It would appear that most manifestations of church have reached a "local maximum". The particular processes that moulded them and nudged them certain ways toward their styles of worship and modes of being actually originated in small country churches hundreds of years ago. The churches developed to meet the needs of the 'Industrial Revolution' and have continued to seek out higher ground, but we in the post-Christian West, as is Australia, are beginning to see, and are being told by some 'emerging church' "types" that this "animal is now unfit for its environment". However having said that we continue to build & plan for a form of 'if we do it they'll come". However I believe the model we 'be been using, and the 'tweaking' we are trying to do is at a dead end. There is no more room for improvement. In a sense the church cannot advance further along the branch that it's on - there is no more branch! The systemic faults that are actually the root of the problem remain unchanged.
(A good reference is James Fowler "Stages of Faith: The psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning")
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While the older members of a worshiping group maintain their strength in the conduct of Services - it is hard to relax the standard of discipline they expect from younger members nor do they wish a less than "their" standard of conduct nor dress.
Young ones have different culture and attitude to life and learning in the schools and this should also be reflected in the Worship Services. Until the younger generations become the "Elders" and new branches can be grown the old ideals will be clung to.
May we learn to listen to the youth around us and may we love them for their inspirations.
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