Many "Christians" (church goers) now have diverse reasons for church going. It is Okay to have different reasons for fellowshiping with like minded persons that one shares similar faith and religious ideologies with, but when "other" reasons overwhelms the primary focus, it should be outrightly condemned.

Every institution has manifest and latent functions and the religious institution isn't left out. For the church, the establishment was founded upon springing out the second Temple Judaism, from Christianity's earliest days when Christians accepted non-Jews (Gentiles) [Acts 10-15].
The Church gradually spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, gaining major establishments in cities such as Jerusalem, Antioch, and Edessa.

Futhermore, religious doctrines and teaching of the church was anti-Judaism as the church suffered persecutions from both Jewish leaders, Pharisees and the "imperial cult". The teaching of Jesus Christ was perceived to be heresitical and anti-traditional, but neverthess, the teachings were not to abolish the law (including the laws of Moses), but to fulfil it's purpose (Matt 5:17).

To fulfil this purpose, Jesus Christ began his teachings of the good news and seeked to redeem men back to God (Matt 4:19). He made 12 disciples of different calibre and social status, each of them leaving behind their jobs and some, their family as well as giving up their rights to become "fishers of men". The manifest function of the church was at first monumental, but later, it became for all and sundry to lead men back to God through Jesus Christ (John 14:6), as he also sent out 70 disciples as their number increased.

The Church could be said to be the translation of biblical words: the Hebrew word qahal, and the Greek word ekklesia, both of which mean “gathering of people or community” for worship.
It also means the people gathered by God into one community, guided today by the bishops, pastors, e.t.c, who are the successors of the Apostles.

Moreso, the Holy Spirit revealed the Church at Pentecost, coming upon the Apostles and the disciples with a transforming fire, forming them into a visible community, and empowering them to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:1-13).

From the inception of time, the Church was part of God’s plan for sharing his divine life with all people. There was a gradual formation of God’s family through a series of events described in the Old Testament: God’s covenant with Abraham as the father of a great people, the liberation of ancient Israel from slavery in Egypt, their establishment in the Promised Land, and their solidification as a nation through the kingship of David.

Jesus brought about the fulfillment of the Father’s plan for the Church by his preaching and witnessing the Good News of the Kingdom, with its gifts of "Salvation" from sin and participation in divine life. This was and is still the primary function of the church. Jesus started the Church primarily of Christ’s total self-giving for people salvation, anticipated in the institution of the Eucharist and fulfilled on the cross (1 John 1:5).

In recent times, this belief is still held strongly by many "real churches", even though there is an existence of dynamicity in some practices and mode of worship. In lieu of this, different models have given rise to different patterns during church service order, protocols and Sunday/ weekly services. While some scholars see this as a problem for division, others believe that if the foundation isn't shaken and the primary motive of the church is upheld, ones heart and faith in God is the ultimate.

More so, there can't be a gathering of men, women, boys and girls and there won't be social interactions, business opportunities and other events that appear on the list of people's long term goals as well as short term goals. For example, endogamy marriage and family/friends daily business. All these could be considered as latent functions of the church. For example, inter-christain marriage is encouraged in the church. Also, doing business with church members is encouraged and many more.

In the execution of all these, many become "church goers" as they drift away from the purpose and mission of the church. This has been characterised and showcased especially in contemporary churches as young youths go there to show off their flawless skin, showcase their "Prada and Gucci" wears, flaunt their "IPhones" and display their "G-wagons". Men and women now go to churches to link up businesses and get connected to that link that will elevate them financially. All these may be good, but the platform could be dangerous.

This is because the manifest function of the church (fellowshiping and salvation) should be of great focus, before any other thing comes next.

Brethren, it is disheartening to see such things dominating the church. Also, roles have been Negelected as well as Christian responsibilities.

The Acts of the Apostles and early Church showed how the Holy Spirit bestowed gifts on the community of believers for their roles and responsibilities in serving the Church. This was a dynamic process that illustrated the abiding presence and action of the Spirit along with the increased understanding of the Faith. From Pentecost onward, the Church began her earthly pilgrimage that will be fulfilled one day in glory.

All these are bound to happen but Holy bible has warned us about such things happening in the last days.

[2 Timothy 3: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth].

Conclusively, our stability, durability, and continuity of Church both in favorable and unfavorable circumstances is keen on our faith. This is because we are the church and Christ is our head. The motive for the church should not be trampled upon by earthly events that carry our mindset away in this perivious times, but love, genieu christain fellowshiping and radical evangelism/ salvation should be our lifestyle.

Remain blessed.

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Where two or more are gather.....


To be encouraged by the testimonies of others


To commune with other brethren...


To revel in an atmosphere of worship.....


To be charge further to put more effort in the race to heaven