Casper ter Kuile and Bob Moesta discuss the shift in religious affiliation through Jobs to Be Done theory. They explore why younger generations are moving away from organized religion and hiring alternative communities like Crossfit. They also touch on the importance of vulnerability and shared experiences in modern support networks like the Dinner Party, and how unconventional spiritual practices are replacing traditional religious structures.
People's willingness to invest time in religious practices reflects their spiritual needs.
Unbundling of traditional religious offerings has given rise to secular communities providing belonging and purpose.
Deep dives
Applying Jobs Theory to Religion
When applying jobs theory to religion, it becomes evident that the currency involved is time. People's willingness to invest time in a religious practice, find new ways to practice, or switch to a different religious experience showcases how time plays a crucial role in fulfilling their spiritual needs. The decision to fire or hire a religion is not solely based on financial aspects but also on social and emotional considerations. Understanding why individuals leave or adopt new religious practices unveils a complex interplay of social, emotional, and functional dimensions.
Redefining Community Through Unconventional Organizations
Traditional religious affiliations are on the decline, indicating a shift in how people seek spiritual fulfillment. Unbundling of religious offerings has led to the emergence of secular communities like CrossFit, which exhibit profound ritualistic and communal aspects without adhering to traditional religious structures. These communities provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and accountability similar to religious congregations, showcasing a redefined form of community building outside conventional religious institutions.
Challenges and Implications of Unbundling Religious Services
As religious practices unbundle, new challenges and opportunities arise, especially in meeting the diverse needs of spiritual seekers. The distinction between orthodoxy (belief-based) and orthopraxy (practice-based) becomes evident in modern communities like CrossFit, emphasizing actions over beliefs. Organizations stepping into the spiritual realm may struggle to address complex life events like divorce or death without the institutional knowledge traditionally offered by religious institutions, potentially leading to gaps in service provision and community support.
Workplace as a Center of Community for Millennials
A growing trend among Millennials is seeking community and belonging in the workplace, viewing it as more than just a job but a place for personal growth and meaning-making. Employers are faced with the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with fulfilling the diverse social, emotional, and spiritual needs of their employees. The shift towards integrating community-building practices within workplaces raises ethical questions about the role of employers in providing meaningful connections and support beyond traditional work-related offerings.
And now for something completely different: What can we learn by looking at changes in religious affiliation through the lens of Jobs to Be Done? Why are rising generations “firing” organized religion in greater and greater numbers, and what are they “hiring” instead? And what do organizations such as Crossfit have to do with all this? Enjoy this conversation with our own Bob Moesta, co-founder of Jobs theory with Clay, and Casper ter Kuile, a Ministry Innovation Fellow with Harvard Divinity School and co-creator of the wildly popular podcast “Harry Potter and the Sacred Text.”
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