The Death of the Denominational Church Seems Near
Since we moved, we've been trying to find a church to call home. There are quite a few churches around town so we just decided to try them all and see which one might fit us best. I tend to be more traditional and I love me some liturgy (having an order to worship that includes historical traditions, reading & response, traditional prayers, creeds, etc). We've been going to the denominational churches (Lutheran, Presbyterian, & Methodist so far) and I've been struck by one thing:
There are no young people in these churches. Like, NONE.
Today we went to the Methodist church and a gentleman came over and said, "I had to make sure to come say Hi to the youngest people here! How does it feel to be so young?"
Now, I need to clarify that I have nothing against the older generation (think late 60's-90's- we sang happy birthday during the service today for a lady turning 97) but there's obviously going to be a gap there and we're probably not going to be good friends. They're probably not going to want to come over and watch "Twilight" with me or go hiking with me or talk about that new pop song they heard on the radio. I can't help but feel discouraged each Sunday because church is historically where I've found my closest friends and the people who 'get' me the most. My beliefs are a huge part of my life and it becomes a crucial role in my friendships. If someone doesn't share that with me, our friendship can only go so deep.
It appears that the believing youth of today are not choosing denominational churches. I will say I don't mind the non-denominational churches but my traditional leanings always get in the way. I find praise band music and a seemingly loose order of worship distracting. I feel there are certain aspects to worship that are non-negotiable and should be present every Sunday- like a time of confession/absolution and communion. It should also be obvious that is what you are doing. Sometimes it feels like the non-denominational churches use their praise music to fill in for those things. The songs might be about confessing sins and how we are forgiven but I want a real moment to think about my sins-to really sit in my stink for a moment- before I ask for forgiveness so I can truly understand and appreciate the grace and mercy that God bestows on us. Pretty music makes things too duckies and bunnies and I, at least, tend to miss the boat on what I should really be focusing on. Maybe I'm just mentally handicapped and need to be guided through my worship. Who knows.
In conclusion, I'm not saying any one church format is better than the other. I'm just saying I have a preference and I'm really sad that it looks like I'll only find that in a setting with people I can't truly connect with. But hey, at least I might inherit a ton of older mentors and, let's face it, old people are funny.
There are no young people in these churches. Like, NONE.
Today we went to the Methodist church and a gentleman came over and said, "I had to make sure to come say Hi to the youngest people here! How does it feel to be so young?"
Now, I need to clarify that I have nothing against the older generation (think late 60's-90's- we sang happy birthday during the service today for a lady turning 97) but there's obviously going to be a gap there and we're probably not going to be good friends. They're probably not going to want to come over and watch "Twilight" with me or go hiking with me or talk about that new pop song they heard on the radio. I can't help but feel discouraged each Sunday because church is historically where I've found my closest friends and the people who 'get' me the most. My beliefs are a huge part of my life and it becomes a crucial role in my friendships. If someone doesn't share that with me, our friendship can only go so deep.
It appears that the believing youth of today are not choosing denominational churches. I will say I don't mind the non-denominational churches but my traditional leanings always get in the way. I find praise band music and a seemingly loose order of worship distracting. I feel there are certain aspects to worship that are non-negotiable and should be present every Sunday- like a time of confession/absolution and communion. It should also be obvious that is what you are doing. Sometimes it feels like the non-denominational churches use their praise music to fill in for those things. The songs might be about confessing sins and how we are forgiven but I want a real moment to think about my sins-to really sit in my stink for a moment- before I ask for forgiveness so I can truly understand and appreciate the grace and mercy that God bestows on us. Pretty music makes things too duckies and bunnies and I, at least, tend to miss the boat on what I should really be focusing on. Maybe I'm just mentally handicapped and need to be guided through my worship. Who knows.
In conclusion, I'm not saying any one church format is better than the other. I'm just saying I have a preference and I'm really sad that it looks like I'll only find that in a setting with people I can't truly connect with. But hey, at least I might inherit a ton of older mentors and, let's face it, old people are funny.
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