Ryan Burge is perhaps the leading sociologist of religion in America, so whenever he says something, I pay attention—including if that means finding him and listening in unorthodox places, such as a Southern Baptist podcast, Rainer on Leadership. In a recent episode, Burge talked about the positive impact church attendance has on mental health and the fabric of American society.
I love this article. Do you know about bricks and mortals or my book remove the pews. Let’s talk about this work and you. Revdschaper@gmail or 413 687 1937
I 100% believe you are right, and have been trying to push the same message. In many places, our steady, boring witness and theology is...exactly what is needed, right now.
Some of us are embedded in neighborhoods and know a lot of about what it means to built community.
As you point out, mainline churches have already been doing these things even as their participation declines. So perhaps we need to incorporate some kind of evangelizing, or at least make it clear that these services are provided by a church? I always felt that there was something kind of dirty about evangelizing, like I was trying to trick people or indicate that I was better than them because I go to church. But I began to realize that this could be a big reason for the decline of Christianity, we became the default and felt like we didn't need to evangelize any more. I just don't know to do this in my personal life. Any advice?
So does that infer that the work of the church with foodbanks etc is considered positively, especially with mental health? If so, where is the spiritual reason for attending? When does it move from being a spiritual movement to a practical societal benefit, or vice versa?
The Wieuca Rd. Baptist Church in Atlanta is a painful example of this not working. It had a prime location on Peachtree Rd in Buckhead. It hosted every kind of activity from Boy Scouts to sports teams to Junior League functions. But the congregation eventually dwindled down to 70 seniors who just couldn't manage it all. A couple of different churches have met there since then. Last time I drove by, it had a chain link fence around it.
There also have to be ways for those coming to the church to get involved with the church. That’s what we’re starting to work on in my congregation. Instead of calling the process of gathering others to the gospel evangelism, we call it inviting.
I love this article. Do you know about bricks and mortals or my book remove the pews. Let’s talk about this work and you. Revdschaper@gmail or 413 687 1937
I 100% believe you are right, and have been trying to push the same message. In many places, our steady, boring witness and theology is...exactly what is needed, right now.
Some of us are embedded in neighborhoods and know a lot of about what it means to built community.
As you point out, mainline churches have already been doing these things even as their participation declines. So perhaps we need to incorporate some kind of evangelizing, or at least make it clear that these services are provided by a church? I always felt that there was something kind of dirty about evangelizing, like I was trying to trick people or indicate that I was better than them because I go to church. But I began to realize that this could be a big reason for the decline of Christianity, we became the default and felt like we didn't need to evangelize any more. I just don't know to do this in my personal life. Any advice?
Yes, I have another post coming out soon on the importance of evangelism. I agree.
Church buildings that facilitate ministry regardless of congregation size are priceless.
The steeple draws people in. The love keeps them there.
So does that infer that the work of the church with foodbanks etc is considered positively, especially with mental health? If so, where is the spiritual reason for attending? When does it move from being a spiritual movement to a practical societal benefit, or vice versa?
I hope not!
The Wieuca Rd. Baptist Church in Atlanta is a painful example of this not working. It had a prime location on Peachtree Rd in Buckhead. It hosted every kind of activity from Boy Scouts to sports teams to Junior League functions. But the congregation eventually dwindled down to 70 seniors who just couldn't manage it all. A couple of different churches have met there since then. Last time I drove by, it had a chain link fence around it.
Certainly. There has to be mission and purpose behind it.
There also have to be ways for those coming to the church to get involved with the church. That’s what we’re starting to work on in my congregation. Instead of calling the process of gathering others to the gospel evangelism, we call it inviting.
In my first church we called it Gospeling.