My religious affiliation is Methodism. I am a member of the United Methodist Church. I was raised in the Methodist Church and at the age of 64 am still an active, serving member of my church. The last few years have been very very difficult. We have lived through a virus that closed schools, churches and work places. Even as re-openings are occurring we are noticing a change in the atmosphere. Some people are not returning for a variety of reasons but even those returning are often hesitant to resume the fellowship known before. Is this a response to fear, is it apathy/complacency or a combination of both.
A recent podcast I listened to revealed 5 Reasons Why You Have an Apathetic Church Congregation. (https://youtu.be/yWKvnOwSi7s) It was very insightful. Monotony was listed as one of the 5 reasons. Now, understand part of being Methodist is being methodical. For the most part tradition is a main stay, but has it become just words. I was thinking about The Apostles Creed which in the service is followed by The Gloria Patri. Broken down The Apostles Creed is a statement of what we believe. It speaks to the core of our worship and teachings. We memorize this as children and if people are being honest (I am guilty) sometimes when it is being recited, thoughts might be on other things. As well The Gloria Patri- "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end, Amen, Amen." This an expression in music to dedicate our beliefs, and our prayers to be a Glory to the Trinity as it was in the beginning and shall remain to the end.
After the Offering there is the Doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." Which originally written by Thomas Ken in 1674 as the ending to Morning, Evening and Midnight Prayers. We use it today to dedicate our offerings to the church as an expression of knowing all we have and all we give are blessings that flow from God. So next time you are in worship ponder on the words you recite and sing as this is part of how we can worship God.
OK back to tradition and contemporary worship. Yes there are many Methodist Churches that have embraced Contemporary Services with modern praise music, etc. Some exclusively, but many tend to also maintain the Traditional Service. The combination of both of those Worship Services can and do build large churches.
It is important to grow the church and Methodism is defined by it's mission to make disciples. "The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The further mission of First United Methodist Church is to create and build inclusive Christian community through INVITING, FORMING and SENDING FORTH faithful, active disciples of Jesus Christ."
It begs the question, "Are we doing that?" Is that a priority in our church and if so how are we accomplishing that? The podcast refers to another reason for apathy as "Lack of Fellowship Engagement". Some of that may be a result of Covid 19, but more than that have we lost that component of relationship building between our members? Do we have opportunities to have meaningful discussions about the sermon and what it was about? Do we have Bible Studies that generate conversations? Are these discussions and conversations building connections? Do they build relationships with other members that could then be defined as a community? What do people do with the information they receive in church?
Another area in this podcast discussed "Reluctance to serve" Yes as they mention it should be a core value, but do we communicate which areas need people to serve and do we train people for that service? Do we make the "on-boarding" too hard? An area that has seen a drastic change in process for serving is the Vulnerable Adult, Youth and Children's Ministries and often these areas need the most help. Is it really a hardship to comply with screening processes, meant to keep these populations, the volunteers who serve and yes the church itself safe? I guess it depends on what you believe the risk is and what message you want the world to know. Frankly, I view church and all inside it as my extended family. There is not much I would not do to protect my family. I am happy to stand in front of a tall wall to say "if you want inside this gate, we have a non negotiable process". And if I am wanting to enter that gate I would be thrilled knowing these safe guards are in place because I bring my children and grandchildren there.
How do we revitalize our Church Community, our Church Family our passion and vision for the future? Ask the questions, "If this were my first Sunday, would what I see, hear and experience make me to want to come back? Am I a consumer only or would I find fulfillment and blessings in serving in this church? Is my personal mission in keeping with the mission God calls me to?"
