus has shifted from humble service and love for others to personal success and admiration.
The church's culture has become a breeding ground for narcissism. Teachings and messages emphasises personal prosperity and material blessings, rather than love, compassion, and sacrifice. Congregants are encouraged to prioritize their own desires and ambitions, and the inherent beauty of humility has been cast aside.
Ministers with a vocational call on their lives are vying for influence and recognition rather than serving with genuine love and humility. The once-unified community now found itself divided, with a select few basking in the glory of their self-made pedestals, while others are languishing in the shadows of their perceived insignificance.
As the narcissistic culture seeps deeper into the church, Holy Spirit and the propehtic nature of the church is being suffocated. The love for God and fellow humans has taken a backseat to the love of self. Leaders have grown adept at wielding their faith as a weapon, using it to advance their own agendas and validate their superiority over others.
Those who questioned this distorted church culture face ridicule and isolation. Dissenting voices are silenced, and critical thinking is shunned in favor of blind conformity. The church had become a breeding ground for spiritual arrogance, where spiritual growth is stunted by a self-righteous sense of superiority.
Realizing the poison that has infected the culture of the church, there is a movement of prophetic individuals coming together, recognizing the urgent need for change. They are embarking on a journey of reflection and healing, determined to reintroduce truth to the congregation of the Lord.
Although their efforts are being met with resistance from those who had become entrenched in the narcissistic culture, individuals clinging desperately to their positions of power, fearing the loss of their inflated sense of self-importance. These reformers, these agents of renaissance by the power of Holy Spirit are sowing the seeds of transformation and the winds of change are blowing.
Gradually, a shift is occurring. The toxic grip of narcissism is loosening its hold on the remnant who are hearing the Lord’s voice and who understand that this is the era of the kingdom and not the traditional religious church. Humility and empathy is resurfacing, and the love of God and others is becoming the guiding principles once more. The focus is shifting from self-centeredness to collective growth and service.
In the midst of this transformative journey, some individuals are recognizing the irreparable damage that had been done. They understood that the church's culture had fostered narcissistic Christians who prioritized their own desires above all else. And so, they have made the difficult decision to leave.
Leaving is not an act of abandonment or defeat but an act of personal liberation. These courageous souls understood that their spiritual well-being is at stake, and by seeking a healthier church environment, they could reconnect with genuine faith and rediscover their true identities as sons of God.
As they step into the unknown, the departing individuals carry with them the lessons learned and the hope for a brighter future. Their departure is a catalyst for change. They are becoming a sanctuary for the broken, those who have a genuine humger for the Lord.
Here are some specific examples of how the current church culture is creating narcissistic Christians:
The focus on celebrity pastors. Many churches today put a lot of emphasis on their pastors. They are often treated like celebrities, and their every move is followed by their followers. This can create a culture where people are more interested in the pastor than they are in God.
The emphasis on personal success. Many churches today teach that if you are a good Christian, you will be successful in life. This can lead to people believing that they are better than others because they have achieved more.
The lack of accountability. Many churches do not have a strong culture of accountability. This can allow narcissistic people to thrive, as they are not called out on their behavior.
The pressure to conform. Many churches have a culture of conformity. This can make it difficult for people who are different to feel like they belong.
If you are in a church where you are feeling narcissistic, here are some things you can do:
Talk to a trusted friend or family member. They can offer you support and guidance.
Seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you to understand your narcissistic tendencies and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Find a new church. There are many churches out there where you will find a more supportive and healthy environment.
Remember, you are not alone. There are people who can help you through this difficult time.
Get a copy of Apostle Bernard’s book WHY I LEFT: THE TRADITIONAL DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH - Kindle edition by Boulton, Bernard. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.