It is not incorrect to state that the churches today struggle to manage complex administrative, financial, and cultural issues. In the midst of all this, a crucial question arises: Has the church drifted from its spiritual mission? While organization and efficiency are necessary, there is a growing concern that many churches, particularly in Nagaland, may be prioritizing corporate models, financial stability, and cultural movements over the gospel-centered calling of Christ. If the church begins to function more as an institution rather than a spiritual body, it risks losing its core purpose – proclaiming the gospel, nurturing faith, and guiding believers toward Christ.
The secularization of church administration refers to the increasing influence of non-biblical values, structures, and practices in the governance and decision-making processes of churches. This is a growing concern, particularly in Nagaland, a predominantly Christian state with a strong Baptist presence.
The Shift in Church Administration
Historically, church leadership in Nagaland emphasized spiritual calling, prayer, and adherence to biblical principles. However, in recent years, there has been a shift toward a more institutionalized approach, where administrative efficiency, legal frameworks, and managerial strategies often take precedence over spiritual discernment. While organization and structure are necessary for any institution, an overemphasis on corporate-style leadership can overshadow spiritual priorities. Church administration increasingly reflects corporate structures, with hierarchies, formal procedures, and legal compliance becoming dominant. In some cases, leadership selection follows systems resembling secular institutions rather than relying on spiritual guidance. While these measures can help maintain order, they should never replace reliance on prayer, biblical wisdom, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Challenge of Financial Stewardship
With churches handling large sums of money from tithes, donations, and property management, financial administration has become a major aspect of church governance. Responsible stewardship is essential, and proper financial management ensures accountability. However, when financial priorities begin to overshadow the church’s mission, there is cause for concern. In some instances, churches engage in commercial activities, including land dealings, building commercial shops, and business investments, raising ethical concerns. While financial security is important for sustaining ministries, churches must be cautious that their engagement in economic ventures does not compromise their spiritual mission. Cases of financial mismanagement or corruption have led to distrust among congregants, undermining the church’s moral authority.
Maintaining transparency and ensuring that financial resources are used for ministry, evangelism, and community service should remain a priority.
The Influence of Secular and Social Structures
Another significant issue is the increasing influence of traditional bodies and influential individuals in church decisions. In Nagaland, church leadership has historically been shaped by spiritual discernment, but there are growing concerns that political and social pressures may begin to play a larger role in leadership appointments and church administration. When church decisions are dictated by political alignments or social influence rather than biblical principles, the church risks compromising its spiritual authority.
As I was growing up, I once asked an elder of the church why churches break away. His response was simple yet profound: “Because the church leadership and the secular leadership were glove and hand.” His words still resonate today, as we witness churches splitting, not always over doctrinal differences, but due to leadership struggles rooted in power, influence, and control. When spiritual leadership becomes entangled with secular authority, the church risks losing its prophetic voice, becoming more of a social institution rather than a place of worship and discipleship. If church leaders seek validation and power through worldly means rather than through Christ, division is inevitable, and the true mission of the church is weakened.
A Sudden Cultural Awareness
Another growing trend in some churches in Nagaland is the emphasis on cultural revival – particularly traditional festivals, songs, dances, and indigenous attire. While cultural preservation is valuable, it becomes a concern when it overshadows biblical teaching and the mission of the church. Churches must be careful that cultural expressions complement rather than replace Christ-centered worship. Traditional music and attire can add richness to worship, but they should not become the primary focus of church gatherings. It is essential to ask: Are these gatherings truly about Christ, or have they become cultural exhibitions under the name of the church? When cultural identity takes priority over spiritual identity, the church’s mission is at risk. The church’s primary role is to preach Christ, not to become a custodian of culture. Biblical truths must remain at the center of church life.
Has the Church Abandoned Its Spiritual Calling?
At its core, the church was founded to proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and stand as a beacon of God’s kingdom. However, we must ask: Is the modern church still fulfilling its divine mandate, or has it become a mere institution driven by power, wealth, cultural pride, and social influence? Jesus Christ commanded, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Many churches invest heavily in buildings, programs, and events, but how much is truly dedicated to spreading the gospel? While infrastructure and organized programs can aid ministry, they should never take precedence over evangelism and discipleship. The Holy Bible warns, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Yet, financial management now consumes much of church leadership. Are churches more focused on legal compliance, business ventures, and wealth accumulation than on faith and service? Have some churches become financial institutions rather than houses of prayer?
While social justice and cultural preservation have their place, they must never replace the core mission of the church – preaching the gospel and making disciples. Are churches focusing more on activism, cultural awareness, and language revival while neglecting biblical truth? Have pastors become more like cultural ambassadors or social activists rather than shepherds of God’s flock?
The Role of True Spiritual Leadership
Amid these concerns, it is crucial to reflect on the spiritual authority of pastors in the church today. True pastoral authority does not come from institutional structures, political influence, or administrative roles but from God’s calling and the biblical mandate to shepherd His people. Pastors derive their authority from God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). They are called to preach, teach, and shepherd according to Scripture (Titus 1:9). Jesus, as the Head of the Church, delegates authority to church leaders to guide His people in truth. True spiritual authority comes from God’s calling (Ephesians 4:11-12). A pastor is not merely a leader by position but by divine appointment. Ordination by the church affirms this calling, recognizing the individual’s spiritual gifts and character (1 Timothy 4:14). Pastors are entrusted with spiritual oversight (1 Peter 5:2-3). They lead not by force but by example, guiding the church in faith, discipleship, and godly living. Their role includes teaching sound doctrine (Titus 2:1) and guarding against false teachings (Acts 20:28-30).
How Can the Church Return to Its Mission?
Despite the challenges posed by secularization, churches can remain faithful to their biblical calling. But before anything, the church must first ask itself the hard questions. Are we truly focused on Christ, or have we become consumed by wealth, culture, and politics? Are we making disciples, or are we just preserving traditions? Are our pastors leading through the Holy Spirit, or have they become administrators, politicians, and cultural representatives?
The church must remain true to its mission by prioritizing prayer, biblical teaching, and discipleship over corporate-style management and cultural programs. It must resist the influence of politics, money, and excessive cultural nationalism in church leadership while holding pastors accountable to biblical standards of spiritual leadership. Financial transparency and integrity must be maintained to uphold trust. Above all, the church must recommit to evangelism, making disciples, and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church is not just another social organization – it is the body of Christ. If the church does not refocus on Christ and the gospel, will it still be a church, or will it become just another institution of the world?
~ Meyu Changkiri