I came across a review from the Barna Group (the popular churchy statistics people who conduct polls on Christianity), on the common majority view on experiences of people with the typical church in America.
You can find the article by clicking on...http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/270-americans-are-exploring-new-ways-of-experiencing-god
It is a interesting article for a number of reasons. Firstly, they designate a typical church. What would that be? Would it be singing hymns, listening to a sermon in a building with stained glass windows and a bell tower? Or, would it be going to a contemporary, box type church, with contemporary music and listening to a sermon. Really, what do we envision as a typical church?
Secondly, it is interesting how we view church as something we go to, instead of something we are. Often, I get caught up in the idea that church is this institution that we attend, something other than who we are. But really, when I break down what Jesus is talking about, I see the church as being us, the people coming together and being a community. If a church looks typical in someone's eyes, then it is because the people of that community have created their community to operate that way.
Thirdly, it was intriguing to me how open people are to trying something new with their spirituality. He writes, "
64% say they are “completely open to carrying out and pursuing your faith in an environment or structure that differs from that of a typical church.”
Two out of three adults contend that they are not tied to a conventional church setting as they seek to experience and express their faith. This openness to new contexts, processes and structures is especially common among Baby Boomers (68%). Interest in pursuing faith is similar in all areas of the nation with the exception of the Northeast (56%)".
Two out of three adults contend that they are not tied to a conventional church setting as they seek to experience and express their faith. This openness to new contexts, processes and structures is especially common among Baby Boomers (68%). Interest in pursuing faith is similar in all areas of the nation with the exception of the Northeast (56%)".
We are mostly a people seeking new and exciting places for our spiritual lives. So why is that? Often, I wonder if we should be focused on creating new and exciting places for our spiritual lives instead of just attending them.
I guess my question of focus is how we, as a community of believers in Christ, can take ownership in our church communities and create new and exciting spaces for people to experience God?
Grace and Peace!
Micah
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