Busyness of services
mirrors
clutter of culture
North
Americans have trouble connecting
with God–even in church
New research by George Barna shows that while most people attend Christian worship services with a desire to connect with God, a majority leave disappointed–week after week. Fewer than one-third of adults at a North American church on a typical Sunday say they feel that they truly interacted with God.
"Eventually people cease to expect a real encounter with God and simply settle for a pleasant experience," says Barna. "If congregations seem rather complacent about their faith and half-hearted in their commitment to ministry, some of that reticence can be traced to the fact that they lack any personal intimacy with God." This is discouraging news, for getting to know God is what church is really about.
Ironically, this disappointing result occurs at a time when the church is equipped with an unparalleled array of resources to assist it in its task. North American Christians today have easy access to Scriptures and a wealth of Bible knowledge. Well-designed church buildings house flexible facilities and beautiful sanctuaries. Preachers and pastoral workers receive good training. Wonderful interpretive aids, such as professionally developed Sunday school curricula, videos and a wide range of helpful ministry programs, are readily available–books, seminars, computers and more.
Perhaps, however, this very abundance of assets contributes to the widespread failure to meet God in worship. When I lived in a foreign country, a simple sermon tape from my home church was a treat to be savored. Often I would listen several times, jotting notes and finding the nutrients my spiritual diet was lacking. And well I remember one of the first Sundays back home, moving from a Sunday school video lecture by John Stott (deep, outstanding), to a worship service filled with magnificent music and a solid sermon. My head reeled with the richness. I wanted to consume it all, but felt a glutton for the desire.
Apparent indifference
I also remember being astounded by the apparent indifference of most of my co-worshipers. When the weekly fare is of banquet quality, we seem to lose our ability to appreciate the morsels. Within a few months my own appetite lost its edge. I am no different. Sadly, we are all too much like spoiled children, restless and unsatisfied although surrounded by toys.
In and of themselves, the resources are undeniably a blessing. But too easily we confuse the medium with the message. We attend to the stimuli instead of the Spirit, filling ourselves with good things that ultimately satisfy the wrong appetite.
Many people desire to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8) and head off to church for a glimpse of the transcendent. Too often they leave disappointed when they discover that the busyness of our services mirrors the clutter of our culture. Too often we neglect to seek the Lord in stillness.
Many radio stations run the beginning of one song over the closing strains of another, and song leaders and musicians often lead their audience directly from one tune to the next. But worship is more like a symphony that demands the focused attention of its audience. Music begins and ends with silence. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
Doug
Koop
Editor
