Here is the Facebook conversation I mentioned earlier. I want you to see a few things:
1. the conversation takes place in a safe, nonthreatening environment ( I doubt I would get this level of honesty and transparency in a face-to-face conversation, they are not “on my turf” )
2. These are two people who have genuine concerns about the church and have clearly thought through their opinions ( these aren’t rants )
3. Matt speaks of exactly what it would take for him to go to a church, and it is extremely reasonable, makes total sense and is very obtainable ( this is gold for those who work in and for the church, priceless information, not because he is a target, but because I believe with all my heart that the church is the place for someone to allow Christ to change their lives )
The conversation took place over the span of 10 hours and 21 minutes, which could not have happened in a face-to-face setting. This is the beauty of social media! People can respond in their own time and don’t have to feel trapped or cornered.
After this conversation, I asked both individuals their permission to post this conversation, and they agreed, this is how it went verbatim, minus me asking permission. Last post, I linked to myFacebook account, where the entire conversation, which still may not be done, is under the following update status.
Sam Mahlstadt RT @JustinWise Christians, a question for you: How do we make worship relevant and connect it to a world that is drifting away from church?
just my opinion here but I don’t think people are drifting away from church because it’s irrelevant. I think it has much more to do with the constant hypocrisy of the church members.
Perhaps it has to do with relating the material, man. If people can relate to something, they will understand. You can take someone who has a passion for music and hates videogames, and make a relation or analogy between their feelings for music and yours for games, and perhaps that will open up all new doors of understanding.
To clarify I’m meaning that most of these people drifting away are doing so because they feel hypocrisy and that puts them in an environment that they may very much want to be a part of in many ways but are put off and uncomfortable making them reluctant to open up to the worship that they actually are relating to.
great thoughts. Beka, I agree. I think hypocrisy is the number one way to kill a person’s faith. What do you see as the church’s role, then, when someone such as yourself has been hurt by hypocrisy? Please allow me to apologize on the behalf of those who have been hypocritical, as even I myself do this in my personal journey to follow Christ.
… Read MoreDixon, I love the thought. Often times, preachers assume people know what they are talking about, and fail to connect. Thanks for your thoughts, and feel free to continue the discussion.
No need for apology, humans are bound to disapoint from time to time. I don’t think there is a quick fix to the problem. The curch has a reputation for hypocrisy and it’s going to take work to fix it. It’s taught that we can live by example and I think thats exactly what the church should start doing. If the policy of the church is to pick and … Read Morechoose who they accept than they should teach accordingly instead of taking the “love the sinner, hate the sin” approach. I think the church, one by one, should take a look at what they actually believe in and be firm in whatever that philosiphy may be. If the belief is that some people just aren’t worth their time, just say so. If that’s not their belief but they don’t know how to go about reaching these people…use your resources and put the time into it. Ask questions, talk to people who can reach them, reform the thinking and approach.
No prob my man. I truly believe that is a problem though, because with all the scandals that have plagued the Catholic Church (which you can’t ignore, because catholics make up a very large % of church-goers) it’s no wonder that people are drawn away from the Church and Christ. Problem is, I think the Church may just need to modernize a little. … Read MorePeople who usually come to church come for a reason, ranging from devoted person of faith to someone who has never been there but is experiencing hard times and feels that church may help them out in dire times. Whatever the reason, I think what will keep people coming, get new people to come and keep them returning is meaning, which really means that the church needs to relate to a modern world. Sorry, kind of rambled but I’ve felt this way for a long time. Some people today feel that church isn’t worthwhile. Even if you don’t believe, it’s still a great way to connect with people.
How to do all of what I just said though, well thats a job for a person much wiser than myself.
WOW! I love this little discussion here. I agree with all of the above, and I appreciate the comments. I believe that the church has a tall order, b
ut the church is a group of people, not an institution, and we can find hope in that. It has stood the test of time, and many trials. The church will prevail as long as it maintains the heart of Jesus, … Read Moreand I wish to be a part of that. No question modernity has come slow to the church, but I find hope in progressive and innovative churches that are showing people what it means to live like Christ.
I agree with you. Yes, the church has gotten a bad reputation but it’s partialy because people assume that just because these people are involved with the church they are infalible, or should be. WRONG! I think once the church realizes that their job is not to change people but to give people the tools to change things will get better. It needs to … Read Morebe known that a church can welcome someone and not be endorsing what they’re doing. It’s time to get back to welcoming everyone, baggage and all. I’d really like to see church become an interactive experience. Just because someone has taken on the role of leading a church doesn’t mean they have all the answers. I’d like to see pastors use their resources a little more; talk to people in their congregation. Find out what people are struggeling with and work on it as a family.
The fact that you mention the church as a group of people and not an instiution is brilliant. If you take that standpoint on it than it looks infinitely more inviting. People these days don’t want to come and repent and be punished for their sins, but people want to come and be welcomed and be helped/loved. That’s a quality that I think a pastor… Read More and a congregation can address even in a single individual regardless of his/her own religion. It’s just caring open arms that reach out to help people even with their baggage that are going to save this world and help the church become the beacon of light it once was/can be again.
You guys are awesome. I blogged about this at sammahlstadt.blogspot.com, take a look and please keep the conversation going, either there or here. Grace and peace to you.
:) Happy we made your day man! To be honest, what would get me back into church is a sense of reason. Last time I went to church I was bored to tears and nothing even related to my life. I sat there and I asked myself, “Why am I here?” If I can be drawn there then I will go. To me, the image of the church in my mind, I can’t really help it, is creepy old white men dressed in silly robes.