CHRISTLESS CHRISTIANITY (Part 2)

Calling The Modern Church  Back from The DARK ABYSS

We’re continuing our deep dive into the modern-day reality of many churches and individuals around the world operating without Christ at the center. If you haven’t yet read Part 1, we encourage you to do so in order to understand the perspective and approach we’re taking on this critical issue.

In this article we’re looking at:

WHAT CHRISTLESS CHRISTIANITY LOOKS LIKE TODAY

Christless Christianity is not only an issue of doctrinal deviation but a systemic drift toward everything but Christ at the heart of the church.

Here are a few examples of what it looks like in practice, exposing how worldly ideals, superficial pursuits, and shallow spiritual experiences have substituted true, Christ-centered living, worship, and practices.

A SHIFT IN FOCUS: ENTERTAINMENT & SUCCESS OVER SALVATION

In many modern churches, the focus has shifted away from Christ and salvation toward a “Christian” version of entertainment, success, programs, and delusions of grandeur. The gospel of repentance and transformation through Christ is often replaced by feel-good messages that emphasize self-help, personal growth, and worldly success. Rather than pointing people to the cross, these churches offer a form of Christianity that looks more like a motivational seminar than a place of spiritual renewal.

Paul’s warning in Galatians 1:6-7 rings true here: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon… to a different gospel.” The heart of the gospel—the depth of Christ’s sacrifice for sin and His resurrection—gets lost in the noise of this false gospel that lacks the power to save or transform.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF DISCIPLESHIP: NO TRANSFORMATION INTO CHRIST’S LIKENESS

One key indicator of Christless Christianity is the lack of true discipleship. Instead of churches being focused on molding believers into the likeness of Christ, the emphasis is on making people comfortable and appealing to their desires. Discipleship is no longer about confronting sin, challenging believers to die to self, or being transformed to be like Christ. The goal becomes worldly acceptance, filling seats, popularity, and maintaining a “cool” image.

Romans 8:29 teaches us that God’s purpose for believers is to be conformed to the image of His Son, but in Christless Christianity, this transformation is sidelined. Churches may be full, but the spiritual lives of members are often empty and unchanged, as the pursuit of Christlikeness is neglected.

SIGNS WITHOUT THE SAVIOR: MIRACLES TAKE CENTER STAGE

In many churches today, there’s an unhealthy fixation on signs, wonders, and supernatural experiences. However, this focus often marginalizes Christ Himself. While these churches promote the miraculous, they fail to keep the person and work of Christ at the forefront. As a result, believers are drawn to experiences and phenomena and not to the One who performs them.

Matthew 24:24 warns us about the dangers of false prophets performing signs to deceive even the elect. Even when signs may seem genuine, without Christ at the center and prioritizing Christlikeness in lifestyle, they become distractions. True miracles should point people to Christ, but in Christless Christianity, they are used as an end in themselves—creating an experience-driven religion that focuses on feelings, impressing people, and events, not the saving work of Christ.

EMPTY WORSHIP: EMOTIONAL, BUT VOID OF CHRIST

Worship in a Christless Christianity can be emotionally charged, with powerful music and moving performances, but it often lacks the depth of truly connecting with the LORD Jesus Christ. Songs may stir the emotions, but they are often void of the gospel message and fail to direct people to the glory of Christ. Instead, worship becomes a tool to empower a self-focused agenda, and Christ is mentioned as a by-product, rather than the central focus.

Colossians 3:16 reminds us that true worship flows from letting “the word of Christ dwell in you RICHLY.” However, in these environments, the word of Christ is often absent, and the songs become more about the worship experience than about the true adoration of Christ.

THE COOL CHURCH: MARKETING OVER MINISTRY

Many churches today spend significant time and resources promoting their environments, branding, and programs. The focus is on impressive buildings, aesthetically appealing worship experiences, and creating a “cool” church atmosphere. The problem? Christ becomes an afterthought! Church marketing highlights exciting programs and events, yet makes little mention of Christ as the center (like in the example of the “pamphlet” we’ve mentioned in Part 1).

This is dangerous because it leads to a focus on drawing crowds for the sake of popularity, rather than making disciples who follow Christ. The “cool” atmosphere becomes an idol, where experiences are designed to cater to what people want, not what they need spiritually. This turns the church into a consumer-driven space, void of the message of the cross and the power of God.

DENIAL OF CHRIST’S CORE TEACHINGS: AVOIDING SIN & REPENTANCE

In Christless Christianity, the essential teachings of Christ are watered down or completely omitted. Messages about sin, repentance, and holiness are replaced with more comfortable, feel-good teachings centered on self-empowerment and personal well-being. Pastors shy away from the challenging truths Jesus proclaimed, opting for messages that avoid confrontation and discomfort. In many instances, the focus shifts to negative life circumstances as the enemy to be overcome through prayer, church ministry, and declarations. Altar calls, instead of emphasizing heart transformation and repentance, primarily revolve around praying for the resolution of personal problems, leaving the deeper spiritual needs neglected.

Jesus was clear about the cost of following Him, calling believers to deny themselves and take up their cross despite their circumstances…! Yet, many churches today offer a warning-less gospel, telling people what they want to hear while downplaying the severity of sin and the need for repentance. As a result, church members may feel spiritually satisfied but remain unchanged, continuing to live lives indistinguishable from the world.

RISE OF FALSE TEACHERS: EMOTION OVER DOCTRINE

One of the defining features of Christless Christianity is the prevalence of false teachers, false prophets, and false apostles who lead their congregations into shallow, emotional faith that lacks sound doctrine. These leaders focus on personal anointings, experiences, and prosperity while neglecting to teach the full counsel of God. As Peter warns in 2 Peter 2:1, “there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.”

These churches often rely on manipulative music and emotionally charged sermons to create an atmosphere of excitement. However, beneath the surface, they lack the biblical substance needed to bring true spiritual transformation. The result? A congregation drawn by emotions but left spiritually empty and distant from Christ.

SUPERFICIAL BELIEVERS: NO TRUE FAITH, NO REAL CONVICTION

The ultimate consequence of Christless Christianity is the production of superficial “believers”—people who participate in Christian activities on the surface, but whose hearts are far from Christ. These people may be active in church, but their lives show no evidence of true faith, conviction, transformation, or allegiance to Christ. Their convictions are weak, their lifestyles are compromised, and they lack the power of the gospel to live for Christ.

Jesus warned in Matthew 15:8, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” This superficial faith gives people a false sense of security, leading them to believe they are saved when, in fact, they are spiritually dead and lost.

THE JOURNEY TO CHRISTLESS CHRISTIANITY (Red Flags)

Not all churches, ministries, or Christian leaders begin by fully embracing Christless Christianity. Most of the time, it’s a slow and gradual shift—a drift away from Christ-centered faith and practice. Many today are in the early stages of this dangerous journey, unaware that subtle compromises are leading them toward a form of Christianity devoid of its core: Christ Himself.

To prevent this, it’s crucial to understand the warning signs—the red flags—that indicate a shift toward this erroneous version of the Christian faith. Below, we explore the key indicators of this drift and the underlying causes, supported by biblical truths.

SHIFTING THE FOCUS FROM CHRIST TO SECONDARY MATTERS

One of the earliest red flags is a shift in focus away from Christ and His gospel to secondary or worldly matters. This could manifest in an overemphasis on self-help, prosperity, social justice, or entertainment. While these topics might have their place in other environments, when they are presented in the local congregation instead of Christ and salvation, this signals a dangerous drift. The gospel of Jesus Christ must remain central; when it is sidelined, the foundation begins to crack.

Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Churches often shift focus to remain “culturally relevant” or to attract a broader audience (something Christ NEVER instructed His Church to do…). The drive to gain popularity, increase attendance, or offer programs takes precedence over spiritual depth and gospel truth.

DILUTING OR AVOIDING TEACHINGS ON SIN AND REPENTANCE

Another red flag is when churches begin to dilute or avoid teaching on sin and repentance. The gospel message of transformation cannot be fully understood or applied without confronting sin and calling for repentance. When these core elements are softened to avoid offending people, the church is straying from the true gospel.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

Acts 3:19 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

These churches fear that speaking hard truths about sin will alienate or upset their members. In trying to create a comfortable and non-confrontational environment, they compromise the gospel to maintain popularity.

EMPHASISING EXPERIENCE OVER SCRIPTURE

A significant red flag is when churches prioritize emotional experiences, feelings, or supernatural manifestations over sound biblical teaching. Spiritual experiences can be powerful, but they must always be grounded in the truth of Scripture. When emotionalism or sensationalism becomes the focus instead of the Word of God, the church’s foundation becomes shaky.

2 Peter 1:19-21 “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place… for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

In an effort to create exciting, engaging services, some churches focus more on sensational experiences than on sound doctrine. This leads to an imbalance, where emotions overshadow genuine spiritual growth rooted in God’s Word.

GROWING TOLERANCE OF WORLDLINESS AND MORAL COMPROMISE

As churches drift into Christless Christianity, they often begin to tolerate or even celebrate behaviors that contradict Scripture. This can be seen in the acceptance of sexual immorality, greed, or dishonesty. When sin is downplayed, ignored to avoid discomfort, or even participated in, the church ceases to stand for truth and begins to conform to the world.

1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

In an attempt to be inclusive or accepting, these churches soften their stance on biblical morality. They fear being labelled as judgmental, legalistic, or irrelevant by modern culture, leading to a growing tolerance of sin.

A LEADERSHIP FOCUSED ON PERSONAL SUCCESS AND CHARISMA

When church leadership becomes more concerned with personal success, image, or charisma than with humility and service, it signals a drift toward Christless Christianity. These leaders may prioritize building their platform, promoting themselves, and seeking recognition rather than pointing people to Christ. The leader’s personal success and popularity becomes the focal point, not the gospel.

Ezekiel 34:2 “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?”

Acts 20:28 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”

1 Peter 5:2-3 “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

The influence of celebrity culture often leads church leaders to focus on their own success and image, which distracts from their true calling to lead people toward Christ with humility and selflessness.

A GROWING FOCUS ON NUMBERS AND EXTERNAL APPEARANCE

Measuring success by external factors such as church attendance, financial giving, or the size of buildings is another major red flag. When churches prioritize numerical growth over spiritual depth, they are straying from the gospel. The pursuit of impressive metrics often leads to a focus on programs and strategies that do not foster true discipleship or transformation.

Matthew 23:5-7 “But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’”

1 Samuel 16:7 “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Churches may feel pressured to demonstrate visible success, focusing on growing numbers and programs at the expense of deepening the spiritual lives of their members. This leads, at best, to a superficial form of Christianity.

FEAR AS THE DRIVING FORCE

At the heart of Christless Christianity lies the fear of rejection, failure, or being viewed as irrelevant. These churches and ministries fear being unpopular or not drawing enough people. It’s believed that large crowds, financial success, and flashy programs are evidence of God’s blessing, and they strive to maintain these outward signs of success, often at the cost of spiritual depth and true loyalty to Christ.

This fear is fueled by a desire for acceptance within the community and the belief that only through mass appeal can the church grow. In doing so, they substitute popularity for fulfilling the Great Commission. The pursuit of being seen as a “cool church” becomes an idol, where relevance is prioritized over righteousness.

CONCLUSION: RETURNING TO CHRIST

The journey toward Christless Christianity begins with small compromises but leads to devastating spiritual consequences if left unchecked. Churches and leaders must be vigilant, ensuring that Christ remains at the center of all teaching, worship, and ministry.

As Paul warns in Galatians 1:10, “For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” The true call of the church is to please Christ, not the world.

By identifying these red flags early on, churches can avoid this dangerous path and remain rooted in the truth of the gospel, keeping Christ as the focus and foundation of their faith.

To be continued in Part 3…