The different atmospheres in churches

At age 18, I began a journey to find God and my sense of purpose. This search led me to many churches . Many left me more wounded than I was when I entered but there is a lesson to learn in every church . Many more showed leadership styles that I would never want to implement in the future. A few of them are

Mafia atmosphere: This is the atmosphere where there is a heavy competition. Every body is trying to outdo the other .
Merits: People generally work very hard
: The place is usually very orderly.
demerits: A Lot of jealousy and unhealthy competition may ensue
: The Spirit of God does not flow freely.
: "Titles" are emphasized above the Word of God
: The young generally have no voice
: New zealous members are seen as a threat
: Foundation members try to control the place
: innovative ideas are discouraged
: Many people loose their zeal in the process
: You either " beat dem or join dem"
: You have to prove yourself all the time
: People like the same old, same old . They are not open to anything new.

Paranoid atmosphere: This kind of churches focus on witchcraft and what the devil is doing. Children and women are usually accused in a lot of cases. People serve God out of fear that the devil will get them. It occurs in mostly Deliverance churches.
Merits: They usually pray a lot.
Demerits : Members are afraid to talk to one another for fear of witchcraft
: There is no focus on Christ most times
: Innocent and vulnerable people can be labeled witches
: There is so much focus on what "the leader said"
: Leaders make money from people's fears
: there is a fear that the devil will get you if you leave the church
: Praise and worship is not important

Hip atmosphere: This atmosphere usually occurs in churches where the pastor is young and open-minded. It is usually filled with young people. People are allowed to do "whatever they want to do" since " God is a forgiving God" .
Merits: Many young people feel welcome
: It is usually not boring
: praise and worship is usually high energy
Demerits: There is a tendency for a deviation of sound doctrine to only teachings that condone sin
: Many young men and women may loose focus of the cross
: There is a possibility for sexual sin to be very prevalent among leaders and members
: young people may begin to idolize their leader.
: It may become a "club church".
: There is usually no depth

Conservative atmosphere: In these kinds of churches , there is a fear of hell fire. There are hardly any real life issues discussed in some cases . Men may seat separate from women in church meetings
Merits: Members behaviors are checked.
It may be a good place to lay solid foundational teachings in children
Demerits: Judgemental attitudes usually prevail in this kinds of atmospheres
: Hypocrisy is so rampant. People are judged by their outward appearance
: Women are usually suppressed using the Bible.
: youth may leave the church in rapid numbers
: The leaders may become controlling and manipulative

Freed atmosphere: The pastor of the church is usually secure and humble . He or she is not threatened by other ministers. He encourages members to participate and speak up.
Merits: All kinds of gifts are manifested
: People from various cultures come to the church because they feel welcomed
: There is a free flow of the anointing
: There is variety .
: The emphasis is on Love , so members are more open with each other .
: Titles are not emphasized.
: New members are encouraged to jump into the wagon
: Foundational members HARDLY EVER feel threatened by new members
: People are always smiling and welcoming
Demerits: Some people may take advantage of the Pastor's humble personality
: False teachers may also sneak in and take advantage
: some disorderliness may ensue on the part of the members

In conclusion, there is no perfect church .All churches consist of one thing in common which is "people" and where people gather , someone's going to get hurt. A church may have a combination of the above atmospheres. Pastors must focus on encouraging members to search for the truth using the Word of God.Pastors should also try to keep an open mind especially when dealing with young people.