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We are seeing a grave "illness" (i.e. sin) affecting churches In America and many parts of the world.

I once thought it mostly affected the conservative churches like those I am a part of, but I have come to realize it isn't unique to any one denomination or church. It is widespread and pervasive

I'm calling it the "My church is about me" syndrome.

If I weren't looking for a cute name, I would probably just call it something boring like "selfishness" or "pride."

From hyper conservative churches to old denominational churches to new seeker friendly churches, to uniquely independently independent unafiliated non-denominational churches, most seem to be suffering from the same disease.

While the underlying disease may be the same across the churchscape, it is confusing because it manifests itself in different ways in different congregations.

In some churches, this syndrome is manifested through the "all truth, all the time, always right, never wrong" attitude. Nevermind that such churches almost always regularly preach things as basic doctrines that are clearly and demonstrably unscriptural or at the very least on very shaky ground.

They often revel in hard preaching they say is designed to reach the lost. Visitors say it is designed to confirm what the choir already believes. They have been afflicted with "My church is about me" syndrome.

At the other extreme, there are the "all love, all the time, always loving, never critical" churches. Nevermind that they may be nearly doctrine-free and don't share common views of the scriptures or much of anything else among the congregation except that they gather at the same location on Sundays.

They say their church is about worshipping God, but what really comes through is that their church is about how they feel. They have been afflicted with "My church is about me" syndrome.

Some churches are known for their elaborate worship services complete with upbeat music, drama team, advanced artistry, sound, and camera work. They say it is to aid in worshipping God.

Nevermind that God can be worshipped more adequately in a lonely forest or park for millions less. They may have caught the "My church is about me" syndrome.

Congregants stay only a few years at a church before moving on to another church in the community. They shop for a new church like they were shopping for new shoes. They may have caught the "My church is about me" syndrome.

Pastors may stay only a few years in a church or alternatively build their ministry around their own unique personhood. They may have caught the "My church is about me" syndrome.

Churches count their success by their growth, not their true vitality or their reproduction. They may have caught the "My church is about me" syndrome.

How do you relate to your church?

—Luke