Introduction

In the vast expanse of today’s church, a peculiar scenario unfolds – a congregation that behaves more like a crowd than as a community of people united by a common faith. The Bible recorded in Acts 6:1-4, Exodus 16:1-17, and Numbers 14:2, the challenges that believers faced in navigating a compromised identity amid a large crowd. This article delves into the issues plaguing the modern church, drawing parallels with biblical narratives and emphasizing the need for believers to rediscover their true identity.

The Contemporary Crowd

A crowd is, by definition, a group of people gathered together at a particular place and time. In the church, the membership is now a diverse pool of people, ranging from sincere worshippers to mere spectators, miscreants, and even hooligans. The church is plagued with identity issues, with the pulpit and pens seeming to be at the centre of one such struggle, and priesthood is often given to individuals whose character has been compromised. This compromise is sometimes concealed behind the trappings of cassocks and collars.

One disturbing trend is the domination of pulpits by comedians, entertaining congregations in ways that veer into the absurd. Even gospel singers have been known to engage in fancy dance steps considered less acts of worship and more akin to idolatry.

Challenges and Controversies in the Early Church

The explosive growth in the number of believers led to murmurings and internal strife, a scenario still recognizable in contemporary fellowships. In a community where pure sheep coexist with different species of men and women, discord and challenges arise. This is a troubling season when genuine sheep are forced to share the same roof with foxes, jaguars, hyenas, and sometimes anaconda. In the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, a mere handful of disciples distinguished themselves through their character and godliness, even amidst the vast crowds.

Following the apostles’ departure from the stage, the early church faced many challenges, this shift from the apostolic era has given rise to legalism and syncretism, with new-age ideologies boldly challenging God’s order from the pulpits.

The Identity of Sheep

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16 (NIV)

Simplicity: The sheep, by nature, is simple and malleable. Lacking horns and upper front jaw teeth, it is inherently harmless. This simplicity is reflected in the tenderness of the sheep’s nature, as emphasized in Psalm 19:7, 116:6, and John 14:23.

Humility: Arrogance is foreign to the sheep. The presence of the shepherd’s DNA ensures that a sheep is gentle and humble by default, as outlined in Philippians 2:3-8, James 4:6-10, and 1 Peter 5:6.

Enduring: With the capacity to endure the journey with the shepherd, the sheep rarely exhibit aggressive behaviour. It embodies the qualities of endurance outlined in Romans 5:3–4 NLT, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” And it relates to the shepherd with mutual understanding.

Empathetic: A sheep possesses empathy, showing affection and maintaining calm relations with both the shepherd and other sheep in the flock.

Conclusion

The condition of the church today illustrates the need for believers to reclaim their rightful place as sheep in the Great Shepherd’s flock. Simplicity, humility, endurance, and empathy are the hallmarks of this identity. Sincere believers must stick out from the crowd with unwavering character and godliness as the battle for the church’s soul rages on. The only way for today’s believers to reclaim their compromised identity and usher in a season of authenticity and spiritual renewal within the ecclesiastical community is to embrace and embody these sheep-like qualities.