Chris Salzman over at ThinkChristian.net (a blog I regularly read) sent me a link to an article on Dechurchification happenings around the country. Here's his link and a couple referring articles charting dechurchification as a national urban issue.
The Church has got to wake up on this. It pains me to see that we can't figure out the kingdom agenda here and keep church buildings working for the name and glory of Jesus. I know that God doesn't need buildings. And as a church we'll never let buildings be an issue that determines ministry. But buildings do open up ministry options.
I've said it before and I'll say it again--buildings are a stewardship; nothing more and nothing less. Maybe if we ring this bell loudly enough and in the right places, the story can be written differently.
Losing churches to developers and the like is quite frustrating. I didn't read the articles yet, but on a micro-level, I think members of these churches don't know what to do or they have been doing the same thing for years and get stuck. Another issue I think is that many members are resistant to change. People can get territorial, especially when it comes to "their" ministry. Just two cents worth.
Posted by: Eric L. | May 07, 2008 at 05:18 PM
I think your insights are right on target, Eric. Being stuck, resisting change, unaware of options and an unwillingness to release control can be factors that keep a church from releasing things. Another factor can be the interests and ownership of a denominational entity that is not local and views the property as a commodity to liquidate for ministry in other geographic areas.
Posted by: Kevin | May 08, 2008 at 12:52 PM