The Church System: Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing?
The Church System: Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing?
The modern church system, particularly in local congregations, often presents itself as a sanctuary for believers, a place where faith is nurtured, and the teachings of Christ are upheld. However, a closer examination reveals a troubling reality—many churches today seem to function less as communities of faith and more as institutions of control, money, and systemic compliance. This raises the question: Has the church system become the very wolves in sheep’s clothing that Jesus warned about?
The Church and the World’s System
Jesus prayed to the Father for His followers, asking not for their removal from the world but for their protection from evil:
“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” (John 17:15, KJV)
Yet, many modern churches seem to have aligned themselves with the very systems that Christ’s followers were meant to resist. Instead of providing true support for believers, churches today frequently turn their members over to secular institutions—whether it be law enforcement, psychiatry, or government assistance programs—rather than addressing needs within the body of Christ. This shift from reliance on God to dependence on worldly structures is a sign that many churches have abandoned their true mission.
God’s Provision vs. Church Exploitation
Jesus taught that believers should not worry about material needs, as God will provide for them:
“Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:31-33, KJV)
However, rather than fostering faith in God’s provision, many churches operate like businesses, extracting tithes and offerings while directing struggling believers toward unemployment offices, secular education systems, and government aid rather than providing direct help. The church, which should be a place where believers support one another as in the early days of Acts, has instead become an extension of the world's bureaucratic system.
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
Jesus warned about false prophets who would come in His name but work against the true flock:
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)
Many church leaders today fit this description. Instead of feeding the flock, they feed on the flock—manipulating members into financial obligations, pushing them toward secular solutions, and maintaining control over their lives. Rather than working to build up the saints, they work to sustain their own power and influence.
A church truly aligned with Christ would prioritize helping its members directly, fostering faith, mutual aid, and true spiritual growth rather than merely acting as a referral service for the world’s institutions.
Conclusion
The modern church system, in many cases, has become indistinguishable from the secular world. Instead of standing apart as a refuge for believers, it often serves as a conduit to the very systems that weaken and control people. Rather than operating in faith and true community, it pushes its members toward reliance on institutions that do not operate under God’s righteousness.
A return to the biblical model of church—where believers support one another and trust in God’s provision rather than in secular systems—is essential. Without this shift, the local church system will continue to act as wolves in sheep’s clothing, preying upon rather than protecting the flock.