You’ve probably heard the headlines: Hillsong, once a major leader in Christian worship, has lost its footing in America. Sadly, this isn’t surprising. In fact, it’s a pattern we’ve seen with many “cool” churches—where trendy pastors and hip congregations quickly rise, only to fall just as fast. But why does this happen? And what can we learn from it?
Chasing Cool Is a Trap
Being cool is temporary. It’s like trying to chase the wind—no matter how hard you try, it slips through your fingers. The Bible warns against focusing too much on things that fade: “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15, NIV). When churches focus more on being relevant or trendy, they risk losing sight of what truly matters—being faithful to God.
Churches like Hillsong were attractive to young people because they seemed to “get it”—from the music to the celebrity pastors. But focusing on coolness can lead churches to compromise their values. Being relatable can shrink the gospel’s message to fit the latest trends, but the truth of Jesus is timeless. As Romans 12:2 (NIV) says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Learning From the Fall of Cool Churches
When big churches or pastors fail, it’s easy to feel disillusioned. But instead of getting discouraged, we should use these moments to reflect and grow. One of the key lessons is that relevance isn’t as important as reverence. It’s great to be part of a church that speaks to your generation, but that should never replace a deep love for God and His Word.
Jesus didn’t come to be cool or popular—He came to serve and sacrifice. If we measure church success by how trendy or big it is, we’re missing the point. Jesus reminds us in Mark 8:36 (NIV), “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” It’s a reminder that bigger isn’t always better. True success in the Christian life is measured by faithfulness, not by followers or fame.
Why “Boring” Church Might Be the Best Thing
Here’s a truth that might surprise you: sometimes, a boring church is better. Why? Because a church that focuses on Jesus, instead of on putting on a flashy show, will help you grow spiritually. It’s not about hype or having the latest tech; it’s about being rooted in the truth of God’s Word.
In fact, “boring” things like prayer, Bible study, and confession are what actually help you stay strong in your faith. Jesus wasn’t about being cool—He was about calling people to a deeper relationship with God. Churches that focus on these “uncool” things help you develop a long-lasting faith, not one that fades when the trend dies down.
Cool Churches Often Lead to Shallow Faith
The problem with many cool churches is that they give you a faith built on trends rather than truth. They attract big crowds, but what happens to those people in the long run? Sadly, many walk away from their faith. Instead of being rooted in the solid foundation of Scripture, these churches often offer a watered-down version of Christianity.
Jesus calls us to something deeper: a life of holiness. In Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV), He talks about building your life on a solid rock. When we focus on what’s “cool,” we’re building on sand. The storms of life will eventually come, and without a solid foundation, everything will crumble.
Finding a Faithful Church
If you’re feeling frustrated or jaded by “cool” Christianity, there’s good news: you don’t need to stay in that space. Instead of looking for a church that feels trendy, find one where people are genuinely following Jesus.
Look for a church where the focus isn’t on a celebrity pastor but on Jesus. Find a place where people are growing in their love for God, where holiness and spiritual growth are prioritized over style. As Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The Beauty of an Uncool Faith
Here’s the bottom line: Christianity isn’t supposed to be cool. It’s about following Jesus, even when it’s uncomfortable or countercultural. Churches don’t need to reinvent themselves to stay relevant—they need to stay true to the gospel.
The Christian faith is a long journey, not a viral trend. It’s about faithfulness in the small things, like showing up to church, reading your Bible, and living out God’s love in everyday life. Will that ever get you on the cover of a magazine or make you an influencer? Probably not. But it will give you a deep, lasting faith that can withstand anything life throws your way.
So, instead of chasing the next big thing, let’s focus on the things that last: Jesus, His Word, and a community of believers who are in it for the long haul. After all, as 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV) reminds us, “Love never fails.” That’s what really matters.
