PC(USA) Headquarters |
I think it's safe to say that every mainline denomination is struggling with finances and membership and they have been fighting those battles for many years with little success. The struggle can be summed up as the difficulty letting go of what we have always done and trying new things. In the last years I have served the church in a variety of roles and it is my belief that the denomination can only be rejuvenated with small churches, NCD's and innovative worshiping communities. The proposed actions by the BoP do exactly the opposite and favor the powers that be-what we've always done.
Fear based decision making is always inferior to that based on a faith in the future. While I disagree with Michael Jenkins' conclusions in his blog, I think the premise that society wants religion which is relevant is right on target. There is a need for the church and we can be socially relevant, but getting to that point requires that we step out on faith, let go of some of our age-old assumptions and be willing to work. There are enough challenges to the church of the 21st century and those who serve her to create even more. obstacles.