Quitting church is reaching epidemic proportions. Caught in the vice between those who exchange the gospel for a social code and those who market it as a consumer product, streams of people are flowing out of churches. From what I can tell many of them long for God, love, truth, credibility, justice, and redemption, but are disappointed with what the church is offering. Bagels and coffee, and promises of health and wealth are limited and breaking down. Thus, today’s pseudo–gospel is having less and less traction and for this we should rejoice. Yet, the fallout is serious, in that the legitimate questions people are asking are not being addressed, nor are these folk being provided with a place to dwell, which has more to do with living spirituality, than merely finding a geographical home. Rich and diverse gospel centered communities are essential to renew and redo the faith in what appears to be the demise of what has been known as church for all too long.
Monday, May 21, 2012
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2 comments:
Greg,
Where are examples of these communities and what do they look like? Do you see this health and wealth gospel dying here in the US?
thank you,
Jeannie
Jeannie,
Thanks. I would say that there are several examples of these types of communities, two in particular come to mind: Small Boat - Big Sea in the Sydney area and Imago Dei in Portland, but I have not been a part of either. They have both been mentioned to me via others who have been involved.
I'm not sure the health and wealth gospel is disappearing in the US, but I do believe in certain circles that it has less traction. Especially younger people tend to step away from it in looking for more authenticity and credibility.
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