![]() ![]() We naively thought we were respected as leaders, but soon ascertained our socio-economic status wasn't up to par. The role we had as leaders was by default. My husband and I served at a church we attended until it became apparent we weren't the “right fit” for leadership. Instead they walk through the doors into a fashion show, the local hangout, a single's bar, the moms group, a political party, a country club, an ego feast, the corporate ladder all rolled into one-disguised as the neighborhood church. However, when they arrive they aren't met with the humble meekness of Jesus' love. People who have struggled deeply with sin finally accept the invitation to church and muster up enough courage to go. When the church plays favoritism to certain members, they are not living out God's Word. Are leaders in the church more like Jesus or the Pharisees? Leaders set the tone for what is tolerated in church, and if leaders are themselves dictators of cliques then they lack Jesus' unifying power. Our family dealt with cliques twice, and each time it started at the top-with leadership. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand there, or else sit on the floor,”-well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?” ( James 2:1-4). My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. The Bible, however, teaches us how we are to treat everyone who comes into our churches: Church cliques have a huge impact in society as these exclusive groups weaken the kingdom of God.Ĭliques can be formed in many ways, separating those deemed important from the people designated as less important. ![]() Cliques are formed either knowingly or unknowingly and tend to ignore those who are looking for a place to call home. I am sure there were no personal reasons. We have no idea why we were ignored when visiting that church. However, I've noticed more and more that people in church usually cling to their comfort of friends and surroundings instead of expecting some poor lost soul, who needs Jesus, to walk through the doors. We've visited other churches where people have walked across the room to greet, so we know there are some friendly churches out there. Either no one noticed that we were a new family-or no one cared. ![]() Again, no one but the same elder asked if we enjoyed service. After service we hung out in the coffee area as I filled out a visitor form. During the meet and greet, my husband and I were greeted by the person in front of us, we turned to the person behind us, and then we stood for almost five minutes as we watched the entire sanctuary socialize with one another. After making it inside, an elder introduced us and helped us find children's church then walked us into the sanctuary. Upon arrival we noticed very quickly we were not greeted with friendly faces. My husband and I were visiting a church while out of town. ![]()
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