Dear Editor,

Jamaica has a rich Christian and religious heritage. There is freedom of worship, irrespective of day of worship, denomination, or religion.

This is reflected in the many churches we have per square mile, though one may question the rationale for this kind of set-up. Imagine having over seven churches on a 100-metre stretch of road. Is it competition or collaboration?

Churches continue to multiply in physical structures, with a race to outdo each other, but there is hardly any retention of the new converts after baptism. It is as though churchgoers are now recruited based on eloquence, status, educational background, net worth, and talent. However, it is important to note that skilled people can build a crowd, but it takes the Holy Spirit to build a church.

I grew up in a Seventh-day church — I still worship with them — in which people genuinely heard from God. Discerners could read beyond the surface. Sin was called out. Prophesies were accurate and they were confirmed by second and third parties. Healing and deliverance were the order of the day. People sought God and received revelations. And people did so with the simple title of brother/sister in Christ.

Nowadays, church has become a place of entertainment — a mere social gathering. There is a propagation of the “come-as-you-are” culture: Come in whatever garment you find or choose to wear; come with whatever lifestyle you choose to live. There is no regard for God’s presence and holiness.

The moment you try to address these issues, the concerned parties begin to feel offended. Apparently, you are now judging them. How dare you! We now live in a new era, when our young prophets, psalmists, and worship leaders (males especially) wear double or triple piercings, flamboyant hairstyles, ripped jeans, and anklets. They model their way into the sanctuary. Where are you going? Is the church now a club?

They do not wait to be appointed by the senior pastors and bishops. They accord titles to themselves. They want to lead ministries but do not want to be under anybody else’s authority. The new pattern is for them to leave their local church for a few months, then return with a new look, some prophetic titles, and some uninterpretable tongues. But they still have no solid foundation.

The women are not spared. Pop culture has infiltrated the Church. It is a fashion show for many of them: Brazilian-laced hair; long, colourful fingernails; enormous earrings; and, of course, the must-wear make-up. They sing well, but there is no connection with God’s divine presence.

The sad thing is that many pastors these days are more concerned about numbers and tithes and offering than the true salvation of their congregants. They will preach politically correct sermons but will not address sexual immorality and the need to live by God’s principles.

I know there are some churches that do not believe in the movement (manifestation) of the Holy Spirit, while others seem too overly enthusiastic, which leads to chaos. But you can count on me to be a part of a church in which God speaks through His servants. The message of grace ought to be preached, but not to encourage the comfort of sin.

Notwithstanding, I believe there are still “a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments”, according to Revelation 3:4.

Aren’t you concerned about the future Church?

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com