Return to God and Escape From Performance-Based Christianity

I don’t know about others, but I can speak for my generation when I say—we are tired of playing church. For me, at least, I’m exhausted by the way the church has become a performance, a place where we measure success by attendance, programs, and polished routines. The culture of the church today often feels more like an event than an opportunity to connect with God. The songs, the lights, the preaching, the crowd, they all seem to matter more than the actual worship. And in that hustle, I’ve realized something important: God is being left out of the picture.

As a church girl, I grew up surrounded by the hustle of Sunday services, rehearsals, and church events. I thought that the more I served, the closer I was to God. I arrived early and stayed late, putting in my time to ensure the church was functioning well. But in the midst of the busyness, I started feeling disconnected. Something in my spirit longed for more: a deeper relationship with God, not just more programs or activities.

I had a moment of clarity in the midst of rehearsal night. It was in this whirlwind that God broke through, speaking directly to my spirit: “Why are you so busy? Look at me. I’m here, here. Can you stop for a while and worship me?” I stopped, and in that moment, I cried. I repented, realizing I had gotten caught up in the mechanics of church life, thinking that doing more would draw me closer to God. But in reality, I had neglected what truly matters: worshiping Him in spirit and truth.

The Performance-Driven Culture of the Church

The church has become a stage for performances. We’re often told that the more people show up, the more God is moving. The more polished our programs, the more effective our ministries. But is that really true? Is God impressed by the size of our crowds or the excellence of our music and preaching? Of course, these things can be helpful, and they have their place, but they should never be the measure of God’s presence. True worship goes far beyond attendance or performance. It’s about an intimate, heart-level connection with the Creator.

I’ve seen it time and time again—the emphasis on “good” worship services that focus on perfection rather than on the heart of the worshiper. People come, they sing the songs, they listen to the sermon, and they leave. But where’s the depth? Where’s the encounter with the living God? We’re so busy polishing the experience that we forget that true worship isn’t about the show, rather it’s about the heart. In John 4:23-24, Jesus tells us that the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth, not in our perfection. God doesn’t care about how we perform; He cares about how we approach Him.

When we make worship about our skill or the number of people in the room, we miss the point. Worship is not a performance. It’s not about the impressive thing but the important thing. It’s about surrender, humility, and authenticity. If we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves like the Pharisees, perfect on the outside but far from God on the inside (Matthew 23:27-28).

The Call to Repentance and Authenticity

This is a wake-up call: not just for the church, but for every one of us. It’s time to stop hiding behind our performances and step into a place of authenticity. We need to repent for making the church about anything other than God’s presence. We’ve often treated church as a place for socializing or putting on a good show, but that’s not what it was meant to be.

True repentance is about returning to our first love, turning away from empty rituals, and returning to a place of sincere worship. We need to stop relying on our efforts, our programs, and our perfection, and instead open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit. God isn’t impressed by how much we do for Him—He’s interested in the posture of our hearts. Are we willing to humble ourselves before Him? Are we willing to worship Him in spirit and truth, even if it means stepping away from the performance?

In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet Samuel reminds King Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice. God doesn’t want our perfect service; He wants our obedient hearts. This is what leads to revival. It’s not about more activities or programs; it’s about repentance and return to authentic worship. We need to turn our hearts back to Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to move freely in our lives and in our churches.

The Role of the Younger Generation in the Church’s Renewal

While church leaders and the older generation carry significant responsibility in fostering a culture of authentic worship, the younger generation also has a vital part to play in the renewal of the church. The desire for a genuine encounter with God, free from the distractions of performance and human control, is not just something the older generation should “fix” or “bring back.” The younger generation is being called to actively pursue a deeper relationship with God and to lead by example in creating spaces for real, Spirit-led worship.

Many young people are disillusioned with the state of the church today, not because they don’t care, but rather because they see the potential for something better. They long for a church that reflects the authenticity, power, and love of Christ. However, in order to bring about change, young people must not simply walk away from the church in frustration. They must become a part of the solution.

One of the most significant roles of the younger generation in the church today is to hold onto the heart of worship while challenging outdated structures and mindsets that no longer reflect the reality of God’s Spirit moving among His people. Young believers are often more open to embracing change and creating new forms of expression in worship. Innovation in worship can come from those who are willing to break free from the patterns that have been passed down to them. However, this innovation must always be rooted in truth, in a biblical understanding of who God is and what He desires.

The younger generation must also be willing to pray and seek God’s guidance, just as much as the older generation. It’s not enough to be frustrated with the church or to criticize it from the outside. God is calling young people to actively engage in the life of the church, to pray for revival, and to cultivate hearts that are open to God’s leading. The power of prayer transcends generational divides, and the younger generation must take their place as intercessors in the church. Through prayer and worship, they can begin to see the transformation they desire in the church, starting in their own hearts.

Finally, young people need to remember that revival is not just a change in programs or structures—it’s a change in hearts. The church needs young people who are passionate about God, but who are also committed to living lives of integrity, holiness, and humility. As much as they are hungry for more of God, they must also understand that revival doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in community. Young believers are called to build authentic relationships with one another that go beyond the superficiality of social media or surface-level interactions. They must be willing to engage in deep, meaningful community, not just in church programs, but in each other’s lives, supporting one another in prayer, accountability, and service.

A Call to the Next Generation

To the younger generation: You are not just the future of the church, you are the present. God is calling you to take ownership of your faith, to engage with the Spirit in new and exciting ways, and to carry forward the legacy of genuine worship. The world is looking for authenticity, and you have the opportunity to show them what it looks like to love Jesus with all your heart, soul, and mind.

But as you seek revival, remember that it doesn’t come from just “doing” something differently; it comes from your willingness to surrender to let go of control, of striving, and of trying to build something on your own strength. The church needs young people who will seek the face of God, who will pray, worship, and serve with authenticity. Revival is not just about more activity, it’s about more of God. And the younger generation can lead the charge in returning to the heart of God, to worship in spirit and in truth.

Esther (a pseudonym), winner of the Gen Z Unfiltered Award sponsored by Knowable God, shares a real-life account of faith and struggle in this award-winning entry from the Gen Z Speaks writing contest.