Churchism is Dead

I coined a term called "churchism" a couple of years ago. Churchism is a religious order practiced among people that has nothing to do with discipleship of believers. It is based on perceived good works, staying out of trouble, attendance at worship services, but still ascribing to the systems and practices of this world. Churchism is an indoctrination of the mind that keeps God's people in carnality and far from His kingdom operation in life.

For example, sharing in communion every first Sunday is an example of churchism. People become accustomed to the practice of communion, but not the meaning. They do not understand Paul's teachings in I Corinthians 11 and the act of communion becomes a ritual, not remembrance. As Paul teaches, the ritual of communion become a meal, rather than partaking of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

Churchism manifests as God's people do not understand the doctrine of the church. The church is Christ's body (Colossians 1:18). It is not a building. The building is the physical habitation of the church, a place to gather. Churchism has taught for centuries that we "go to church." We don't go to church. We go to worship. Worship is a daily, ongoing practice by believers dedicated to following Jesus Christ as Lord. Reducing church to a location allows people to worship when they please. If not in the building, they are not in worship. This leaves believers weakened in their understanding and discipleship practice.

Churchism is ruled by dogma and not doctrine. Dogma refers to man-made rules that control and manipulate the minds of people. Doctrine are the beliefs or tenets of faith that guide believers toward a healthy and productive lifestyle in Christ. Doctrine also strengthens our faith and prevents us from falling prey to the deceptions of Satan used to divide and conquer the body of Christ. Dogma is a set of personality driven laws that draw people to a human idol. Doctrine are Biblical standards that draw people to a deeper and fuller relationship with Jesus Christ. Dogma changes with the moods of the people who create it. Doctrine never changes because God never changes.

If God's people are to walk in power churchism must die. We must abandon all the rituals, sayings, and religious foolishness that hinders our relationship with Christ. We must focus on a relationship with the Lord based on study of His Word, prayer, fellowship with like-minded believers, discipleship,

giving, and spirit-led worship.