Whether you like a traditional church atmosphere or enjoy hearing indie rock bans belt out “Amazing Grace”, when it comes to positive change for the American people- the aesthetics aren’t the point. The point is that no matter how the church reinvents itself, if the theology remains the same and the teachings spur people on to change in their lives, then no matter the “look” of the sanctuary good can be done. We must be honest though, even if your church has undergone a makeover lately that doesn’t mean that attendance will skyrocket. It takes positive investment in others to create change in your community. Can the modern day church can do just that- with or without the snazzy duds?
Who’s to say that reinventing the Christian church’s aesthetic isn’t a great way to entice new members? But some may wonder if they should. In the name of tradition, some will find the unorthodox way of worship, i.e.: loud bands, and lecture, using words like “dude” and encouraging social networking through Facebook, to be appalling. But we are in an age where visual technologies are quickly antiquating hymnbooks and off-key choirs, so it is an evolution that shouldn’t be shocking.
Who’s to say that reinventing the Christian church’s aesthetic isn’t a great way to entice new members? In the name of tradition, some will find the unorthodox way of worship, i.e.: loud bands, and lecture, using words like “dude” and encouraging social networking through Facebook, to be appalling. But we are in an age where visual technologies are quickly antiquating hymnbooks and off-key choirs, so it is an evolution that shouldn’t be shocking.
While the theology should remain constant for progressive Protestant churches across the nation, especially those that are trying to make over their look- it may be a sign of growth if you begin noticing that button down business shirts have been replaced with comfy cotton T’s and stain glass windows have been switched out for exposed beams and a moody, candlelit, coffee-shop vibe in your local mecca.
The most important question that needs to be asked in light of a new generation of young adults becoming more interested in church is, will this new generation of off-center churchgoers have the power to do away with negative church stereotypes? Certain stereotypes such as the church’s predisposition to judge others based upon appearance as opposed to actions, is one that stands to be shaken. So perhaps, the new facelift that has been seen in churches across the nation is actually doing more than just trying to “cool” up their image, and instead are trying to mirror a life like Christ and not judge others, lest they be judged.
Creating an environment where young and old alike feel welcomed isn’t an easy task, especially when it comes to church. But according to Gallup international 41% of the American public regularly attend church services and in a Harris poll conducted in 2009 studies showed that there has been a slight increase in those who believe in the church’s teachings from previous years, claiming that 76% of Americans over the age of 18 now believe in a personal God. Does this mean that perhaps engineering an environment where you can order a latte and wear skinny jeans may be swinging the doors wide open on a Christian revival?
Whether you like a traditional church atmosphere or enjoy hearing indie rock bans belt out “Amazing Grace”, when it comes to positive change for the American people- the aesthetics aren’t the point. The point is that no matter how the church reinvents itself, if the theology remains the same and the teachings spur people on to change in their lives, then no matter the “look” of the sanctuary good can be done. We must be honest though, even if your church has undergone a makeover lately that doesn’t mean that attendance will skyrocket. It takes positive investment in others to create change in your community, so let’s hope that the modern day church can do just that- with or without the snazzy duds.
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