Has the Church lost its way?

I’ve recently read several books about the wives of Christian reformers. They led me to ponder on the way the Church’s emphasis and lifestyle have changed throughout history. Here is a very superficial summary of my analysis, concentrating on the European situation:

• Early Church: world mission – “Go into all the world and make disciples!”
• Constantine: State Church; theological controversies, ecumenical councils
• Crusades: Unite to kill the heretics and infidels!
• Middle Ages: Church dominates society; indulgences; Inquisition
• Age of Discovery, Reformation: personal faith based on Bible; religious wars 
• Enlightenment: Anabaptists, Puritans, Methodists; new mission; severe piety; social reform
• Pentecostalism: Signs and wonders; grass-roots, independent churches
• Postmodernism: Emergent Church, Missional Church; faith deconstructed and reconstructed
• Postchristian, new atheism: Church attendance drops; social gospel; “Love your neighbour!”

So, what is the issue? 

Churches globally would concur on these core truths: God sent Jesus to reveal Himself, to provide Atonement through His death and to establish a new Covenant of Grace. Jesus’ resurrection is also considered by most as essential for salvation, victory over death, and the hope of a future resurrection.

However, Church practice has changed a lot over time. The priorities of the Reformation and a modern European church contrast sharply.

In the former case, the Reformers criticised the established Church as a merely formal, oppressive institution, and stressed the importance of repenting of one’s sin, turning to Jesus in faith for one’s personal salvation, and believing the Bible. Every believer was called to win others to the faith.

Today’s European churches have largely lost any missionary zeal. Nor do they emphasise truth, repentance, faith and the importance of the Bible. Their goal is now to promote peace, justice and care for the environment, and to offer a tolerant, warm, encouraging community for the lonely, marginalised and underprivileged.

Jim Memory points out a new aspect in the July 2025 edition of the Vista Journal: Many new diaspora churches are springing up in Europe, but they aren’t having anything like the impact they should because so many of their leaders are unable or unwilling to accommodate their churches to the culture and context. As one Chinese church leader put it recently: ‘The Chinese diaspora churches are like beautiful flowers that have been planted in European soil, but they have forgotten to remove the pot.’ 

I’d be interested to hear what you have to say. Please add your comments below.