Here are three common false idols in churches that every church leader needs to know and turn away from.
Hezekiah is remembered in Scripture as a king who “did what was right in the Lord’s sight” (2 Kings 18:3). The next verse explains what that looked like in practice:
“He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake that Moses made…” (2 Kings 18:4).
People likely expected a faithful leader to tear down pagan idols. What they didn’t expect was for Hezekiah to destroy the bronze snake Moses made—a sacred object God once used to bring healing (Num. 21). Breaking a bronze statue requires effort. He didn’t drop it by accident. He intentionally destroyed something people cherished because it had become an object of worship.
The lesson is clear: tools God once used can turn into idols we cling to.
And the church struggles with the same temptation today.
Below are three of the most common modern “bronze snakes” leaders must recognize and confront.
3 False Idols in Modern Churches
Today is not altogether different. God’s people still struggle with taking tools for transformation and making them objects of worship. Here are three common false idols in churches:
1. The False Idols of Place
When God works deeply in the life of a church, the building can gain emotional power. Sanctuaries, classrooms, or even old pews become symbols of stability and comfort.
So when a leader mentions relocation or renovation, people can react as if he’s trying to smash a holy relic.
But buildings are not the church.
God does not dwell in drywall and carpet.
He dwells in His people.
A facility is a tool for discipleship—not the center of devotion.
2. The False Idols of the Past
When God moved powerfully in a previous era, it’s easy for a church to romanticize it. The “good old days” become the standard, not the Savior.
Gratitude for the past is healthy.
Worshiping the past is not.
If past seasons were great, they were great because of the Lord, not because of a moment, model, or ministry style.
RELATED: Effective Churches Change, But Here Are 7 Signs Your Church Will Never Change
