This week I want you to give thought to the two following paragraphs which at first might seem disconnected. However, they both speak to issues faced by the church at large, as well as churches like ours.
Sometime ago I came across the following information from the book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert Putnam. “Bowling Alone isn’t a Christian book, but it’s an analysis of the health of our sense of community in American culture. The author of Bowling Alone observes that since the 1950s membership involuntary community groups has been steadily declining. He traces membership in groups like labor unions, the PTA, professional groups, grass roots political groups, civic groups, churches and synagogues, philanthropic groups like the Rotary, and so forth. He observes that in every single case, involvement in these groups has been steadily declining for 50 years. As a result of this, our neighborhoods are filled with people who feel disconnected and isolated from each other. Although we hunger and thirst to be part of authentic community, for some reason we avoid actually making the kind of personal investment in the kinds of groups that produce that kind of community.”
From the subject of sports, specifically college football, there is a relatively new phenomenon taking place in the offense. It is called the HUNH, “Hurry Up No Huddle Offense.” Teams following this style typically are able to run 80 to 100 plays a game compared to 70 or less in years past. Someone noted that as of this past Saturday, 32 teams ran at least 80 plays or more on offense compared to as recently as2008 when only one team averaged that many all season.
Quite obviously we’re not a bowling league or a football team, so what do these two divergent observations tell us? I can’t answer it fully here. But let me suggest succinctly they do call onus to pay attention to what is happening around us. They also speak to the freedom to adapt in order to remain effective.In most churches, neither happens naturally or readily. If we are to have a viable witness and reach those around us, we must do more than just repeat what we have always done and expect people to flock to our doors looking for somewhere and something to join.
I do not write these words with any agenda in mind nor preconceived ideas. Neither is criticism, it is simply my hope we continue to work together toward a common purpose of fulfilling our calling. We need open minds and committed hearts. To this end I look forward to dialogue with leadership groups and church members. The other ministers and I welcome your ideas and interest.
On another note, let me mention that there are a couple of spaces left on our“Footsteps of Jesus – Holy Land Journey” next February. This opportunity will close very soon. If you have a family member or friend who might be interested have them contact Debbie Farthing or me as soon as possible.
L. Rick Marshall