Wednesday, June 29, 2016

When Chuches close their doors~the changing landscape of religion in America.

I guess it is no secret, and certainly nothing new in the last few decades, but the face of American religion has changed. The whole concept of what we believe as "church" needs to change to keep pace with changing cultural expectations and needs.  The churches that don't change, sadly sometimes suffer the fate of having to close their doors.
(Photo:http://secondchairleadership.com)
I write these words on the page, with a heavy heart, as I am trying to better understand and come to grips with these changes because my own church recently made the decision to close it's doors. So it is really hitting home with me. Living in the same community for over 25 years, my husband and I have seen two of the churches we attended close their doors.  In making light of the situation, my husband jokes that churches shouldn't let us through the doors...we are bad luck. "Quick close the doors! Here come the Smith's."  Humor frequently helps to lighten the load, and I am glad that we can laugh about our losses.  Yet, the empty feelings do come back.  Our boys were baptized in church #1, then confirmed in church #2.  So many memories of Youth retreats, Easter egg hunts and one of my favorites: the candlelight services on Christmas Eve. And I know Hubby and I will remember all those Chili Cook-offs and the jokes that followed about eating too many beans (groan...eye-roll) Yet time marches on and I know somehow we will find a new church home....but it will be "different" and sometimes change is hard. The process is not done without grieving as we move forward to what the future may bring. Change is  hard but can open the door to new possibilities. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once wisely said "The only thing that is constant is change."

I take heart in looking at the bigger picture about religion in America. We are still a "spiritual" nation, 96% of all Americans are somehow linked or affiliated with some type of religion and/or spirituality. The agnostics (those who admit to being agnostic, at least) number only 2 % and the atheists weighing in at 2%.  That leaves me wondering what the other 96% are thinking and how they pursue and enhance their spiritual life.  Even if they don't choose a specific church and attend services in the traditional Sunday morning gathering venue, people often view themselves as a part of a "community" of faith. People tend to be drawn to the strength and comfort that can be found in being together with like-minded people. Frequently this gathering of people together for support is facilitated within a church. Additionally, most of the churches provide not only comfort and support to their own members, but reach beyond their doors to help both the local community and globally.

What has changed is how we practice or demonstrate  our faith. "Going to church" does not necessarily mean what it used to. It is not necessarily bound by the constraints of the Sunday morning service and certainly the services themselves vary by theological content, music and the whole style of the service.  In this world we live in, bombarded by images, music and information at an alarming pace, it is no wonder churches struggle to keep pace with it all.  The medium may change, but the foundations of the message remain the same.  In his blog on Christianity Today, Karl Vaters talks about how church services have changed so drastically in recent years, but in talking with some of his fellow church goers he brings comfort with the message that "...changes are on the surface. The methods and styles are different but the gospel message is the same. "

This brings me a certain amount of comfort,  but I have always found change to be hard.  And there is something to be said about the joys and comfort found in tradition! Think of  Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof singing about: "Tradition!" I look to the future, I have to, but I find comfort in the traditions of the past when my heart sings: "Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love.  The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above." (Traditional hymn: Blessed be the Tie that Binds)

I do not know what the future will be bring, for today my heart grieves the closing of our little church.  I only wish the best for those who have crossed our threshold and know that whatever path our members may take, they will find comfort knowing that God walks with us on each and every path.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 199:105   NIV

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