The church, in many ways, is facing an identity crisis. This crisis isn't merely about branding or public perception; it's about understanding who we are and living out that identity in a way that reflects Christ to the world. As we explore how different groups perceive the church, we'll discover the need to return to a biblical understanding of who we are and what we're called to be.

How the World Sees Us: A Cult to Be Avoided

In today's culture, the church is often viewed with suspicion. To many, we appear as a cult, an archaic institution clinging to outdated beliefs. The world sees the church as a place of judgment, intolerance, and hypocrisy. This perception isn't entirely unwarranted—there have been times when the church has failed to reflect Christ's love and grace. But it also stems from a misunderstanding of what the church is supposed to be.

Jesus warned His disciples that the world would hate them because it first hated Him (John 15:18-19). We should expect resistance and misunderstanding from those outside the church. However, this doesn't mean we should withdraw or become defensive. Instead, we are called to be the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14-16). Our response to the world's perception should be one of love, humility, and unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel.

How Other Believers See Us: Walking on Pins and Needles

Sadly, within the broader Christian community, there can be a sense of mistrust and caution when it comes to interacting with other churches. We may see one another as competitors rather than co-laborers in Christ. This can lead to a culture where believers are walking on pins and needles, afraid to say or do something that might cause division or offense.

This is not the way it should be. In Ephesians 4, Paul urges the church to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3). Our relationships with other believers should be marked by love, understanding, and a shared commitment to the Gospel. We must remember that we are part of one body, with Christ as the head (Colossians 1:18). When we embrace this unity, we can move past the fear and suspicion that divides us.

How Our Church Sees Us: A Social Club

Within our own congregations, there can be a tendency to become inward-focused. The church can start to resemble a country club or a close-knit group of friends, where the primary concern is maintaining comfort and status quo. When this happens, we lose sight of our mission and our identity as the body of Christ.

The church is not a social club; it is a living organism, called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Our purpose is not to serve ourselves but to serve others, both within and outside the church. We are called to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31), and to care for the least of these (Matthew 25:40). When we embrace this calling, we move from being a self-serving group to a community on mission.

How Christ Sees Us: His Bride, Who He Gave His Life For

Amidst all the misconceptions and misunderstandings, we must never forget how Christ sees us. The church is His bride, the one for whom He laid down His life (Ephesians 5:25-27). This is the ultimate truth about who we are. We are loved, cherished, and redeemed by the One who gave everything for us.

As Christ's bride, we are called to live in a way that honors Him. In Ephesians 4, Paul encourages us to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). This means living lives that reflect Christ's character, marked by love, humility, and a commitment to truth.

When we see ourselves as Christ sees us, it changes everything. We no longer live for ourselves but for Him who died and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:15). We are empowered to be the church He has called us to be—a beacon of hope, a vessel of His love, and a witness to His transforming power.

Conclusion: Embracing Our True Identity

The church may be suffering an identity crisis, but it doesn't have to stay that way. By returning to a biblical understanding of who we are—Christ's bride, His body, His beloved—we can live out our true identity in a way that glorifies Him and draws others to the light of the Gospel.

Let us be a church that is not defined by how the world sees us, how other believers perceive us, or how we see ourselves, but by how Christ sees us. In doing so, we will fulfill our calling and bring hope to a world that desperately needs it.

If you want to learn more about leaning into your church’s identity in Christ or connect with others who are pursuing the same goal, reach out!