Archive for August, 2002
In article titled “Churches advised
In article titled “Churches advised to join 21st century“: 75 percent of U.S. churches are dying or declining, and 24 percent are growing only by playing “musical saints,” picking up people who have left other churches. Only 1 percent are growing by reaching out to those who don’t feel at home in a conventional church setting. I wonder how many megachurches (over 1000 in attendance on a weekend, by this article’s measure) fit in the 24%-musical-saints category, and if it’s akin to the phenomena of Wal-mart-coming-to-town-and-closing-down-the-mom-and-pop-stores, but with churches. Some say that “baby boomers” will put their money behind building those big buildings and production-like Sunday services, while the next gen isn’t into that.. well, yes and no, some of the prominent next gen church ministries around still look like the predecessor, except louder and edgier.. for me, I like being a part of a big worship service b/c of quality music and message, but I also want the real authentic relationships.. I want both.
watched a fascinating movie recently
watched a fascinating movie recently called Magnolia, very nuanced and character-driven, deeply textured, if those are the right movie critic terms, I’m not sure.. what I walked away with was realize our shared human dilemma, that we are broken people, and longing for the power to break free from our neurosis that grip us into old habits, to have strength to forgive those who’ve hurt and damaged us, and to relate and connect with people who would love and accept us for simply who we are.. several scenes I liked, one I’ll mention here– a couple are out on their first date, and she takes the bold risk to ask that they talk about anything they want, reveal everything, and not hide and manipulate and lie.. the guy takes the offer, doesn’t get phased by it, and shares a vulnerable thing about his day (I won’t say what it was, no spoiler here), she’s sorta shocked by his candor and willingness to take the offer.. but then isn’t able to share the truth about herself, and runs off never to be seen again..
Megachurch Listings there’s that great
Megachurch Listings
there’s that great fascination with megachurches, defined by this research project as those with over 2000 in attendance, and they’re usually characterized by: Massive numbers of persons in attendance; A charismatic, authoritative senior minister; A very active 7 day a week congregational community; A multitude of social and outreach ministries; and a complex differentiated organizational structure — this is to say, a church that doesn’t have a dominant charismatic lead pastor won’t be very large, even if that’s what it dreams or prays for..