Most traditional churches are struggling to connect in this Digital Age. This isn’t breaking news to anyone anymore. Traditional businesses are struggling with the same thing, for that matter.
That’s why we met recently with authors Alan Jamieson and Len Sweet in the mountains of West Virginia. Jesus often retreated to the mountains to reflect and refresh, so it seemed to be a good place for us as well. We were interested in Alan’s work regarding why people leave church.
In the past, the church’s response to all of this leaving has been to:
- Conduct market research to discern their community’s interests
- Develop excellent program options to address these interests
- Hire paid staff to pull it off
- Measure customer satisfaction in order to keep doing this better and better
That strategy seemed to work well in the Broadcast Age. However, as our world becomes increasingly complex, it’s apparent that this entertainment strategy isn’t equipping us to deal with it. Many are disillusioned and searching for help elsewhere, and it is the churches that are requiring Christ-like sacrifice and commitment that are now growing.
This raises the important question that surfaced in West Virginia:
Is suffering a precursor to learning?
What do you think? What do we need to teach our kids about suffering, humility, growth, and resolve?
Ed, I just heard something on this topic of suffering. I can’t remember exactly from where, and have been racking my brain to recall – but anyway, the gist of it was that we think that suffering is not the norm, while scripture is a litany of examples of suffering. Jesus said in this world you will have trouble. why would we believe otherwise?
and some hopeful words from Romans 5:3-4 …but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
I heard an interesting piece from a television interview – a celebrity, who had had to work very hard for commercial success was discussing that she was having to create “obstacles” in her child’s life so that her child could develop strength.
I certainly think suffering is a precursor to learning – not always – but it’s a great force for learning, innovative change.
have you heard the old gospel/bluegrass spiritual “Talk About Sufferin’”?
“Talk about sufferin’ here below
and let’s keep a followin Jesus…”
good stuff.
I love to comfort my babies when they are sick or have an “ouchie”. I’m sure there is something to that on a larger scale; it gives a playing field for developing trust.
Ann
Hmmm… I really wish that suffering was not a precursor to learning, but when I reflect on my life experiences the painful ones were/are the most intense times of learning for me.. so much so that now when experiencing pain I have hope. Love ya, J
Ed, I’ve thought about this in my own life, and in the area of church as well. I think what you said about suffering and the comments that have been made are right on.
You can take what I’m going to say with a grain of salt:
I think that marketing research for churches can be a good thing, but one of the results of it is that in an effort to become “world-friendly”, it’s caused us to water down the gospel and the call to discipleship so much that at times, it’s difficult to know how Christians are even different from the world.
I think that the chuch has underestimated it’s young people by trying to make being a christian ‘easy’. I don’t believe young people as a whole are looking for the easy way out. I think this generation is looking for something worth dying for…let alone to live for. It’s not that the church is asking to much, but possibly, not enough.
I can see why the commitment level is low when discipleship is not necessarily a calling, but has been reduced to a mere suggestion. I will be the first to say that I don’t enjoy suffering, but I think it’s possibly “easier” when we know it’s part of following Christ instead of an annoyance that could be avoided.
I don’t know if I’ve made any sense at all…and like I said, take it with a grain (or possibly a shaker full) of salt.
I think suffering provides a unique opportunity for learning. However, it would be false to say that suffering is REQUIRED for learning. Knowledge can certianty come through hardships, but also through some of life’s greatest joys.
On a seperate note, I am troubled by how closely your analysis of the church’s response to members leaving mimicks that of a business or marketing scheme. Not to say that your analysis is incorrect, because I believe you are right that the church has approached its mission with a business mindset. But this, to me, misses the heart of what Christ’s ministry was all about. Market research or excellently developed programs will ever replace the depth and meaningfulness of face-to-face contact. And sharing in life together.
Though I and my fellow digital-agers may hate to admit it, the digital age can not replace the fundamental human need of autheticity, presence, and communication. Which can only happen face-to-face.
Hey sorry…I’m way behind here in following up comments.
Mark – I agree that suffering was the norm with most if not all Biblical characters. Think Moses for 40 years, Joseph in prison two years, David fleeing Saul, John the Baptist…etc. I appreciate Romans 5 as well and how it lays out the steps to lasting hope. Imagine….hope requires trials..even with our kids.
Ann – Great thought regarding building trust. I was told once that the best management teams are those that have been to hell and back together. The shared struggle develops insight… but maybe more significant you learn who’s really trustworthy when the chips are down. Most important, as you mentioned, we build trust in God through our pain which is our only hope…thanks Ann.
Jenny – Thanks for the thought. I think that’s right where God wants us…rejoicing in tribulation because we trust His work in us!
Tami – I think you’re right on. It’s becoming apparent in our effort to connect, build relationships, and encourage others we’ve focused too much on the blessings of God and struggle avoidance. We’ve left the impression that if you’re walking in the spirit you can actually avoid it. Of course there are a multitude of blessings in the Christian walk, but in the quiet corners of our hearts we know that we just can’t get around our sinful nature and the pain of it.
I’d guess we’ve all been encouraged by these words:
In this world you’ll have tribulation…but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.
Your comments suggest, and I’m seeing it as well, an increasing interest to learn how to overcome, not simply avoid, struggle. Even if that requires us to buck up, stare it in the face, and learn to endure it with a joyful spirit. That seems far more authentic.
Bryce – I appreciate your thoughts regarding the Digital Age and the continued need for relationships. If reality requires us to buck up and face struggle head on…and even endure it…often we need the support and encouragement of others to do so.
That fundamental human need of authenticity, presence, and communication you mentioned seem to be a vital part of that support and encouragement. They inspire us to hang on and teach us we aren’t alone in dealing with struggle.
It seems the church is learning to become more open, honest, and authentic. But it’s scary for any of us to be so vulnerable…right? That takes a deep trust God’s in control.
Hummm…that may just take us back to the first comment in this post and Romans 5. It may help explain why tribulation is such a vital part of our journey. Without it can we really learn to be open, honest, and authentic?
Not sure if suffering is ‘necessary’, but I do believe what Dave Gibbons taught me at Q – and that is “we relate in our pain”.
We have Mirror Neurons in our brains that fire when performing an action or when watching the same action performed, mirror neurons help us learn by mimicking others. Perhaps even more important is that mirror neurons help create emotional connections thorugh empathy – hence, we relate in our pain.
Michael
Way to deep for 10:00 PM Michael.