Pastor Letlal Haokip
The Journey Church, Delhi
Reading the Gospel of John chapter two reminds us how deeply the Lord Jesus Christ cared for the sanctity of His Father’s house. In John 2:13–17, Jesus entered the Temple in Jerusalem during the Passover and found people selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and money changers doing business inside. With righteous anger, He made a whip of cords, drove them all out, overturned their tables, and said, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”
The disciples remembered what was written: “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” (Psalm 69:9)
The Lord’s indignation was not without cause. What was meant to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7) had been turned into a marketplace.
The Present Church: Is A Modern Marketplace?
Today, we must ask ourselves whether our churches have become like that Jerusalem Temple. While we may not literally sell goods inside the sanctuary, many pulpits have become platforms for personal promotion, financial appeals, and institutional pride rather than preaching the Word of God.
The Great Commission of Matthew 28:19 -20, “Go and make disciples of all nations”, has often been replaced by an obsession with buildings, vehicles, and programs. The Word of God, which should be central to worship, is frequently treated as secondary.
Lessons I learned from Korean and North Indian Churches During visits to Seoul, South Korea, I was deeply moved by their church practices. Most churches there hold early morning prayers daily from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., with one Bible study session weekly. Saturdays are reserved for family time, and Sundays are dedicated to worship and ministry to the poor. The first service is often held for beggars and those in need, followed by a meal and small financial assistance. Later, three or four more services are held throughout the day. People come joyfully, using the day to focus on God, share testimonies, and enjoy fellowship with others.
In North India, many churches also emphasise family devotions and balance ministry with home life. Pastors and leaders often spend time nurturing both spiritual and family responsibilities, and their children grow up to be spiritually and professionally strong. Above all, their mission remains focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. Despite persecution, they remain bold, preaching and sharing God’s Word with the unreached. Praise the Lord!
Reevaluating the Northeast India Churches
The churches of Northeast India, however, must re-examine their priorities.
Church Buildings:
A spirit of competition has led to excessive spending on large church buildings. The focus has shifted from spiritual growth to architectural pride.
Vehicles and Programs:
Many churches purchase multiple vehicles and spend vast amounts on conventions, crusades, and seminars. By contrast, churches in other parts of India and abroad direct much of their funds toward helping the poor, supporting disaster relief, and advancing missionary work.
Pulpit Misuse:
The pulpit, meant for proclaiming the Gospel, is often used to make appeals for money. When congregants come hungry for the Word but hear only requests for funds, many lose their zeal for worship.
Worldliness in Worship:
Church gatherings are increasingly becoming places of social display rather than worship. The desire to show wealth or status undermines the spirit of humility and prayer.
Humble appeal to Restore God’s House
Just as Jesus cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem, it is time for us to cleanse our churches, especially in Northeast India, from unhealthy competition, materialism, and misplaced priorities. The church must return to its original purpose: a place for prayer, the preaching of God’s Word, and the fulfilment of the Great Commission.
Our focus should shift from buildings and programs to discipleship, family devotion, community care, and mission. Let our churches once again be known as places where the Word of God is honoured, where people of all nations and backgrounds can pray, and where Christ is glorified.
“For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” – Isaiah 56:7
