Come and Go Christians

Come and Go Christians are Indefensible.

I have real trouble understanding the “revolving door mentality” which seems to pervade the thinking of so many. I refer to these people as “come and go Christians”. I see it all the time, and everywhere I go. The “turnover” in congregational membership is astonishing. Please know that I do not have in mind those who, after much thought and prayer, leave one congregation for another for just cause. I’m more concerned with those who move from congregation to congregation (or sometimes church to church), always critical of the last place they were, and soon to be critical of where they are now.

I’m just as puzzled by those who seem to be conscientious, but then over time fade to the sidelines and eventually are altogether gone. These folks no longer have an interest in spiritual matters and the salvation of their souls. To what do we attribute this mindset of “come and go Christians”?

Some folks have an unrealistic and hypercritical attitude! They are looking for the perfect church, but given that the church is made up of imperfect people, their search is never satisfied. Even if a perfect church existed, she would cease to be such the moment these hypercritical Christians identified with her!

Some folks have a mistaken view of what the church ought to be. They are searching for someone to raise their kids, plan their social calendar, tickle their ears, and satisfy their desirers. Rather than nourish the soul, they want the church to cater to their personal desires. When they don’t find what they want, they become “come and go Christians”.

Some folks make up their mind about what the church should be and do, how God ought to be worshiped, and what ought to be taught and practiced from the pulpit, without ever consulting the word of God. “I think” carries greater weight with them than “God says.” Yet, God is to be worshiped in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24). The word (Bible) is to be preached (2 Timothy 4:2). God, not men, is to be pleased (Galatians 1:10).

Some folks are not converted to start with. They go through the motions as long as mom and dad, or grandma and grandpa are around, but as soon as they are out of the picture, they are gone, too! Demas is not the only one whose attraction to the world caused him to forsake the church (2 Timothy 4:9).

The Bible is very clear regarding the need for faithfulness. Faithful does not mean sinless. We are not perfect, but we can be faithful. Paul charged the Christians at Corinth: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The attitude of “come and go christians” seen so often in religion is indefensible. That same philosophy, if adopted at work would soon lead to the loss of employment. In the church, it can lead to the loss of the soul!