Hybrid Christianity and the Rejection of the Church

When I assist officers with families who have lost a loved one, we often encounter families who don’t attend church. When asked if they have a pastor or church leader I can notify, they can’t provide one. Sadly, in their time of crisis, they don’t have a single connection to a local body of believers who can encourage and help them in their hour of need. Although I am thankful for the opportunity to minister, it is disheartening to know the devil has so many isolated and alone. 

Many of these folks have created a hybrid of Christianity that allows them to do what they want with no accountability for their beliefs. They blend elements of Christianity with culturally accepted ideologies and philosophies. In mission work, when an individual or group dilutes and distorts core Christian doctrines and beliefs, it is referred to as syncretism. The problem is that it corrupts their understanding of the truth and interferes with authentic conversion and spiritual growth. The absence of discipleship and sound biblical teaching inhibits the renewal of the mind and a transformed life. The late Phil Robertson (1945-2025) once made a simple yet profound statement: “Ignorance is a dangerous thing!” Robertson was spot on, and ignorance of sound biblical doctrine leads to an isolated Christianity that lacks worship and fellowship.  

To accept the love of God given through Jesus and reject His bride (the Church) is contrary to the will of God. Pluralism and a liberal attitude towards sin tend to follow. Christian fellowship and corporate worship are vital to the spiritual health of individuals and the church community. Just as our bodies need all their parts working together to function correctly, so churches need all their members working together to fulfill the Great Commission. The church is God’s ordained institution where believers can encourage one another in love, worship, and service to fulfill God’s kingdom purposes. To neglect the church is to make the prideful statement that, “I know better and my judgment of the church is superior even to that of scripture.” It elevates oneself at the expense of others. It is the eye saying to the hand, “I do not need you” (I Cor. 12:14-28a).

For some, their rejection of the church is an attempt to avoid the emotional discomfort and conflict that often occurs when believers from different perspectives get together. Proverbs says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17). When iron is sharpened, sparks fly, things get heated, but the result is a sharp and valuable tool. Christian friction sharpens our attitudes as we choose love over avoidance in the face of discomfort. Conflict can be challenging, but it also allows us to die to pride and equips us for ministry in the process.

Proverbs says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17).

Church fellowship is a valuable habit. The book of Hebrews encourages us to hold tightly to our confession of faith without compromise and think of ways we can encourage fellow believers. “Not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb. 10:23-25). 

In Christ,

Derrick Poston

North American Mission Board

Great Adventure Missions

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