It’s clear that the instutional church in the United States is struggling these days. We are frustrated, anxious, and frightened by rapid cultural changes that have sent our numbers into a downward spiral. Our ability to effectively respond is hampered by numerous chains that bind us - some seen and others unseen. Here are seven that will be discussed in detail in future posts:
1) The “Glory Days” - We long to return to a mid-20th century level of attendance and cultural relevance, which is never going to happen.
2) Numbers-based definitions of success - Attendance, buildings, and cash. (ABC) See #1.
3) Survival mentality - We are afraid to die, even as we proclaim the God of resurrection. See #2.
4) “One church, one pastor” leadership models - Developing new and vibrant communities of faith will require us to better understand and employ our varied gifts of leadership. One person can’t do it all. Shared leadership among congregations is now a more faithful model.
5) Clergy careerism - If leaders make their core ministry decisions based on personal and family finances, new ideas and models will be stifled. Risk in leadership must be shared. See #4.
6) “Bring them in here” approach to evangelism - More and more, the population in general is not showing up at our facilities, no matter what we do. The more we stick to our own buildings, the smaller the pool of people we can reach. We must get out where the people are.
7) Centrality of a worship service - This is not a call to end worship, but to rethink the practice of making a worship service (sitting in a pew or a chair for one hour, once a week) the central and defining practice of faith.
Which of these seven do you resonate with? Disagree with? What else should be on the list of how the institutional church is in chains?
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