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3 damaging church cultures churchgoers need to look out for

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Crosswalk.com and Pastor Ron Edmonson help identify harmful church cultures.

After speaking with two seasoned pastors on the topic of church revitalization and growth and reflecting on the conversations with a friend, Ron Edmonson, Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, KY. and church planter gathered a few observations on church culture.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - There are some church cultures that can damage the health of the institution, according to Edmonson. He noted there are healthy cultures, but there are also some dangerous ones that Christians must address. This is not only due to the observed decline of church attendance, but also because of issues with keeping staff and the significance of a church in the life of its members.


First, there is a selfish culture built up and beginning to build in some churches. Edmonson noted there are these churches that have people in it living with money in focus, instead of spiritual health and good relationships.

This is unhealthy, even more so when coupled with being stingy. The church should meet the needs regardless of the structure of the balance sheet. With this, money-talks in faith seem too irresponsible, often this church is guided by stiff measures on giving out.

Being rigid is another harmful culture; change is never welcome within the system, despite the obvious needs for it. Most of the time, these churches practice their traditions pretty well, as this is also a source for their pride. When they refuse to acknowledge the deficiency of established systems, this prideful church culture adds to the damage.

Usually, this type also boils a cliquish culture that does not help new members feel like they belong to the church. It can take years for the new members to finally break into the traditional groups.

Bullying happens, which Edmonson pressed could be disguised as church discipline. Lest we forget, there is grace from Christ's crucifixion and we should help each other during struggles.

Distractions deprave us and cause us to not fully fulfill our missions as the children of God. 

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