When the Focus Shifts: Returning to the Heart of Worship by stella ashworth
The Quiet Drift
In the early church, believers gathered with one mind and one purpose, to seek God, to break bread, to pray, and to worship in spirit and truth. But in many congregations today, a subtle shift has taken place. Church, for some, is no longer the sacred sanctuary it was meant to be. It has become a place for networking, self-promotion, and social validation.
What was once holy ground has, in some corners, turned into a stage where people perform for applause, not from God, but from one another.
This article is a call to return, to remember why we gather, to repent from misplaced priorities, and to restore reverence in the house of the Lord.
1. From Worship to a Social Club
When church becomes more about who is attending than Who we are there to encounter, we’ve lost our way. Increasingly, congregations reflect social cliques more than they do the body of Christ. People are judged not by their spiritual fruit but by the car they drive, the clothes they wear, or the titles they hold. The seats of honour are reserved for those of status, while the quiet, humble seekers are overlooked.
Yet Scripture reminds us: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Worship is not entertainment. It is surrender. The church is not a red carpet; it is a refuge. When we treat it otherwise, we rob ourselves of the very power and presence of God that we so desperately need.
2. Cliques, Politics & Division in the Church
The spirit of division is not new, it dates back to Corinth where Paul warned: “Each of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos’... Is Christ divided?” 1 Corinthians 1:12-13 Today’s church faces the same danger. Small groups become exclusive.
Ministries become about power instead of service. Leadership can become entangled in personal agendas, and new believers often feel like outsiders in a system they don’t understand. This is not the church Jesus died for. Jesus did not come to build popularity contests or closed circles. He came to build His Church, a place where the broken are healed, the lost are found, and the Name above every name is lifted high.
3. The Dangers of Misplaced Praise
Modern church culture can sometimes glorify personalities more than Christ. The preacher becomes the celebrity, the singers the stars, and the message becomes more motivational than biblical. While honor is biblical, idolization is not. When we elevate people above the Word, we trade truth for charisma and conviction for comfort.
Jesus said: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” Matthew 15:8
Let us not be found in that category. Let us remember: we gather not to praise people, but to worship the One who gave His life for us.
4. How to Break Free: Tips for Refocusing Your Faith
Return to the Word – Make Scripture your foundation. Measure every sermon, group, or gathering by the truth of God’s Word.
Examine Your Motives – Ask yourself: Why do I go to church? Who am I going for? Let your answer be Christ.
Avoid Gossip & Cliques – Steer clear of divisive groups or conversations. If it doesn’t edify or glorify God, walk away.
Pursue Humility – Serve without needing to be seen. Jesus washed feet, so should we.
Seek Authentic Community – Find fellowship that draws you closer to God, not deeper into church politics.
Pray for Discernment – Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see what’s truly of God and what isn’t.
Speak Up in Love – If you notice unhealthy patterns, lovingly raise concerns. Change starts with courage and truth.
5. Be Wary of Church Politics
Church politics are often subtle but toxic. When decisions are made to protect positions rather than pursue purpose, the Spirit is grieved. We must be vigilant to not get entangled in power struggles, gossip, or manipulation masked as ministry.
Paul warned Timothy: “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know they breed quarrels.” 2 Timothy 2:23
God calls us to unity, not uniformity. He desires obedience, not politics. And He values purity in motive over position in man’s system.
Come Back to the Altar
If you’ve lost your way, come back. If you’ve drifted into performance or popularity, come back. If your heart has become cold or your purpose clouded, come back to the altar. God is not looking for the polished and proud, He’s looking for the honest and humble.
The Church is still God’s plan for His people but only when He remains the centre of it. May we be found not chasing recognition, but seeking righteousness. Not building cliques, but building the Kingdom. Not praising people, but exalting Christ alone.
“For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
Let’s make sure we’re gathering in His Name, not ours.
Written by Stella Ashworth for Team Talk Magazine. © 2025 Stella Ashworth.