Many of the mutations of, and manacles on, churches discussed below arise because pastors, congregational leaders, and denominations worry about declining membership numbers. The loss of members causes a panic, which tempts us to react with strategies conceived according to the device paradigm: What device should we institute in order to produce the commodity of higher numbers? We try various devices, including extreme changes in styles of worship, the initiation of multiple programs to attract the neighbors, marketing strategies, firing the present staff and hiring a more charismatic one, and so forth. Lametably, these devices mimc our culture’s behavior and thereby change the identity of the congregation so that it becomes merely a mirror of the society instead of an icon of God.

What is especially tragic about these panicked moves is that leaders don’t realize that churches’ declining numbers are part of a larger societal pattern manifested by almost every major social group.

Unfettered Hope, by Marva Dawn

i got to thinking of this when reading into john’s highlight of ‘the entertainment driven church’ which pulls from a post by michael patton & michael spencer. to speak to my quoted writing, michael patton speaks about one of his visits to another church.

I went to a church that was just the opposite. It was a popular
non-denominational Evangelical associated church. It was much more
alluring in its style, having a much more amplified voice with regards
to recognizing newcomers. From the moment we got in the parking lot,
there were signs welcoming us along with parking lot attendants waving.
These guys were so enthusiastic you would think that they had been
trained at Disney World. The signs pointed to valet parking for first
time guests. I would have taken them up on the offer, but pride always
rules (oh . . . and then there is that awkward feeling that you are
supposed to give them some money even when they say they don’t take
it).

which reminds me of this gem ‘king of the hill’ episode where the hills go church shopping.

note: is it odd that the only site i could find this video on, due to the removal from copyright infringement at most sites, is a claimed Christian site?