Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water: Why Church Hurt Shouldn’t Turn You Away from Christ

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Let’s be honest: many people today are deeply wounded by the church. Maybe that’s you. Maybe you’ve been overlooked, mistreated, or disillusioned by leaders who seem more focused on building a brand than feeding the flock. You’re not imagining it — many churches today do run like businesses. People fall through the cracks. Production can seem to matter more than prayer. Platforms and programs sometimes outshine genuine shepherding.

But here’s the key: don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.

Don’t let the failures of people drive you away from the truth and love of Christ. The church is imperfect because it’s full of imperfect people — but Jesus is still perfect. He is still the Good Shepherd. He still loves His people, and He still calls us to be part of His body, even when it’s messy.

The Church’s Brokenness Is Real

The Bible is honest about the failings of God’s people. Even in the New Testament, we see churches wrestling with division, pride, false teaching, and moral failure (see Revelation 2–3; 1 Corinthians 1:10–13). Jesus Himself warned that not all shepherds are faithful:

“The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away.” (John 10:12)

Yes, some leaders are more like hirelings — concerned with their own interests rather than the care of the flock. But this isn’t new, and it’s not a reason to abandon God’s people.

God May Be Calling You to Stay

If you’re seeing the problems, maybe God is making you aware for a reason. Not so you can walk away in bitterness — but so you can stay and fight like a Christian:

• Not by stirring up division.

• Not by attacking people online.

• But by seeking the Lord in prayer, by returning to Scripture, and by quietly, faithfully serving where you are.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14)

Sometimes when we see what’s broken, God isn’t calling us to leave — He’s calling us to stand firm.

Refocus on What Matters

The church was never meant to revolve around productions or personalities. It was meant to be a body, a family, centered on Jesus, grounded in His Word, and devoted to prayer, fellowship, and service.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

If the leaders aren’t feeding the flock, somebody still has to. Maybe you’re being called to be that person — to come alongside others and quietly, faithfully share the Word, pray, and love them well.

Let God Sort It Out

You don’t have to fix the whole system. You’re not the Savior of the church — Jesus is. Your role is to seek Him and trust Him to handle the rest.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)

Hold On to Christ

Most importantly, don’t let the failures of Christians turn you away from Christ. Keep your eyes on Him. Stay in His Word. Stay in prayer. Stay connected to His people, even when it’s hard.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

So yes, the church has problems. But the answer isn’t to walk away. It’s to refocus, to return to the basics, to seek the Lord, and to let Him work in and through you — right where you are.

Stay faithful. Stay planted. Stay close to Jesus. He’s not done with His church, and He’s not done with you.