When Churches Drift
It usually doesn’t start with open rebellion.
Sometimes it even sounds spiritual. Wanting to appear orthodox, it will often use the same Bible but a different dictionary.
Other times its through gentle tones and a subtle shift in language.
Conviction becomes “conversation.” Sin becomes “struggle.” Hell becomes “separation.” Before long, what once sounded like the clear voice of a shepherd now echoes like the whisper of a serpent: “Did God really say?”
Progressive theology isn’t just a cultural movement. It’s a theological downgrade. And when it makes its way into churches, it often doesn’t barge in through the front door. Instead, it enters through the back door of quiet shifts, subtle compromises, and the slow erosion of biblical clarity.
It tiptoes through cracks in conviction and slides past sleepy shepherds.
So how do we respond?
Not with fear. Not with arrogance. But with steadfast faith in the Word of God and an unwavering confidence in His design for the Church.
Now more than ever, we must stay anchored when others begin to drift.
See the Real Battle
Paul’s words to Timothy are just as timely today as they were in the first century:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” (2 Timothy 4:3).
Progressive theology is not new. It’s just the latest version of the same ancient temptation: “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1). Whether it’s denying the exclusivity of Christ, blurring God’s design for gender and sexuality, or downplaying the authority of Scripture, progressive theology appeals to itching ears—and prideful hearts.
That’s why this is ultimately a spiritual battle. It’s not just about different opinions. It’s about truth and deception. Light and darkness. God’s Word versus man’s wisdom.
You won’t stand firm if you don’t see the danger. So don’t be naïve. Progressive theology isn’t just creeping in through seminaries and publishing houses. It’s showing up in “Christian” music, small groups, and social media feeds.
We must be watchful. But not fearful.
Structure Your Life on the Word
If you want to stand firm in the midst of theological drift, your feet need somewhere solid to stand.
That’s why Jesus said:
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).
Progressive theology thrives wherever the Word of God is neglected, reinterpreted, or twisted. But when the Word is known, loved, and obeyed, false teaching loses its power.
So ask yourself:
Am I reading the Bible more than I'm scrolling social media?
Do I know what God has said—or just what others say about Him?
Is my church committed to expository preaching—or entertainment?
If you want to stand firm in a shifting culture, you need more than Bible verses on a coffee mug. You need a heart and mind saturated in Scripture.
Not just once a week. Every day.
Stay Anchored to the Local Church
The safest place to stand is in the center of a biblically faithful church.
God never designed us to stand alone. He gave us the body of Christ. He gave us shepherds to protect us, brothers and sisters to encourage us, and the regular rhythms of teaching, prayer, and fellowship to sustain us.
That’s why Hebrews 10:25 says:
“Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together… but encourage one another; and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
If you’re part of a church that faithfully teaches the truth, praise God. Stay. Serve. Strengthen the body.
But if your church has drifted—if it no longer preaches the gospel, no longer holds to biblical authority, and has begun embracing false teaching—you may need to leave. Not out of bitterness, but out of conviction.
Standing firm doesn’t always mean staying put. Sometimes it means finding higher ground.
Speak the Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15 gives us the posture we need: “Speak the truth in love.”
That doesn’t mean we stay silent to keep the peace. But it also doesn’t mean we fight with a clenched fist. It means we engage with conviction, clarity, courage, and compassion.
So when progressive ideas show up in conversation, in your Bible study, in a sermon, or even from a friend, don’t panic. Ask questions. Open the Scriptures. Point people to the truth.
And if you’re met with hostility or indifference? Don’t be surprised.
Jesus was full of grace and truth, and He was still rejected.
Faithfulness is not measured by how many people agree with you, but by whether you honor Christ and His Word.
So speak. But speak with love. Love for God. Love for His Church. And love for the souls caught in deception.
Stay Rooted in the Gospel
At the heart of every progressive distortion is this lie: the gospel isn’t enough.
So it gets redefined. Repackaged. Rewritten.
But the true gospel doesn’t evolve. It endures.
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures… He was buried… He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
The gospel isn’t about self-expression. It’s about self-denial.
It’s not about affirming our identity. It’s about being crucified with Christ.
It’s not about adjusting the message to fit the moment. It’s about proclaiming the message that saves, no matter the moment.
Progressive theology tries to keep the shell of Christianity while gutting its substance. But without the cross, there is no Christianity. Without repentance, there is no salvation. Without truth, there is no freedom.
So keep the gospel central. Keep your eyes on Christ. And keep proclaiming the message that saves.
Stand Firm. Stand Together.
You’re not the only one standing.
Across the world, faithful believers are holding the line. Pastors are preaching the truth. Churches are staying the course. Parents are discipling their children. Students are taking their Bibles to class.
You're not alone. And you don’t stand in your own strength. You stand in the power of God.
So don’t retreat. Don’t compromise. And don’t give in to fear.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14)
That’s the kind of resolve we need in days like these. Not chasing relevance, but clinging to truth.
Not compromise disguised as compassion, but faithfulness marked by courage.
Because at the end of the day, it won’t be progressive theology that prevails. It will be the Word of the Lord.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).