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Category: Faith, Religion & Spirituality / Topics: Beliefs Faith Religion Trends

My Church May Not Be Your Church

by Dan Seagren

Posted: May 17, 2009

I recently read that a poll indicated that 44% of adults have changed their religious preferences from their childhood…

When I recently read that a poll indicated that 44% of adults have changed their religious preferences fom their childhood, I was not surprised. This led to another senior moment: why so many changes?

Here are a few possibilities for Christians involved in the switching scenario.

The Autocratic Church—This is the church (size is immaterial) where the pastor and a few hand-chosen officers are almost totally in control. They hire subordinates to do the basics and volunteers are carefully chosen, if needed. Members are often oblivious to this kind of operation, either because they don't particularly care or are uninvolved.

The Ballistic Church—Going ballistic is not exactly precise here but of the motion and force of projectiles is. This kind of church uses every method or approach to make itself known in order to reach people. This can be effective when its end result has merit. They are all things to all people.

The Convenience Church—Like a convenience store, these churches offer something for everybody. People may be attracted because it is more convenient than another church: adequate parking, a sports
center, counseling on sundry topics, soft theology, baby-sitting 24-7 (almost), schooling, senior day care, food pantry and so on.

The Democratic Church—In contrast to the autocratic version, everything done is open. Votes are taken on sundry measures as well as strategic. Polls are conducted regularly and votes of confidence are regular features. Decisions are based on a simple majority or a prescribed percentage, depending on the nature of the issue.

The Ethical Church—Rather than a biblical center of gravity, this church is primarily concerned with ethics, proper social behavior and ecumenism (the practice of promoting cooperation or better understanding among differing religious faiths). Its goal is to attract those with rather diverse backgrounds that may blend rather freely.

The Faith Church—These congregants operate freely with little or no inhibition that anything is possible by believing it can be accomplished. Their motto may be We Live by Faith, Not by Sight. While their vision, dreams and goals may be quite noble, there also may be a tendency to depend too much on faith and too little on work (not works).

The Gorgeous Church—Considerable attention is given to architecture, amenities, style and curb appeal. If we build it, they will come may be their watchword. Beautiful gardens, attractive parking lots, comfortable pews and well-dressed parishioners are evident. How effective it is may be a problem but if coupled with viable methods, it could be effective.

The Hallelujah Church—These churches can often be heard, if not seen, from quite a distance. Praise songs, hearty a-mens, hand-clapping, amplified instrumentation and a free spirit can make these churches inviting. They may turn some folk away while attracting others. Regardless, statistically they are on the move.

The Intellectual Church—While we have not run out of types of churches, we have no more space (by design). Yes, there are churches where intelligence, academic excellence and heady words and concepts are desired and available.

Your senior moment may not be the same as your neighbor but that is understandable, isn't it?



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Dan Seagren is an active retiree whose writings reflect his life as a Pastor, author of several books, and service as a Chaplain in a Covenant Retirement Community.

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Posted: May 17, 2009   Accessed 176 times

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