The Rot of Status in the Church

How the status of Babylon has crept into the walls of the American church and how we overcome it.

The American church, once known as a beacon of light and refuge for all people regardless of status or circumstance, has increasingly become a place of exclusion. Rather than embracing the Gospel’s command to serve the poor and marginalized, many churches have slipped into what some call "Churchianity." This term describes a state where the institution of church becomes more important than the mission of the church, focusing on the maintenance of comfort, status, and image rather than serving those who need it most.

This essay seeks to address how status has crept into the American church, leading to the exclusion of those society often rejects—homeless people, addicts, other races, and the poor. Through both an exploration of biblical precedent and the reality of modern church behavior, we will uncover how these actions fly in the face of the true gospel message. Ultimately, the church is called not to be a social club for the comfortable but a place of refuge for the broken. We will discuss how to return to that mission, embracing a recovery-minded approach rather than reinforcing status divisions.

The Exclusion of the Undesirable

In many American churches today, a disturbing trend has emerged: certain groups of people, those seen as "undesirable," are subtly or overtly kept out. These people include the homeless, addicts, the poor, and anyone else who does not conform to a middle-class or upper-class Christian image. The modern church, in its quest for growth and influence, has too often locked its doors to these individuals.

This exclusion is not overt—rarely will a church post a sign that says “no homeless allowed.” But the behaviors and actions speak volumes. Churches avoid ministries that bring in addicts, citing concerns for safety. They do not invite the homeless to share in fellowship because it may make the regular congregants uncomfortable. They avoid discussions about poverty for fear that it may alienate the well-to-do members of the church who are the primary contributors to the offering plate. Thus, without ever making an official statement, many churches have crafted an environment that subtly excludes anyone who does not fit into their image of a “good” Christian.

This issue is not new; it was present even in the early church, as recorded in James 2:3-4. James rebuked the church for showing favoritism to the rich while neglecting the poor. He wrote, “If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” The rot of status in the church today is nothing more than a modern incarnation of this ancient problem.

Modern Excuses for Exclusion

The church uses a variety of excuses to justify the exclusion of the poor, addicts, and homeless from their congregations. While some of these may seem practical on the surface, they reveal a deeper spiritual sickness within the institution.

1. There are outside resources for addicts, the homeless, the orphan and the widow: Some churches argue that they do not need to provide help for the less fortunate because there are already ministerial, private and public resources available. However, this mindset ignores the church’s call to be the hands and feet of Christ, providing love and healing to all who need it. Jesus never delegated the care of the marginalized to outside agencies—He called His followers to do it themselves.

2. We wouldn’t want dangerous people around our children: While concerns for safety are understandable, they can also be exaggerated to justify exclusion. Addicts and homeless individuals are not automatically dangerous, and creating a ministry that provides safety and care for all involved is not impossible. The early church did not turn away lepers for fear of contagion but welcomed them and healed them.

3. Feeding the homeless enables them to remain homeless: This argument suggests that by providing food or resources, the church is preventing the homeless from improving their situation. Yet, this mindset is contrary to the teachings of Jesus, who said, “Give to everyone who asks you” (Luke 6:30). The church should not withhold compassion under the guise of promoting self-sufficiency but should instead meet immediate needs while also offering long-term help and transformation. This also ignores the primary reasons for homelessness which are Inaccessibility to low-income housing, mental health and drug addiction.

Unspoken Reasons for Exclusion

Beyond the spoken excuses, there are also unspoken motivations that drive churches to exclude those who do not fit their mold:

1. Homeless people are a drain on resources: Churches are often concerned that resources used to help the poor will take away from their ability to grow the church and attract more affluent families. In truth, this reveals a prioritization of material wealth and church growth over the spiritual mission of the church. Jesus told His followers to “store up treasures in heaven” rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21), and caring for the poor is one of the greatest ways to invest in the Kingdom of God.

2. Good Christian families won’t attend with disheveled people around: Some churches fear that if they welcome homeless individuals, it will drive away middle-class or wealthy families. However, this reveals a preference for comfort and status over the gospel. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Mark 2:17). The church should be a place where the spiritually and physically needy can find healing, even if it makes others uncomfortable.

3. It’s better to have a cohesive group of parishioners who share a common status: Some churches argue that it’s better to have a homogenous congregation, suggesting that people of different economic statuses belong in different churches. This mentality contradicts the teachings of Scripture, which speak of the church as a diverse body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). The early church was a place where Jew and Gentile, slave and free, rich and poor all came together in unity under Christ.

The Exclusion of Other Races from the Church

In addition to excluding the poor, the homeless, and addicts, another troubling issue that has crept into many churches is the exclusion of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Though this issue may not be openly discussed, there are subtle actions and attitudes that make certain racial groups feel unwelcome or out of place in some churches. This reflects the same underlying problem of status and comfort that has led to the exclusion of other marginalized groups.

Implicit Barriers to Inclusion

While most churches do not explicitly bar individuals of other races from attending, there are often unspoken or subtle barriers that send a clear message: you do not belong here. These barriers may come in the form of cultural insensitivity, a lack of representation in church leadership, or an unwillingness to engage with different racial or ethnic groups. For example, churches may be hesitant to welcome worship styles, languages, or traditions from other cultures, making it difficult for people of different backgrounds to feel truly included.

Some churches have grown comfortable with the idea of a homogeneous congregation, where everyone shares the same background, culture, and traditions. This homogeneity may feel easier to manage, but it misses the point of the diverse and unified body of Christ. When a church resists opening itself to different racial or ethnic groups, it turns inward and becomes more concerned with preserving its own identity and comfort than fulfilling the Great Commission.

Unspoken Reasons for Racial Exclusion

In addition to the unspoken barriers mentioned above, there are deeper reasons why some churches may be resistant to racial diversity, even if they never voice these reasons outright:

1. Fear of change: Some churches may be hesitant to embrace racial diversity because they fear it will disrupt the culture or traditions they have grown accustomed to. While it can be challenging to navigate cultural differences, this fear should never stop the church from embracing all believers. The church is called to be a place of unity, not uniformity, and true unity often involves diversity.

2. Desire for comfort: Just as some churches exclude the homeless or poor to maintain a certain level of comfort, they may also resist racial diversity for similar reasons. It may feel easier to worship alongside people who look, think, and act like us, but this mentality is rooted in self-interest, not the gospel. Jesus calls us to love all people, not just those who make us feel comfortable.

3. Preserving the status quo: Some churches may not actively seek racial diversity because they are content with maintaining the status quo. This attitude can manifest in subtle ways, such as not inviting diverse speakers, leaders, or worshippers into the church or failing to recognize and celebrate the gifts and contributions of believers from different backgrounds. This passive exclusion ignores the biblical call to be one body in Christ, where all members are valued and needed.

The Gospel’s Call to Unity Across Racial and Ethnic Lines

The exclusion of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds is a direct contradiction to the gospel message, which calls for unity among all believers. In Christ, there is no division based on race or ethnicity, as Paul makes clear in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, regardless of their background, race, or status. When the church excludes certain racial or ethnic groups, it is failing to live out the very mission of Christ, who came to break down the barriers that divide humanity. Throughout His ministry, Jesus reached out to people from different backgrounds, including those who were culturally and racially different from the Jewish people, such as Samaritans and Gentiles.

In Revelation 7:9, John describes a vision of the Kingdom of God, where “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language” stands before the throne of God, united in worship. This is the vision of the church that we should strive for—a community that reflects the diversity of God’s creation and embraces people from all backgrounds.

A Call to Embrace Racial and Ethnic Diversity

If the church is to reflect the Kingdom of God, it must embrace racial and ethnic diversity, creating a welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds feel valued and included. This requires more than just an open door; it involves intentional efforts to break down barriers, reach out to different communities, and create space for people from all cultures and backgrounds to fully participate in the life of the church.

This also means recognizing that unity in the body of Christ does not require everyone to look the same or have the same experiences. The beauty of the church is that it is made up of many different members, each bringing their own unique gifts, perspectives, and cultures to the table. The church is strongest when it reflects the full diversity of God’s people.

By intentionally welcoming and embracing people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, the church can become a powerful witness to the world of the love and unity that is found in Christ. Rather than being a place of division, the church should be a place where people of all races come together as brothers and sisters in the Lord, united by their common faith and love for God.

The Gospel of Christ: For the Poor and Marginalized

All of these excuses and justifications fly in the face of the gospel message. Throughout His ministry, Jesus made it clear that His message was primarily for the poor, the oppressed, and the outcast. In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His mission by quoting the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”

Jesus did not come to cater to the comfortable or the wealthy. His ministry was to those who were considered undesirable by society—the lepers, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the foreigners, the despised and the sinners. He rebuked the religious elite for their hypocrisy and lack of compassion, and He consistently prioritized the needs of the poor over the demands of the powerful.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaimed, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The church is called to continue this mission, seeking out those who are spiritually and physically poor and offering them the hope and healing found in Christ.

The Call to Embrace Those of Lower Status

If the church is to live out the gospel faithfully, it must repent of the ways in which it has excluded the marginalized and return to its true calling. This means embracing those of lower social status, welcoming them into the community of believers, and offering them the love and support they need to find healing and transformation.

The church should not be a social club for saints but a recovery-minded community that exists to bring healing to the broken. Just as hospitals exist to care for the sick, the church should exist to care for the spiritually and physically needy. This may require a shift in mindset and priorities, but it is a necessary change if the church is to fulfill its mission.

Becoming a Recovery-Minded Church

What does it look like for a church to be recovery-minded rather than status-oriented? It means making a conscious effort to welcome and serve those who are struggling, whether they are homeless, addicts, or simply poor. It means creating ministries that address both the spiritual and physical needs of these individuals, offering not just food or shelter but also hope and healing through the gospel.

A recovery-minded church is one that recognizes that everyone, regardless of their status, is in need of grace. It is a church that is willing to get its hands dirty, to step outside of its comfort zone, and to embrace those who are often overlooked or rejected by society.

This approach may not be popular, and it may not lead to rapid growth or financial success. But it is the path that Christ calls His followers to take. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When the church serves the poor and the marginalized, it is serving Christ Himself.

Conclusion

The rot of status in the church is a serious problem that must be addressed if the church is to fulfill its mission. By prioritizing comfort, image, and growth over compassion, the church has strayed from the path of the gospel. However, there is hope. The church can return to its true calling by embracing those of lower status, creating recovery-minded ministries, and following the example of Christ, who sought out the lost, the broken, and the outcast.

The American church must remember that it is called to be a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. It must reject the allure of status and wealth and instead prioritize the needs of the poor and marginalized. In doing so, it will not only restore its mission but also reflect the heart of Christ to a watching world.

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Has your church been infected with the rot of status, aligning more with the pride of Babylon than the humble servitude of the Kingdom of God? If so, are you willing to repent and seek God's guidance to restore the heart of your church to one of compassion and service to the marginalized?

If you find that this is true, pray the following prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart humbled by the realization that my church, and perhaps even my own life, may have strayed from Your call to love and serve the least among us. Lord, forgive us if we have placed status, comfort, or image above the mission You have given us to care for the poor, the broken, and the outcast.

Father, I confess that we have sometimes closed our doors and hardened our hearts to those who are struggling—those who are homeless, addicted, or poor. Forgive us for the excuses we have made to justify this behavior, whether out of fear, pride, or the desire for earthly success. We acknowledge that these actions do not reflect Your Kingdom but instead resemble the ways of the world.

Jesus, You came to seek and save the lost. You served the least, the last, and the lowly, and You called us to do the same. I ask that You would soften our hearts and open our eyes to the needs of those around us. Teach us to welcome the poor and the marginalized with open arms, seeing them as You see them—precious, loved, and worthy of dignity.

Holy Spirit, fill our church with Your love and compassion. Let us become a recovery-minded community where all who are hurting can find healing in Your presence. Help us to be bold in our faith, willing to step outside of our comfort zones to serve others. Let our church be a place of refuge, not a fortress of exclusivity, and may our actions reflect the servitude of Your Kingdom, not the status of Babylon.

We ask for Your wisdom and guidance as we seek to transform our church into a true reflection of Your heart. Lead us to love those whom society has cast aside, and give us the courage to be a light in the darkness, showing the world what it means to follow You.

In the name of Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself to serve us all, I pray. Amen.

Bibliography

1. Sider, Ronald J. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. Thomas Nelson, 2005.

2. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation. Zondervan, 2021.

3. Davis, Jonathan. The Recovery-Minded Church: Loving and Ministering to People with Addiction. Kregel Publications, 2016.

4. McKnight, Scot. A Fellowship of Differents: Showing the World God’s Design for Life Together. Zondervan, 2015.

Footnotes

1. James 2:3-4 (NIV).

2. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV).

3. Luke 6:30 (NIV).

4. Mark 2:17 (NIV).

5. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV).

6. Luke 4:18 (NIV).

7. Matthew 5:3 (NIV).

8. Matthew 25:40 (NIV).