Ep 072: De-Sizing the Church (pt 4): Unintended Consequences of the Church Growth Movement, with Bob Smietana
Apr 25, 2024
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Bob Smietana, columnist for Religion News Service, discusses unintended consequences of the Church Growth Movement with Karl Vaters. They talk about dangers of bigness, the homogenization of worship songs, and the need for diversity in church culture. Smietana's insights shed light on reshaping American churches and addressing declining youth attendance.
Large churches face fragility due to centralized power structure, putting them at risk in case of leadership failures.
Homogenization of worship songs from mega churches diminishes variety and doctrinal teaching, impacting congregational worship experiences.
Deep dives
The Transformation of American Religion: Demographic and Sociological Changes
America's religious landscape has significantly transformed due to demographic shifts, sociological changes, and technological advancements. The decline in church attendance and identification as religious or Christian is evident, marking a substantial decline in American Christianity. The shift towards a more multicultural, multiethnic, and pluralistic society has led to a decrease in the religious population. The average congregation size has halved over the years, with a projection indicating a further decline in Christianity's prevalence by 2070.
Impact of Large Churches and Homogenous Units on Christianity
The growth of large churches has led to a concentration of power and influence within leadership, making such institutions fragile. A fallen leader in a mega church can have catastrophic consequences due to the centralized authority structure. The homogenous unit principle, while initially anti-racist, has contributed to churches becoming more segregated along socio-political lines. This segregation hinders the sense of community and belonging within congregations, eroding participatory governance and decision-making processes.
Standardization of Worship Songs and Small Church Diversity
The standardization of worship songs, primarily from a few mega churches, has led to a homogenized worship experience across various denominations. This trend has both positive and negative aspects, offering familiarity but reducing variety and doctrinal teaching in worship. In contrast, smaller churches exhibit a diverse range of songs and styles, creating a 'Wild West' musical environment where congregational identity plays a significant role in shaping worship practices.
Preservation and Vitality of Small Churches in Changing Times
Small churches face challenges in adapting to modern trends and retaining their identity amidst shifting cultural landscapes. The dwindling congregation sizes and aging demographics of smaller churches pose a threat to their survival. The decline of small churches could lead to a loss of community presence and place-based connections, impacting local neighborhoods. Efforts are needed to revitalize small churches, address their unique needs, and promote their long-term sustainability in a changing religious landscape.
Bob and Karl discuss some of unintended consequences of the Church Growth Movement from Bob's unique vantage point. They also delve into the dangers of bigness and what we can do about it.