Ten Indictments against the Modern Church

by Paul Washer

Another quality eBook from Chapel Library (active contents and footnotes)

"Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church" is a sermon preached at the Revival Conference in Atlanta in 2008. “Paul Washer delivered an urgent appeal to the Christians and churches in North that many have been believing a false gospel and have false assurance of their salvation! He listed ten indictments against the modern church system in America. This is a historical urgent message. Tell others and spread the message! We need a reformation and revival of a Biblical standard!”—Greg Gordon (Revival Conference Organizer)

The two-hour message can be heard in its entirety at www.tenindictments.com.

Paul Washer ministered as a missionary in Peru for ten years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. HeartCry (as of November 2010) supports over 100 indigenous missionaries in more than 20 countries throughout Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. An itinerant preacher, Paul also frequently teaches in a new church plant in Radford, Virginia. He is the author of The One True A Biblical Study of the Doctrine of God and The Truth about A Biblical Study of the Doctrine of Man. Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society (www.heartcrymissionary.com).
HeartCry Missionary Society
PO Box 2309
Christiansburg, Virginia 24068

That God’s Name Be Great Among the Nations!
256 381-7510
info@heartcrymissionary.com
www.heartcrymissionary.com


The Ten Indictments are
1. A Denial of the Sufficiency of Scripture
2. An Ignorance of God
3. A Failure to Address Man’s Malady
4. An Ignorance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
5. An Unbiblical Gospel Invitation
6. An Ignorance Regarding the Nature of the Church
7. A Lack of Compassionate Church Discipline
8. A Silence on Separation
9. A Replacement of the Scriptures Regarding the Family
10. Pastors Malnourished in the Word of God

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity, Church, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Paul David Washer became a believer while studying at the University of Texas. He completed his undergraduate studies and enrolled at Southwestern Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity degree. After graduating, he moved to Peru and served there as a missionary.

Paul ministered as a missionary in Peru for 10 years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. HeartCry's work now supports over 165 indigenous missionaries in over 26 countries throughout Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society (www.heartcrymissionary.com). He and his wife Charo have three children: Ian, Evan, and Rowan.

Reviews

[Peter Cheyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book that reads as if it hasn't been edited since being preached. It seems to be the sermon word-for-word.

I have given it five stars not because it is a brilliant book but because it is important. As the title implies, Washer raises ten issues that he believes have gone terribly wrong in the modern church. The book is a call to return to being a biblically faithful church.

Those issues are:
1. a denial of the sufficiency of scripture
2. an ignorance of God
3. a failure to address man's malady
4. an ignorance of the gospel of Jesus Christ
5. an unbiblical gospel invitation
6. an ignorance regarding the nature of the church
7. a lack of compassionate church discipline
8. a silence on separation
9. a replacement of the scriptures regarding the family
10. pastors malnourished in the Word of God

[Yibbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ouch! and that's a personal ouch. How many times I have pointed the finger at 'the church' and blamed it for our world's problems. Nope, the problem is here in my own heart. Paul Washer is directly speaking to preachers and those in authority for the way they are leading the sheep, but there is an awful lot that speaks to each of us.
Do you really believe the Bible is inerrant? If not, what have you replaced it with? Maybe you believe it is inerrant, but it has been edged out by other things? What might those substitutes be doing to you or the church? What should you do about it?
Do you know God? The True God? Or have you perhaps built a god of your own?
What exactly are we saved from? Anyone heard of sin lately? Have we been forgetting the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit?
What is the Gospel? It is the glorious power of God to salvation. Are we giving it in all its full glory, or have we cheapened it?
What do we tell people to rely on for Salvation? Do we leave them trusting a prayer or really regenerated into the family of God?
Who is the Church?
How serious are we about the purity of our lives and the purity of our church? This chapter is mostly pointed at church leaders, but each of us as well.
Holiness, it is in the Bible? Do we strive for it?
Who guides your family? Who do you turn to for advise, God or man?
Is the Word your daily bread?
Those questions are all answered very well in this book. It's short, but oh so powerful. It's worth the read.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! Must read for everyone.

[J. Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piercing and necessary writing. Chapter 4 was fantastic and worth taking the time to read. Felt like something that would have left the mouths of Edwards or Whitefield. I differ in Covenant theology from Washer but that does not degrade from the sharp, necessary words and a call to the Church for examination.

[Josh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Hard-hitting, direct, and bold. The truths contained in this short booklet will simmer in my mind for weeks to come. I thank God that a member of our church gave this booklet to me.

Read it if you dare.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent! And extremely intense!

[Caleb Stober · Rating 5 out of 5]

A word of challenge

Anyone wondering about the status of the American church as viewed by a man striving his hardest to perceive reality through the lens of Scripture ought to read this

[Tawallah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timely response to issues that have been predicted by pastors such as Tozer, Packer. This is a sermon that was written out that answers biblically questions any Christian has about culture and how The Church is meant to respond. And it’s not how many of us have been led to think we are meant. It is a reminder of who we are and how we are meant to live. Though it is directed to pastors and men, all sheep including me can profit from this short book.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!! This booked kicked my butt! I am going to relisten to it again, right now! What a good book. Short and pithy! And something all Bible believers need to read. Highly recommended

[Samuel Holbură · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nu poate fi frică de Domnul printre noi dacă nu este nicio cunoaștere de Domnul printre noi.
Paul Washer

[Benjamin Napier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short powerful read

[Canceok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esențele tari se țin în sticluțe mici. Această carte scurtă conține doar esență. Adevărurile spuse nu sunt greu de priceput ci greu de "înghițit".

[Monique Gerke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Li a versão em português: 10 acusações contra a igreja moderna. Paul Washer não tem papas na língua, algumas verdades doem, mas são verdades bíblicas, que precisam tocar nossos corações e produzir mudanças. O evangelho precisa produzir mudanças, frutos em nossa vida. Que possamos verdadeiramente entender o evangelho de Jesus!
Hoje, no último dia do ano, pude me analisar...será que realmente conheço a Cristo? ..o evangelho de Jesus não é uma decisão de levantar de mãos..é transformação completa de vida.
Que Deus nos ajude!!!

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author brings it in this short book. He does not always hit the nail squarely on the head, but he's swinging that hammer with all his might as he addresses deep theological and spiritual issues which are plaguing the modern church. It is obvious that he is doing it from a love of God and His people, but he is not pulling any punches in condemning sin and apostasy. Do not read this if you don't want to have your toes stepped on, but definitely read this if you want to take stock of where the church is and where it needs to go.

[Michaël St-Amour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dans ce cour livre (104 pages), Paul Washer nous expose 10 accusations contre l'église contemporaine.
En se fondant solidement sur les Saintes Écritures, il énumère ce qui, selon lui, doit être corrigé afin d'accéder à une vision biblique de l'Église.
Toujours dans un style percutant, l'auteur prend soin de renvoyer le lecteur dans la Parole de Dieu afin de trouver solutions aux accusations.
Tous pasteurs et chrétiens souhaitant se conformer à la Parole trouvera un grand bénéfice dans la lecture de ce livre.

[Brian Nicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a much needed wake-up call for the American church that has become content and lazy when it comes to the proclamation of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Don't read this if you are happy with having your best life now.

[cook777 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave it five stars because I think Christians should at least read it. It a very short book that you can get for free on kindle and so on.

[Joseph Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

I like Paul Washer because he speaks boldly and is not afraid to point out hypocrisies within the church and with worship.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Washer begins this book (or sermon-turned-book) by describing it as an “indictment of hope.” He is calling the church out for unbiblical practices, yes, but with the hope that pastors and leaders are ready to take up those indictments and turn away from them. While this book is primarily for pastors, there are issues to address in every facet of the church, so I think a broader audience than just pastors can benefit from the wisdom Washer brings. It is not an easy read because it is convicting, but I believe it is a necessary read in our time.

[Byron Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

De esos libros que representan un antes y un después y que retan a seguir el Evangelio de verdad para convertirnos en la iglesia que nuestro Señor quiere encontrar. Corto libro pero con un súper mensaje.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book describes most churches so precisely. It helps to point to the painful places and to accept the challenge to make our churches much healthier. A must-read for every church leader, and helpful for all of us, ordinary lay-people, too.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice easy read. I appreciate the gentleness had by Washer even as he dealt with hard subjects. I do believe it was written well and should be thoughtfully read and considered by many.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short. To the point. Convicting.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first ever audiobook!

[Kenneth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A convicting book that will hopefully leave you wanting more of God.

[Anita Deacon]

Number 9 was excellent. Much of the rest felt overly pietistic to me.

[DeAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to Paul Washer’s sermons just several months ago and he reminds me a lot of A.W Tozer. Like Tozer, Paul Washer speaks Gospel truth. You won’t find eisegesis in his sermons or books.

This book was written based on a sermon Washer gave several years ago. Though it is only 78 pages it is powerful and full of love for the bride of Christ(the church). Washer criticizes ten things that have recently become popular in(predominantly American) churches and compares these practices with Scripture.

In Chapter One Washer addresses the lack of Biblical knowledge seen in a lot of charismatic churches today. Instead of teaching Scripture, pastors are basically relying on motivational speeches and self-help advice to tend to their congregation. People are wooed by lights, popular music and, in some churches, circus acts and dance routines. After Sunday service people leave feeling entertained but have no more knowledge of Scripture than they did when they walked in the door.

In Chapter Eight Washer reminds us that Christ’s church should look and sound different than the rest of the world(and not just on Sunday). While we are not saved by our works, we are known by our fruit-and if we’re producing the exact same fruit that unbelievers do, we are not in Christ.

Chapter Nine really hit home for me...literally. Titled “The Replacement of the Scriptures regarding the Family”, Washer points out that the church, as a whole, is a reflection of what life looks like at home. I am reminded what an important work I have in being a wife to my husband and a mother to my sons. How I serve my husband as a helper, companion, friend and sister in Christ matters not only in my home but in the bigger picture as well. The love, guidance, safety and education I provide my sons will have a ripple effect as they grow into men and become leaders of their own families.

5/5 ⭐️ -timely and needed, this book isn’t a feel-good speech but it is spoken out of pure love for God’s people. This is loving conviction and I’m grateful for it.

[Troy McGahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate Paul Washer, I believe he loves the Lord and he loves his family. The issue I have with this book is threefold
1) it's almost like he's Preaching to everyone and no one at the same time (my perception) I could be wrong.
2) when someone repeatedly says, I don't want to be legalistic they generally are. I agreed in essence with what he is saying, we need to guard and protect our families and ourselves. Part of that though is equipping them to be able withstand the fiery darts of satan. This is through teaching, Preaching and praying for our Children. Isolation is tempting but, it is not going to work in the long run. I have known of families that would not go to wal mart because of what they see. Almost (not quite but almost) every child in those families go hog wild. Do I have all the answers? Absolutely not. That being said, every man will give an account of himself to the Lord in this and all areas. We must be diligent in Pursuing the face of God on the behalf of our families.
3) The title " Ten indictments against the modern Church" is a mystery. Much of what he describes is error and in some cases apostasy (if a Church is a Church then they have the Gospel of Christ). How can you have an indictment against something that is obviously not a Church if they are wrong on the gospel.

There is much good about this book. It has many references/footnotes, he is bold, straight up and not afraid to tell the truth. I agree with much of what he says perhaps it's his personality that rubbed me wrong. It is free so check it out.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MISSIONARY FINDS MUCH WRONG WITH THE CONTEMPORARY CHURCH

Former Missionary Paul Washer wrote in the Introduction to this 2018 book, “as I look around at the church and compare her to Scripture, I am persuaded that there are certain things that must change… It is a burden on my heart that I must share… What I am going to say will anger some who read. It may be that you will accuse me of arrogance… The question you must answer is this: Is what I am saying true, whether or not it is delivered through a faulty messenger? Others will rejoice in what you hear… But please do not indulge in crass triumphalism, because all of us bear a measure of guilt... Would it not be better to worship God in humility?” (Pg. 2-3)

He observes, “Social sciences, in my opinion, have taken precedence over the Word of God in such a way that most of us cannot even see it. It has so crept into our church, our evangelism, and our missiology that you barely can call what we are doing ‘Christian’ anymore. Psychology, anthropology, and sociology have become primary influences in the churches… what do we have to do with those modern-day social sciences that were actually created as a protest against the Word of God? Why is it that evangelism, missions, and so-called church growth are shaped more by the anthropologist, the sociologist, and the Wall Street student who are up to speed on every cultural trend than by the Scriptures themselves?” (Pg. 9-10)

He asserts, “Do you really believe that the knowledge of God has no practical application? Do you know why all your Christian bookstores are filled with self-help books? It is because people do not know the true God! As a result they must be given all sorts of trivial devices of the flesh to keep them walking as sheep ought to walk!” (Pg. 14)

He states, “I would submit … that in one sense it might be better if some so-called churches not even have a Sunday morning service. Sunday morning is often the greatest hour of idolatry in the entire week because people are not worshipping the one true God. The great mass of people are worshiping a god formed out of their own hearts by their own flesh, by satanic devices, and by worldly intelligence.” (Pg. 15-16)

He contends, “The malady in our countries is not liberal politicians, the root of socialism, Hollywood, or anything else. It is the so-called evangelical pastor, preacher, or evangelist of our day. That is where the malady to be found.” (Pg. 23)

He says, “I have seen the problem of an unbiblical gospel invitation everywhere, whether they call themselves Calvinist or Arminian, so many preachers have in common the same superficial invitation. They talk about many things and then they come to the invitation, and it is almost as though everyone loses their minds… That is not biblical evangelism.” (Pg. 33)

He suggests, “Why… do we ask, ‘Would you like to go to heaven?; My dear friend, everybody in their right mind wants to go to some kind of heaven, but they do not want God to be there when they get there!... The question must be this: ‘Do you want God? Have you stopped being a hater of God? Has Christ become precious to you? Do you desire Him?’” (Pg. 36-37)

He argues, “there is not a remnant of believers in the church… There is not a... small group of believers inside a larger group called the church. True believers in the church are the remnant. If pastors have ever come close to blaspheming, it is with regard to this. I hear theologians… teachers, and pastors saying these sorts of things: ‘There is just as much sin in the church as out of the church. There is just as much divorce in the church as out of the church. There is just as much immorality and pornography in the church as out of the church.’ And then preachers say, ‘Yes, the church is acting like a [harlot].’ You ought to be very careful calling the bride of Jesus Christ a [harlot].” (Pg. 44)

He observes, “because the preaching of the gospel is so low, the majority of the church consists of carnal lost people. Then, because the church is run as a democracy, the converted people by and large govern the direction of the church. Because the pastor does not want to lose the greatest number of the people… he caters to the wicked in his church. So his little group of true sheep, who truly belong to Jesus Christ, are sitting there in the midst of the theater, worldliness, and multimedia… Dear friends, these pastors are going to pay for the terrible condition of their churches.” (Pg. 50)

He suggests, “Maybe that is why there is not much difference between the church and worldly culture today—we are not confronting the culture around us. And we do not confront culture by going out there and picketing Hollywood. We confront culture by obeying God! Noah built the ark and condemned the world. You do not need a protest sign. Just walk in obedience, and the world will hate you.” (Pg. 54)

He contends, “many evangelical preachers … Pray a little prayer with people after two or three minutes of counseling, after half an hour of preaching, twenty-five minutes of which was nothing but humorous stories. Then you draw the net for five minutes at the end. Talk to them for a little bit and declare them saved. Then you spend the rest of your days trying to disciple them, wondering why they do not grow!” (Pg. 55-56)

He reports, “When I travel, and I meet all kinds of people, I try to find a godly man who has raised godly children, and I go and latch on to him. But in most cases do you know what I find out? Most of the people I talk to in church want to discuss old wives’ tales and sociology and every other thing. It is about what is right in their own eyes, and they cannot give me one Bible verse in defense of their view. But every once in a while I find a man and a woman who set themselves to rear their family according to Scripture. The difference is overwhelming!” (Pg. 65-66)

He asserts, “a simple intellectual study of Scripture will not achieve the goal that God has for His people. God’s people must obey God’s Word. They must begin following it. You cannot learn doctrine well until you follow the doctrines you learn!” (Pg. 73-74)

This will appeal to some Christians who are dissatisfied with the current condition of the church.

[John Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not theologically studied enough to pick apart every point Paul Washer makes in this book. Likely if I was to examine my theology, I’m sure I’d find a few places where we disagree. Further, I’d say I can’t agree with every comparison he made or with some of his language in reference to various things. However, this book is not meant to convince you of his theology or of his teaching style, it is meant to be a wake up call to take the Christian faith seriously and it does an amazing job at this. If you are a new believer or don’t feel like faith is in a good place, this book is for you. It could be the kick you need to get your faith going. If you are an old believer or do feel like your faith is in a good place, this book is still for you. It will be a good accountability to keep your faith going in the right direction. The only person I would not recommend this to is a non believer. I would recommend this person find a church and decide if they want to be a Christian or not first, and then if so, then read this book. Glad I read it, would recommend.