Church of 21st century faces special problems

John Hatcher is pastor of Outreach International Center, 1091 South Jeff Davis Drive, Fayetteville, Georgia 30215. 770-719-0303

By John Hatcher
Contributing Writer

Church-going folks are fooled! Many of us pastors are fooled too. And this one is not “fools for Christ” but fooled fools.

While we are sitting on our chairs or pews in the comfort of our worship centers, we are thinking the whole world has come to a stop and are worshiping also just like us. Church people have always adopted the strategy of “head in the sand.”

Sneak out of worship one Sunday and check out the grocery stores. You will be aghast. That’s where the people are. Just because you have never shopped for your groceries on a Sunday morning does not mean the majority of folks don’t. And it’s not a case of the Methodists beating the Baptists to the chow lines on Sunday after church; it’s the unchurched folks who are there first.

The Bible belt is a mere sash today. Georgia’s population grew 26 percent between 1990 and 2000, and is expected to grow another 17 percent between 2000 and 2009. Yet, estimates hold that our state is 60 percent unchurched. Some areas of Georgia reflect statistics which indicate the resident population is upwards to 70 and 80 percent unchurched.

The history of the American church is a sad story of retreat from the world. All the while we have been instructed to be in the world but not of the world. When new American communities sprang up in the new American nation, folks built a meeting house. That’s where they would gather for all sorts of meetings including Sunday’s preaching service. Gradually, the church leaders began to think they needed a house of their own, strictly devoted to church services.

Before that, centuries ago, the church met in homes for Bible study and worship. When Constantine was converted to Christianity about the third century, he thought the church should have big, impressive buildings like the government had. Hence, churches moved from homes to big boxes used only a couple of times a week. Consequently, the church has moved out of town square and out of the homes and now we suffer the consequences.

Seeking to overcome the past, one North Atlanta church has adapted its altar area to look like a house with a family room and kitchen. Also, there have been massive attempts to set up cell groups in homes in an effort to take the church back to its house setting. Thus far, in America, that movement has proved not too successful (although in Latin American and Asian countries the house movement has picked up considerable speed). I suppose most American housewives don’t want the neighbors coming in and checking the dust levels.

Church trends are also alarming. Smaller churches are closing their doors left and right. Mega-churches appear to be taking up new members. That’s just an appearance. The truth is, more and more people are just not going to church or temple except for special days of the year. Mega-churches find themselves with huge buildings, staff, and mission commitments. They cringe as they look at cash flow. Often members get the idea that the church is more concerned with money and them. Untrue, but it seems like it.

Truly, mainline churches and churches in general are facing a crisis of competition within a fluid market. It will take church members taking their heads out of the sand and making a genuine commitment to reach their communities for Christ. No longer can it be left to the huge church and large staff. It will take every member to thrive in the 21st century.