The book at the top of my reading pile at the moment is Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century, written by Aubrey Malphurs. The book is written mainly for church planters, but, like most books, it has something to teach the rest of us too. In the very first chapter, Malphers discusses the difference between our former “churched” culture, and the current post-Christian era.
"In a churched culture, the thing to do is to attend church on Sunday, whereasIts an interesting question. I have many notions about it myself, but what I really would like is to hear are your thoughts on the subject. I am looking for your honest thoughts, so please don’t hold back so as not to hurt someone’s feelings. If you are worried, you can post anonymously if you wish.
the thing to do in an unchurched culture is anything but attend church
on Sunday. People spend time with their families, go to a shopping center,
take in a movie, go to a ballgame, watch their children play soccer, or go to
the health club. Sunday may be their only day off. It’s a day to
relax and have fun. So why would anyone want to go to church? And that’s
the question you as a church planter must answer." (p.20)
Do you go to church? If so, why? If not, why not? Will you start the conversation?Posted by Carman
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I Do go to church, and will go for better or worst. I go because I want to worship God, to be close to Jesus and feel the Holy Spirit. And while I do this through out the week in other settings other than church, I do love doing it with our community. I don't except much or anything from anyone else there, I don't demand anything from the leaders. I know there is a potential for most churches to be something so much more, and I liked to see that happen.
ReplyDeleteI do understand how many are turned off from the Sunday traditional experience. And I can see why they don't go.
GB Matthew
wow...loaded question! As you know, I was born and raised in the church, but left it at the age of 30, and spent the next 10 yrs attending many other churches. Finally, I decided to read the bible and search for answers. I read it 4 times back to back, and came to the decision that modern churches spend more time worrying about the church building and the organizational aspects, than the fundamental message. I also was amazed at all the different interpretations each denomination had.
ReplyDeleteI have also felt closer to God, surrounded by the beauty of His creation, rather than inside mans. I have had several personal experiences with Him while surrounded by the peace and beauty of His creation. I can attend my church at anytime of the day or week or year. I always feel welcome, something that's not always felt in most of the denominations I have attended.
It can be a lonely way to worship, but the important thing is my relationship with God.
Two interesting points of view. I appreciate both of you taking the time to write your thoughts. I have to admit that, from time to time, I have shared both opinions too. Some people do find relationship with God in nature, and others do need the support of a loving community. Perhaps they need this to encourage them to continue with their own spiritual journey, or maybe they need to be part of a team of people that serves the surrounding population together.
ReplyDeleteThe question is an especially important one for Matthew, since it is his job to start a hew congregation. He must determine why the population of his new community would want to go there...or why they would not.
This conversation is not closed, folks. Anyone else with thoughts to contribute?