How Have We Seen the Church Change?

Notes from Wed Feb 24 Meeting. Please note that we have provided numbering so when commenting, refer to the numbers (i.e. 2 a iv). Thanks to Deirdre Harris for taking these.
1) Society Factors Impacting the Church:
a) Increased Choice - Parents of Baby Boomers wanted to give their children the freedom of choice. Many people still consider themselves connected to a denomination; however, they choose not to go to church.
b) Other Alternatives – Stores are now open on Sundays and many sport practices occur on Sunday morning.
c) Separation of Church and State – no longer have prayer in the schools, etc.
d) Diversity of Religion – no longer a solely Christian society – there is a diversity of religions.
e) Pluralism – people value a diversity of choices. There is no longer ONE WAY that is considered correct.
f) Liberalism – religion is often seen as “politically incorrect”.
g) Media and Technology – push out mass messaging, especially to youth.
h) Avoid Commitment – people don’t want to join organizations because they don’t want to be committed. Tied in with wanting freedom of choice.

Comments:
i-Protestant parents who want their children schooled in faith choose to send them to Catholic schools or faith-based private schools.
ii-In India, public schools allow time for the practice of different faiths (Christian, Hindu, Muslim, etc.). Children go to different classrooms depending on their faith.
iii-In India, secularism does not mean the exclusion of religion. Instead, it means people are given the option to follow their own religion, but must respect other religions.
iv-People went to church for a cultural reason, not a relationship reason. They went because “it looked good”. That reason has fallen away.
v-Children rebelled against the fact that their parents were not living what they were preaching.
vi-The church used to have an effect on society; however, it is the other way around now.
vii-People have more freedom; however, they also are lonelier.
viii-Liberalism is doing to the West what Communism has done to Russia.
ix-The expectations of church have changed.

2) How Does the Church Move Forward?
a) Churches geared towards “entertaining” their congregation are declining as well.
b) Should the church focus more on social connections or developing a relationship with God?
c) How do we encourage young people to stay in the church?
d) Church buildings are disappearing due to declining congregations and the cost of maintaining them. Do we need a church building?
e) If people aren’t coming to church anymore, how do we get the message to them?

Comments:
i-Need to develop a stronger faith within the congregation, especially the youth. We need to integrate the youth and adults more.
ii-Youth Group – the draw is more social. They come with a bunch of their friends (carry over from Boys & Girls Club). However, they also receive care & concern when they are here.
iii-Millennials are big on volunteering. Will we draw them into the church by providing mission opportunities?
iv-Authenticity is vital. (A Sunday School teacher that demonstrated true faith has had a lasting impact on one attendee.)
v-The church is declining; however, the kingdom is growing. The language has changed. The church is only a vehicle.
vi-Congregating is still important. We need to be in groups to support each other.
vii-We must reach out to people where they are – e.g. online. Does our website draw people to the church?
viii-Community activities often draw people the first time - BBQ, Easter Breakfast, Stampede Breakfast.
ix-We should do a survey to find out why:
i. People who came as children no longer come to the church; and
ii. Youth who are here still stay.

We need to realize that Jesus was always in touch with culture but never in sync. The church needs to be aware not be in step with culture but to impact culture. It starts at home.