Matters of Religion

Whither religion today? All over the place in many directions. Some directions are of escape from nonsense and what has become meaningless. Other directions are toward purpose, mission and vision. Little agreement exists. And this is true for every religious sect, denomination and creed. Questions abound but answers are elusive.

I am no expert in religious matters. I have thought long and deep on such issues, but no expertise emerged for me. On Christian matters, however, I have more familiarity. Here is what I see.

1.       Church attendance is dropping like a rock. Has been for 100 years with the exception of the era of World War II.

2.       Religious education is nearly nonexistent. The pandemic may have changed this with churches using Zoom technology to remain in contact with students without requiring parents to actually attend church services.

3.       Church services are morphing into entertainment events. Musical traditions have been abandoned. Rituals have been dumbed down or eliminated entirely. The people are in charge, not clergy [some of this I appreciate; some I find practicing without license].

4.       Service to community or others seems to percolate OK but does so without much mission or vision from the congregation. Where is the teaching? Where is the celebration? Where is there the community – of believers and not believers?

I have spent most of my life in nonprofit organizations. These are driven by mission and vision. Such are articulated continually to remain relevant to the real world. These organizations have prospered and achieved remarkable outcomes for millions of people in need of the attention. What is missing is the spiritual value center. I firmly believe there is one but it gets lost in the details of activity and busy-ness.

I suggest we consider broadening our understanding of and appreciation for these elements of church life:

a.       Worship services are for celebration, comfort, nurture and education.

b.       Church programs are for mission driven works for the common good and live core beliefs openly.

c.       Programs are external to the church where the people live and struggle in community.

d.       Success for the local church comes with these three common elements merging with one another, giving each the power and motivation to succeed. The worship service truly becomes one of celebration and meditation so that all the rest can become the valued outcomes.

No organization can be all things to all people all the time. Even governments have learned that lesson. Why should churches be any different? Be what you can be. Focus on that. Let that be the mark of differentiation from all others. Thrive through mission and vision articulated to represent what your congregation truly believes and supports. My hunch is that the congregation will thrive and bring joy to many.

February 21, 2022

 

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