- Is it because we value authenticity so much that church is no longer considered a "social club" that every respectable person should belong to, no matter if they believe it or not?
- Is it because we have become disillusioned with the concept of organized religion?
- Is it because there are truly fewer Christians in my generation than ever before?
I'm not sure. If it's #1, then I'm perfectly OK with the decline of Millenials going to church. I would rather belong to a Body where all of the members are headed in the same direction, than belong to a Body where some of the members are only pretending to be members. Isn't a body in which all of the parts function together so much more effective than a body in which the eye is only pretending to be an eye?
If it's #2... I understand. But I don't agree. I have had a tiny taste of disillusionment with my local church. It was bitter and sad, but it did not diminish my opinion of The Church. However I might disagree with a decision my local church makes, my love The Church does not change. And in the long run, my love for my local church does not change either, because I am committed to Eagan Hills Church. I love her members, her leadership, her servant's heart, her committment to the truth... and only a major geographical move or a major dissent with her foundational beliefs will shake that commitment.
And if it's #3, I still do not doubt that God has a plan for my generation. And I am passionate about sharing His Truth with them. And everyone.
Next up, I plan to share more about why I believe belonging to a local church is vital to a Christian's walk with God. And more about why I love my church, and how being a mother of a toddler has affected my connection to her.
P.S. Yes, I decided to call my church a "her". You can think I'm a dork. But the Church is called the Bride of Christ... so I figured I can call my church a "her". :)
It is sad how distant our generation is from the church. I think sadly a lot of it is laziness. I truly feel that a large majority of our generation is truly apathetic in many aspects of life, religion included. Sam and I have both had very negative experiences with church bodies, and it has unfortunately left a bitter taste when it comes to organized religions, so I can understand that aspect. I also have a complaint that some organized religions spend way too much time focusing on ceremony and 'how it's always been' instead of truly coming together to worship our Lord. I happen to think it IS important to come together as Christians though (it's something that God has been impressing upon me lately) and I don't think enough emphasis is put on that by our society today. I miss Eagan Hills sooooo much. I've done some 'church shopping' down here, and I have yet to find that same feeling anywhere. There's too much of the social aspect and not enough worship for my taste. Luckily I have at least found a good organization for Army wives to come together for a Bible study, and that has been a blessing, but every Sunday morning my heart is still heavy :(
ReplyDeleteI don't think there are any fewer Christian today, but perhaps a very large portion don't understand the work Christians are called to do and have found no way to engage personally in that work. Most young people long to feel a connection to a worthwhile cause, giving of themselves. They are probably a lot more "global" in their thinking than I was at their age, given the advantages of modern technology to reach beyond neighborhoods, towns and states. Engage them in a way that they find purpose and meaning and I don't think your churches will be large enough.
ReplyDeleteLauren - thank you for commenting. :) I completely agree that our generation is apathetic. It's something I struggle with myself. I have big dreams, but sometimes lack the drive to accomplish them. I hate that you and Sam had negative experiences with church, and am glad you got to see the beauty of Eagan Hills with us for awhile. :) I think you make a good point that sometimes "church" can be smaller than we think... even just getting together with some friends for Bible Study. Is there an Army couples Bible Study you could be a part of? I've seen that the small groups at our church tend to be much more engaged, authentic, and great at serving & loving one another than the overall church. I'll be praying for you to find a place to be connected as a couple with other believers!
ReplyDeleteKathy - Thank you for commenting! I think you have hit the problem on the head. With the advent of postmodernism, Christianity has become more wishy-washy than ever to many young people, and they fail to see how radically life-altering following Jesus is meant to be.
ReplyDeletePersonally, we have had a very difficult time finding a church that has similar values as we do. We have gone to too many churches where the members seem just as materialistic and worldly as our non-christian friends. We still haven't really found a church where we agree with the doctrine and see the members living that way. In many ways we are church floaters between a few different places because we have never felt like we really belong anywhere.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the media has brought to light a lot of the hypocrisy in the church, which may also turn people off to it.
One more thing I would like to add is that many people start going to church again when they have children, so hopefully, as the millenials get older and have families, they will see the value of belonging to a church once again.
Thanks for the comment, Renae! I plan to talk about the issue of finding a church in my next post... and I'll be praying for your family to find one where God is most glorified!
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