Sat, Jan 03 2004

Don't Give Me That Old-Time Religion

The days when Christian churches could sit in sequestered places and expound on their particular "take" of the Good Book's wisdom are rapidly headed for distinction. I noticed in this article on Cowboy Church, there is an emphasis on church relating to the lifestyle of people today, instead of people adjusting their schedule and appearance to coincide with the teachings of a church. Twenty-somethings want relevancy in their church services too. Who doesn't? After a long week of work meetings, running errands on lunch hours, trying to fit in a little exercise, grabbing a little food on the run and keeping children busy and happy with school and activities, most adults don't want to put on a suit and give up their weekend to warm a pew and be preached to about worldly things. Most everyone nowadays is just trying to figure out a way to pay for the few worldly things we need to keep a basic lifestyle going. Churches that promote a "come as you are" atmosphere are the ones picking up members and making a big difference in their community. They're adding gyms, child-care, entertainment and refreshments to busy, exhausted people. One church in Alexandia, Kentucky makes the point with interactive services and chooses a "director of fun" along with other church officers.

Form and ceremony mean a lot to some people, but churches who choose to open up possibilities along with doors may see a real return for their efforts. It makes perfect sense to me. I have always thought the Lord was a lot more interested in taking Sabbath (or Sunday, for those of you in Sunday-keeping churches) into the other six days of the week than in making it as different from the other days as possible. The latter way only succeeds in making most of us feel schizophrenic and short-changed in our spiritual experience, and maybe even a little phony.

posted at: 13:45 | category: /Religious and Spiritual | link to this entry