www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Article on People Leaving Childhood Religion

Fortunately or Unfortunately the Episcopal Church here in America has been experimenting with new ways to attract members. They have tried just about every innovation possible to the point of perverting the Gospels. They're membership is still in decline. Amberpep wrote in regards to mega churches. So what do we do? Are we supposed to sell Catholicism like a "brand"? We hear that term thrown around alot. Or do we do what we've been doing-being shining examples of a Christ centered life. Each of us are evangelists when we leave the divine liturgy and go into the world. I know that the "priestly people" concept sounds like it goes nowhere, but really thats the way we are going to get converts. When our nonchristian friends and family members want to be more like we are.

I think the problem is there are many of "us" who want to be like "them". It is sooo easy to be seduced by the wickedness! We've been raised in a Pagan society that exemplifies sex-denial of human suffering-and Self. But if we persevere, take the hard road and carry our cross, the message of Christ will take root again.

Another thing we have to teach is discipline! We live in a here and now, get things quick and easy. You can not go that route with the Almighty! Sometimes,..you have to wait!

Finally, I agree with Fr. Deacon Paul, people leave their parishes and don't find another church. There is a lack of community for most people. I do think there are alot of people out there looking for community. They want to be part of something greater than they are. We need to be more effective in communicating the message of Christ to these groups of people.

Very well put PhilD. I'm finding, among friends I have - and we're all late 50's early 60's that those who are truly committed to Christ and are intentional about growing and learning and worship, are beginning to realize the lack in some of their contemporary churches. In this regard, and the fact they know that I have made this change, ultimately they ask about it. I love the Orthodox way of humility ... our lives speak for us, first. Then, we will at some point get the opportunity to share. When they do ask, which they have, one of the things that stands out in my mind most starkly is the Praise and Worship portion of the contemporary church. For me, (and I speak only for me here) it became "just something you do" ... to raise your hands, everyone around you was doing it, so you did too. And, then when the band slowed things down, we "knew" to get into that "worshiping" mode (I should say, again for me, "worshiping-looking"), and we would close our eyes as if in deep prayer while singing. For me, in all honesty, and because I was on staff at that mega-church which put even more pressure on one to "fit in" ... well, it was not real worship at all. It was an experience of fun music and it was all about me.
I'm slowly learning that real worship has nothing to do with me ... it is all directed toward our Lord, done in a spirit of quiet peacefulness, humility, and the total recognition that it is by His Grace we can come to Him at all.
abby
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Abby and Phil,

I agree that we have to live, teach and respond according to the Gospel...and that means humility, repentance, accepting our cross and seeing Christ in each person. The Episcopal Church has done just about everything it can do to destroy itself while it was trying to be more appealing to special interests.

It's so frustrating to get someone to become interested in worshipping with us, then losing them within a short time. Perhaps becoming a "remnant Church" is our calling; to be true and let "our lamp shine" even though the darkness doesn't seem to abate.

Thanks for the comments and interesting discussion.

"I was on staff for several years at what would be called a "mega-church" outside of D.C. "

Would that happen to be McLean Bible Church, or as we call it in my family, "Jesus Galleria"?