One of the greatest challenges for churches is to let go of the familiar, safe past and move into a new unknown future. It handcuffs people. For the past 40 to 50 years, many churches held the line to their version of authentic worship; and it worked for them. However, these same churches are now noticing that their communities are lacking young families and teenagers. Now the mantra of these churches has become; "We need to change." I just wish they would leave it at that and embrace the changes that are needed. The mantra in reality is; "We need to change as long as nothing changes."
I remember being a student minister at a church in Ottawa. It was a large, beautiful church with an impressive interior and sound. It its glory years, a 1000 people would cram in to experience a Christmas service; 700 to 800 people was not uncommon. In its final years, a group of 45 to 50 faithful people would gather every Sunday to experience their "traditional worship" (I'm guessing that never changed in the past 30 to 40 years). Change was something that was not tolerated. Some were proud to "run out those who tried... when you come here, you do as we do." The last service ever to be worshiped there was glorious. But it ended in the exercise of "wrapping chains around the doors" as the final symbol of closure. The memories still haunt me this day of all these faithful people, weeping uncontrollable as their church died that night. They never wanted to change, yet they were experiencing the biggest change of their lives. And all those sacred items are now gone.
These stories continue today across this country. Many churches now have 40 to 50 years of "catching up" to do. However, they are only willing to change at a pace that snails have no problems over-coming. You find the congregation's "sacred cows" scattered all over the church; flags, plaques, stained glass windows, pews, tables, pictures of the past, gowns and robes, the organ and the hymnals, traditions of lighting candles, when to pray, how to pray, and the list goes on. And when a change is required that challenges the mere existence of any of these things, someone is (or many people are) going to get crucified.
It is amazing what power these sacred items hold. I sometimes believe that they have become more powerful than the Word of God or the Works of the Holy Spirit. People hold so tight to these icons of the church that disposing of them means to them that "God is leaving the building". The notion of discussing why these things need to be challenged in order to solve other issues simply is not tolerated. Removal of these things become the new problem.
I guess that is why I am glad to be where I am. I have not found too many of these "sacred cows" here at KCC (but there are a few hanging around). At least people here are more than willing to discuss the issues at hand and are willing to come up with workable solutions that solve problems. It seems to be respectful, for the most.
Moving forward is a huge challenge for many congregations. I would encourage members to embrace a lot of little changes in the life of a church, rather than one supper large one. And in the end, you are going to loose it all anyways. And the mission of God will continue, with or without you.
