‘Churchianity’ is a problem: In search of Christianity
‘I like Jesus, but I don’t like the church.”
Numerous faithful Christians have heard this statement poured from the lips of family, friends and colleagues.
Michael J. Clemens, a former elder and ministry leader within Churches of Christ, explores this phenomenon in his book titled, “Why Aren’t Christians More Like Jesus?”
Michael J. Clemens. “Why Aren’t Christians More Like Jesus?” Keledei Publications. 2024. 157 pages. $15.99.
His thesis is clear: Churches are neglecting the biblical mandate of discipleship.
Instead of “equipping the saints for works of service” (Ephesians 4:11-12), churches have become content filling their pews with “good” church attendees.
Clemens’ work is experiential, pragmatic and exegetically solid. The author presents his readers with a biblical framework of ecclesiology, church history from Constantine to Catholicism, and a call to both follow and live more like Jesus.
Chapters 3 through 5 make this book well worth reading, several times over. In these three chapters, Clemens explores the church’s transition from a disciple-making movement to modern-day “Churchianity” after the assent of Constantine and the growth of the Catholic Church.
Clemens does a masterful job of defining “Churchianity” as a focus on institutional goals, rather than the nurturing of spirituality among individual congregants. He is unapologetic in claiming that the branches (Western churches) have lost touch with the vine (Jesus).
Church leaders and faithful congregants will find themselves agreeing with many of the concerns Clemens illuminates in his writing. However, his passionate solutions to restoring the wayward church can almost feel dogmatic.
Growing up in Portland, Ore., and living most of his adult life in Juneau, Alaska, Clemens appears to write exclusively from a limited view of the broader Kingdom of God.
As a longstanding member of the Churches of Christ, he clearly articulates the problems plaguing churches within the Restoration Movement. However, he does acknowledge that all churches are made up of flawed people, with very similar church issues.
Unfortunately, Clemens spends little time reflecting upon the plethora of congregations in America that are conducting discipleship the right way. While this might not have been the goal of his work, it still would have been extremely useful for readers to conceptualize what “good” discipleship programs look like.
Indeed, the tone of his work seems hopeless at times, as if all congregations everywhere are failing miserably.
“Clemens does offer a glimmer of hope by reminding his readers that churches can change when the words of Jesus are taken seriously.”
But Clemens does offer a glimmer of hope by reminding his readers that churches can change when the words of Jesus are taken seriously. Clemens concludes his work by encouraging church members to consider leaving local congregations that are not taking the mission of discipleship earnestly.
Overall, the book is thought-provoking, and the author’s passion for the church is evident on every page.
This book can be used as an effective tool for church leaders who wish to refocus their congregation’s missional direction. Frustrated congregants who are burned out by “Churchianity” will find solace in Clemens’ work knowing they are not alone.
“Why Aren’t Christians More Like Jesus?” is an excellent read from an author who longs to see the church return to its missional identity.
JASON DARDEN is an assistant professor of New Testament at Harding University, U.S. Army Reserve chaplain and minister for the Searcy Church of Christ in Arkansas.
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