A critical perspective
From ‘shepherd’ to ‘manager’: A critical look at the modern church
The difference
It’s incredible how much the world has changed in just a few decades. I was born right after World War II, during the period of reconstruction. We had nothing and knew little luxury, but we were happy with what we had. We had no toys, so we made them ourselves. No fancy go-karts like today, just a simple plank with old baby carriage wheels. Was life boring? Absolutely not! We played soccer, marbles, and street games. Life was simple, but it was fun. At least, that’s how I experienced it.
Church life has also changed enormously. The pious strictness of those days—with Sunday sanctity and solemn hymns—is now almost nowhere to be seen. These days you have to go to the Bible Belt to still experience that. Both traditional and evangelical churches have changed. In the post-war Pentecostal and evangelical communities, strict rules applied. In some congregations, women still wore headscarves and skirts instead of pants, makeup was forbidden, and television was called “hell-a-vision.” What a difference from today.
The Apostle Paul describes the church as the body of Christ. Each member has a unique role, and Christ is the head (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). That organic, living image stands in stark contrast to what we see in many churches today, where corporate structures and methods seem to be gaining the upper hand. This shift makes me think: Is this a positive development, and what is our calling? Is the church of today still as God intended it to be?
From shepherd to manager
Partly due to the strong influence of evangelical and charismatic churches from the United States, our services have taken on a completely different atmosphere. Well-known evangelists and speakers have left their mark on our faith culture through conferences and media like YouTube.
Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). He calls on his followers to lead his flock, not as rulers, but as serving examples (1 Peter 5:2-3). In fact, Peter explicitly warns against “lording it over” God’s people. Yet, we increasingly see leaders who resemble corporate managers, obsessed with growth, efficiency, and results.
This is problematic because it misses the essence of spiritual leadership. Where Jesus speaks of serving, the focus in many congregations is on “leading and managing.” Where the Bible preaches humility, a pastoral position now requires assertiveness and managerial skills. Paul sets a radically different example of leadership: “We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5). That’s a world of difference from a culture where leaders now place themselves on a pedestal and carry out their “vision.”
Competition vs. unity
Jesus prayed fervently for the unity of his followers: “that they all may be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you” (John 17:21). Unfortunately, there is much division between churches, not only due to theological differences but also because of jealousy and a struggle for “market share.” Pastors are jealous of the success of others. We see many people changing churches because the sermon is better somewhere else, the music sounds more professional, or for other similar reasons. It’s not for nothing that we have the expression “church hoppers”—how sad is that?
When churches see each other as competitors, unity suffers severely. Instead of working together to expand the kingdom of God, a battle ensues. This is in direct opposition to Paul’s call to confess “one Spirit, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). This competition also leads to more focus on the outward appearance: attractive programs, charismatic preachers, and modern facilities. The focus shifts from personal spiritual fruit like love, peace, patience, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) to a polished exterior.
So different
Spiritual principles, as the Bible describes them, cannot be replaced by programs or formulas. They require a personal relationship with God. When they are replaced by standardized methods, intimacy with God disappears. This stands in stark contrast to the modern tendency to want to control everything.
Worship is also sometimes set up like a show with professional artists and choreographed emotions. This can hinder the spontaneous working of the Spirit. Paul provides guidelines for gatherings where there is room for different contributions: “One has a psalm, another a teaching, another a revelation” (1 Corinthians 14:26). True worship transforms the worshipers. Isaiah’s reaction to God’s holiness and presence was not entertainment but conviction of sin and a call to serve God (Isaiah 6:5-8). Worship that only entertains misses this life-changing power.
Do I want to go back to the past? No, of course not. Some things have improved. Other situations call for critical reflection. This is not a call to cling to rigid traditions, but a plea for faithfulness to the biblical vision for the church. Change and renewal are necessary, but they must remain rooted in the fundamental principles that God himself has given for his community.
@wimvanputten