How and where people worship is constantly changing.
Denominations may begin with a fervent few, rise to prominence, then
decline. Others re-invent themselves. And always there are new ones
springing up. Over time, church-going seems to mirror the shifting tastes
and needs of evolving populations and cultures.
A Gallop Poll survey in 2012, about how Americans feel about
religion, offered some glimpses into our nation's spiritual life. Gallup
asked 320,000 people how religious they considered themselves to be, and how
often they attended religious services. Overall, some 40% of adults
considered themselves "very religious," and 29%
"moderately" religious, while 31% said they were "non-religious."
Religiousness is "distributed quite unequally across various
sub-groups and segments of the U.S. population," Gallup says.
Experts believe that nowhere is denominational
"churn" as pronounced as in New England. Over four
hundred years ago, religious refugees fled there,only to establish virtual
theocracies. Later came Unitarians and other theists, gospel skeptics
whose open-mindedness helped frame the U.S. Constitution. Next up were
the personal-savior preachers of the first and second "great
awakenings" who fostered a populist Christianity. Then it was on to the
Transcendentalists with their celebration of nature and community.
Today's New England is still a religious incubator. It
is in the forefront of the "un-churched" trend. That is, the
growing group who see themselves as spiritually-minded but not
denominational. However, New England is also seeing a mushrooming of
non-mainstream churches, says Gallup. Others say there is a desire
for hands-on, make -a-difference faith.
One Gallup analyst noted that children today often push away
from the familiar and traditional as they grow up, but embrace those same
qualities as they mature. Does that mean that church-based religion could
become more important in the U.S. in years to come as baby boomers age and the
number of Americans 65 and older nearly doubles? According to Gallup, Americans
are least religious at age 23, and most religious at age 80.
Through the many decades of change, does there not remain a
natural yearning that never goes away ---- a hunger for communion with
something beyond ourselves, and for community with others seeking the same
thing? So, in one sense, all along haven't we been seeking some special
relationships ---- one with God, and multiple relationships with like-minded
seekers?
In every era, churches have changed outwardly, but perhaps
not in their essential purpose. That's important because when we least
expect it, we can suddenly wonder why we are here and where we are going.
Church can give us a way to work that out. Maybe church ---- not the building,
but the essence of church, helps us understand the real purpose for why we were
put on this earth!
Some say that what's emerging is a religious shift in the
way faith is practiced. They see adherents flocking to churches where the
difference faith makes is concrete and visible. Where
broadly engaged mission activity invites all to participate. Where
connections fostered in the faith community enable one to nurture the
self-discovery of our personal beliefs and faith. They feel that a church
connection could keep them on the right path.
On Sunday mornings at CPC, a church with 685 members, we may
see less than 200 worshipers in the 10:00 a.m. service, but activity in the
name of God is thriving in other ways. There is a lively children's
Sunday School taught by adult members of the congregation. On Tuesday
nights CPC hosts 40 youth from inner-city Elizabeth for an evening of coaching
and mentoring. CPC has two visitation teams organized for regular visits
each week to the patients of two local hospitals. There are
specially-trained Stephen Ministers serving as on-going care-givers. And,
there are other groups and individuals called to regularly serve those who are
most at risk in our society, young and old. When you look at these
metrics, CPC is a church that is very alive because it offers so many
participation opportunities ---- and new opportunities are perceived and
acted upon continually. Mere worship attendance by itself does not tell
the story.
How can CPC help you find more depth in your spiritual
life? It could be the good, old-fashioned way of helping get you better
acquainted with the Gospel and the meaning of discipleship. Or, it might
be through new personal relationships with peers seeking similar growth
opportunities that make a difference. For example, consider becoming a
participant in one of CPC's hands-on mission activities.
No two of us will answer these questions in the same
way. But, CPC offers many of the kinds of involvement opportunities that
would help each of us find greater spiritual fulfillment. This spring,
let's just look for the right personal fit, and join in. All you need to
do is ask!
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult
Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue some personal
spiritual growth this spring at CPC.
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