Awaken the Reformer Within You: Overcoming the Bystander Effect in Today's Church
- Joycelyn Lewis
- Jul 25
- 5 min read
In today's Church, the need for active voices and engagement has never been more urgent. The heartbreaking story of Kitty Genovese—a woman brutally attacked while bystanders looked on and did nothing—highlights the dangers of inaction. This phenomenon, known as the "bystander effect," resonates deeply in our spiritual communities. It particularly impacts women, especially Black women, who may feel called to lead. As you read this, consider how you can rise and awaken the reformers within, breaking free from silence and passivity.
Scripture says in Proverbs 31:8–9 (NIV)
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Understanding the Bystander Effect
The bystander effect is a psychological reality where people witnessing an emergency fail to act, thinking someone else will take responsibility. Studies show that when there are more witnesses, the likelihood of someone intervening decreases. For instance, research from Columbia University indicates that when there are just two bystanders, the chances of intervention rise to 80%. However, with five or more bystanders, this rate dramatically drops below 30%.
In our Church communities, this effect often plays out in the experiences of women who are marginalized. Many suffer under toxic leadership, believing others will advocate for them. This silence allows injustice to grow, perpetuating the idea that someone else will address the needs of those affected.
James 4:17 (ESV)"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
This verse names the sin of inaction. It affirms that knowing and failing to act is not neutral—it is a spiritual failure.
The Complacency of Passivity
Isaiah 32:9-20 offers a powerful reminder: “Rise up, you women who are at ease; hear my voice; you complacent daughters, give ear to my speech.”
These verses challenge complacency directly, urging us to awaken from spiritual slumber. Those of us in the body of Christ must recognize the urgent need for justice. Reflect on how frequently we assume someone else will protect those in pain. While the comfort of inactivity is tempting—fear of backlash or the notion that “it’s not my place”—this mindset perpetuates harm.
Isaiah 32:9–11 (ESV)“Rise up, you women who are at ease, hear my voice; you complacent daughters, give ear to my speech. In little more than a year you will shudder, you complacent women; for the grape harvest fails, the fruit harvest will not come.”
Isaiah's prophetic word calls out passivity directly and prophetically. It affirms the cost of spiritual sleep and delays in righteous action.
A Call to Break the Silence
Esther 4:14 (NIV)"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place... And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
Esther's charge mirrors the Church’s moment now. Silence in the face of injustice is a dangerous choice, especially when God may have positioned us specifically to speak.
Women in Christ have a divine responsibility to break the silence that stifles so many. Just like the witnesses to Genovese's murder failed to act, many in the Church have remained passive regarding women's suffering.
Consider the emotional and systemic wounds inflicted on women, often downplayed by those in leadership. For example, a study from the Barna Group revealed that 30% of women active in church feel unheard or marginalized. It is time for you to rise and respond to God's call to action.
This call is not just about speaking against injustice. It’s about awakening the reformer within you. When you rise up, pray consciously, and act justly, you amplify a chorus of truth-bearers dedicated to dismantling outdated mindsets and bringing healing to the wounded.
The Unique Role of Women in Leading Change
Women hold a unique position to transform the spiritual culture of the Church. When you awaken, your voice resonates with experience and understanding. You are familiar with the struggles of trauma, spiritual warfare, and the futility of silence.
When many remain bystanders, your courage to address these issues can spark significant change. By acknowledging the past while actively reshaping the future, you become a beacon of hope.
Isaiah 32 reminds us that complacency will not lead to the transformation we desire. Commit to being part of the solution; choose action over fears and apathy.
Micah 6:8 (CSB)"Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God."
This reminds us that acting justly is not optional—it’s required. Women are uniquely equipped to do this work with wisdom, humility, and courage.
The Spiritual Culture Shift
A significant shift in spiritual culture starts when individuals stop being silent observers and recognize themselves as reformers. The call to action isn’t just for leaders; it’s for every believer.
Imagine if every woman who has faced injustice began to speak out. Picture the barriers that could fall, the hearts that could mend, and the lives that could be transformed.
When your voice joins with others, it creates a powerful movement against indifference. The Church must no longer wait for someone else to intervene; it should actively support and uplift every member.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
Transforming spiritual culture means rejecting the old norms of silence and complicity and embracing Spirit-led renewal and boldness.
A Prophetic Call to Action
Now is the moment to awaken the reformer within you. Stand against the bystander effect that has seeped into the Church. Speak up for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Engage in prayer and support for women facing spiritual, emotional, and systemic challenges.
Isaiah 58:1 (NLT)"Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins!"
This is your clarion call—no more whispering truth. It’s time to cry aloud, to break the silence with righteous clarity.
As you move forward, remember that addressing Church injustices means becoming stewards of change. Encourage those around you—both men and women—who understand the importance of support and intervention.
Final Thoughts
Together, as a unified body of believers, we can create a culture of compassion and advocacy. We are called to be truth-bearers, reformers, and intercessors. Reject participation in a culture where injustice is overlooked or normalized.
Awaken the reformer within you and let your voice resonate throughout your community. It is time to rise and declare that silence is no longer acceptable.
Ephesians 5:11 (NIV)"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."
Expose. Don’t excuse. That is the work of a reformer—especially in a Church that has too often protected power at the expense of the vulnerable.
In this season of awakening, let every woman and man remember: you are not just a bystander; you are an agent of change, a vessel of hope, and a champion for justice!
