Problems with Playing Church Today

Shawn McCraney emphasizes a teaching approach focused on individual faith and love without adhering to a specific doctrinal statement, encouraging open exploration and personal interpretation among participants based on their own beliefs and spiritual guidance. This method deliberately avoids formalized doctrines or mission statements to prevent division and promote a wide acceptance of diverse perspectives, centering on a fulfilled view of scripture and the reconciliation of the world through Christ.

Faith is a journey of seeking God in spirit and truth, emphasizing that seekers should actively strive for understanding rather than being spoon-fed beliefs, and remain open to changing perspectives as new evidence arises. The teaching encourages non-denominational inclusivity and challenges notions of religious decorum, advocating for genuine personal engagement with faith and a willingness to question authority and social norms.

Human nature often leads people to submit to authority figures and material symbols of success, surrendering personal responsibility and even idolizing these figures, which can result in the abuse of power as seen in both secular and religious contexts. God did not institute such systems of authority that harm individuals, as evidenced by biblical teachings and the contrast between pre- and post-Christ leadership, with the New Covenant emphasizing a personal, spirit-led relationship with God.

God's new covenant with the house of Israel focuses on writing His laws on hearts and minds rather than on paper, emphasizing a personal and direct relationship with Him, unlike the religious systems developed over time that often led to divisions and abuses. The evolution from early church practices to modern religious movements demonstrates a shift from spiritual transformation to structured religions, introducing human doctrines that sometimes compromised the initial message of Christ and His liberating intent.

Shawn teaches that true followers of Christ cannot be constrained by religious institutions, as evidenced in John 3:8, which emphasizes the freedom and unpredictability of those born of the Spirit. He argues that religious leaders should practice humility and transparency, rejecting self-righteousness and acknowledging their own human flaws, much like King David did, by maintaining unwavering faith and prioritizing God above all else.

All religious leaders have human flaws and failures, and instead of elevating them as infallible figures prone to moral lapses, believers should focus on authenticity and transparency in their faith, relying on spiritual truth rather than human intermediaries. Historical examples, including Ravi Zacharias, Peter, and Paul, illustrate the importance of acknowledging personal shortcomings to prevent potential abuse and corruption within religious institutions, thereby promoting a more genuine connection with spiritual principles.

Emphasizing the importance of transparency, Shawn teaches that presenting oneself as holy and worthy leads to hypocrisy, manipulation, and abuses, while embracing one's human weaknesses prevents these negative outcomes. By rejecting the facade of worthiness and allowing God's Spirit to lead, secret abuses diminish, fostering genuine spiritual leadership.