Why is there so much Christian Gatekeeping?

What’s Up With Christian Gatekeeping?

Alright, let’s get real. Something’s been weighing heavy on my heart, and I've had countless conversations lately that confirm it's not just me. As organizers, leaders, and coordinators, there's a truth we don't talk enough about: Christian gatekeeping.

Whether it's churches, community groups, or faith-based organizations, there seems to be this instinct to protect what we’re building, to guard our own turf. On the surface, this isn’t a bad instinct, but to what extent. And look, I say this knowing full well I'm speaking to myself first. We build something, and our natural response is to protect it—to gatekeep. But here’s the gut-check: is that what Jesus would do?

If Jesus were the CEO, community organizer, or event coordinator (spoiler alert: He kind of was all these things), He wouldn't gatekeep. Instead, He'd be the connector, opening doors, making introductions, and creating space—not walls. The simple reality? None of what we're building actually belongs to us. It's all His.

Here's why this matters right now:

• Churches are caught up in membership counts, protecting their congregations, and building megachurches. But the focus shouldn’t be on numbers but on an honest pursuit of Jesus. The number’s have to follow that!

• Denominations—Catholics, Protestants, non-denominationals—It’s not that the differences aren’t important but what is more important? Who we call our God, Jesus.

• Community Leaders (myself included) can easily get caught up boasting about rapid growth, newsletter subscribers, or event turnout. Yet, the original mission wasn’t about numbers or exclusivity—it was about creating margin for genuine faith conversations and authentic connections beyond Sunday worship.

So here's my honest confession: Sometimes I struggle when other leaders reach out to promote their events. Sure, some are looking purely for self-promotion—but guess what? My instinct to protect our "list" is equally self-focused. That’s not ministry. Ministry is service. It’s about creating margin and inviting in the Holy Spirit—whether in a bar, an office, or even at church. It's about serving the marginalized, broken-hearted, and the seekers of God.

In light of this, a tough truth is that slapping a Jesus sticker on something doesn’t make it holy. Calling something a church doesn't automatically make it sacred. What does? Believers coming together, making space for God, and allowing for the Holy Spirit to move freely amongst us.

At Christians*inTech, we remind ourselves constantly that we are not the center. Jesus is.

Our mission is simple: Create spaces, build connections, and let authentic relationships thrive. This isn't about competition—it's about collaboration. It’s not about holding tightly—it's about graciously opening doors.

That’s why we launched our Plugged In initiative and a citywide directory. We actively promote other ministries, events, and groups. Our upcoming event, partnered with incredible organizations like Faith Tech and Catalyze, embodies exactly this spirit. Because serving Jesus means serving alongside others, generously, without gatekeeping.

Here’s the challenge I leave you with:

• Serve, don’t self-promote.

• Collaborate, don’t compete.

• Create margin for the Holy Spirit to lead.

Remember, accountability goes hand-in-hand with grace. We'll stumble—it's inevitable. But let's create disciplines, anchors and support systems to hold ourselves accountable all while extending grace generously, knowing we’re flawed but continually called back to the center: Jesus.

Let’s focus on, building bridges not walls and serve with open hands and hearts. After all, none of this belongs to us—it’s all His.

Join us on this journey. Let's grow together.

Serving together,

-Andy

FOUNDERS✖️FUNDERS✖️FAITH

📅Tuesday, August 5th · 6:15 - 7:45pm EDT
🎯Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church - 7 West 55th Street

This is exactly what we're talking about—collaboration over competition! We're partnering with 6 incredible organizations including: FaithTech, Catalyze, Fides Entrepreneurship, Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs, Faith-Based Community Leaders, and Proximity for a summer social that embodies the spirit of open-handed ministry.

​Are you looking to meet a faith-driven cofounder? Trying to connect with mission-aligned investors? Or maybe you’re just craving good conversation with fellow Christians working across the tech and venture landscape.

​Join us for a laid-back summer mixer designed to connect founders, funders, VCs, builders, creatives, and faith-led professionals for one powerful night of intentional networking.

IN THE NEAR FUTURE

A conversation with Norwegian-Filipino musician HILLARI

We are in works to host an intimate conversation with HILLARI in September!

HILLARI is a Norwegian-Filipino artist and has already gained recognition across the world. At 18 years old, HILLARI has been involved in music since childhood but fully committed to her musical career in late 2021. Her talent quickly caught the industry's attention, leading to 16 concerts in Norway and Canada in 2022 and offers from major record labels around the world before officially releasing any music.

In the meantime, check out some of HILLARI’s music HERE

HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Serve, Partner, Pray

• Submit ministry events/programs — We’ll share them with the network. Submit Here

• Volunteer — Ops, hospitality, media, or prayer—let us know your gifts.

• Co‑Host or Partner with us — Planning a panel, hackathon, or worship night? Let’s collaborate.

• Spread the Word — Forward this email to two friends who’d love plugged‑in faith + Jesus‑centered innovation.

• Prayer Covering — Nothing moves without it. Pray that every gathering reveals Christ and renews our workplaces.

Email us at [email protected]