How does a Pastor Deal with “Carnal Christians” in his Church?

Scripture addresses those who belong to Christ, and those who do not.  There are those who possess the Spirit of God, and those who do not.  But, is there a 3rd category?  Many, especially in certain circles in American Evangelicalism, would claim there is a 3rd category commonly labeled a “Carnal Christian” or a “Nominal Christian.”  This 3rd category is described as those who profess to know and follow Christ, but whose life does not reflect it.  They would claim to follow Christ just enough to escape hell, but not enough for Christ to affect any aspect of their life.  Some feel God is obligated to present a “get out of hell free card” as a result of a one time decision long ago that involved praying a prayer, or walking an aisle.  The most common proof text for this position is found in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 and the way Paul addresses the Christians there in the Corinthian Church.

The reason so many think Paul is addressing Carnal Christians in this passage is because of how he refers to them (3:1).  He just explained that it is only the spiritual man who knows Christ and possesses the mind of Christ (2:16), not the natural man.  Now, he addresses them as “brethren” (3:1) and writes but he, “Could not speak to them as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as babes in Christ (3:1).”  Paul is not writing to the Corinthian church affirming there is this middle category of a Christian, but writes in this way to confront the clear sin in their midst that forces Paul to address them as immature in their faith.   Continue at Practical Shepherding

See also: Albert N. Martin on Carnal Christians