Churches are not corporate entities

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The modern church is at a crossroads. As society evolves, we witness a growing inclination towards adopting corporate models within the ecclesiastical structure – hierarchical leadership, bureaucratic administration, and financial strategies more fitting for business enterprises than for the body of Christ.

This trend is both concerning and consequential. For while organisation is essential for good stewardship, the church is not an organisation in the secular sense. It is, instead, a living organism, divinely established to embody Christ’s presence in the world.

Over time, certain practices fitting for corporations have infiltrated the church:

1. Churches function more like businesses, prioritising membership numbers over spiritual growth, using marketing strategies to appeal to audiences rather than preaching uncompromising truth.

2. Pastors are viewed as CEOs, focusing on administrative control rather than shepherding souls. The biblical model of servanthood (Mark 10:42-45) has been replaced with career aspirations within ministry.

3. While charitable works are necessary, some churches have shifted their mission from spiritual formation to social welfare, neglecting the foundational role of biblical teaching and discipleship.

The scriptures do not support a corporate model for the church. Christ established the church upon faith and obedience to the Word of God, not upon business principles or philosophical dogmas. As Ephesians 4:11–16 illustrates, the church is designed for edification, unity, and spiritual maturity, not financial expansion or popularity.

Throughout history, leaders have deviated from biblical principles, leading to moral decline. In the Old Testament, King Jeroboam introduced a politically convenient worship system, defiling the sanctity of Israel’s faith (1 Kings 12:26–33). Likewise, today’s leaders must be cautious, lest they forsake scriptural integrity for worldly success.

Church leadership is a divine assignment, not a corporate profession. The Bible instructs that those who lead will be held accountable before the Lord (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1). Those entrusted with shepherding God’s people must be just, not influenced by emotions, ideologies, or financial incentives. As 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

While some equate church expansion with spiritual growth, the harsh reality is that moral decay is on the rise. Friendship-based leadership, popular trends, and philosophical ideologies have taken precedence over biblical conviction. Many leaders suppress the truth of scripture for personal gain, distorting doctrine to suit their desires. The spirit of the church is calling us back – to feeding the flock rather than appeasing crowds.

The church is not a business entity – it is Christ’s body, called to uphold God’s truth. As we navigate this crucial period, we must reaffirm biblical authority, ensuring that our leadership reflects divine wisdom rather than human ambition. The Word of God must remain the church’s sole foundation, for only through it can we lead in justice, faithfulness, and truth.

RYAN REDDIE