The Sad Echo of Empty Churches

[Wolf Georges]

For the last few months I have been attending services at different churches in my area in an attempt at finding a "home". They have run the gamut from UCC to Evangelical. I passed on two churches because the message from the altar was too political for me, but the majority were ill fitting because of the congregation. More accurately the lack of a congregation.

My wife and I are in our 30s, and we are hoping to find a house of worship where we might also build some friendships for us and our 1 year old son. What I have found instead is just depressing. Most Churches had between 10 and 20 people attending the service and the average age is 70. I have no problem worshipping next to senior citizens and don't expect Church to be a country club, but I do think it's important that they be able to offer a community. I attending one mass that was going to be the last before the church shut it doors.

Is this going on everywhere? I know I've read articles about mega-churches popping up and wonder if town churches are going the same route as mom and pop stores.

 

[angelwind]

you are describing what might be several older churches in my town...but there are several close by with 2,ooo members or so...some maybe 1,000...keep looking.

 

[Wolf Georges]

I went to that kind of Church but it was kind of far...over an hour and two bridges away...and while it was great to see all the people in attendance I found the Mass to be...well...kinda like Church "light". Maybe I'm being too picky. Probably the case. I've had some conversations with friends from my old neighborhood who tell me it took them almost a year to find a Church. I will definitely keep looking....but it's just so sad to see these places that have such great history of fulfilling the sprit...die off.

 

[ghs1994]

You can tell a lot about a church by what's being preached. Are you a spiritual discerner of scripture? If so, you will know whether or not a church is for you and your family or not.

Many churches die off because of laziness by the members. Too busy into worldly things.

 

[IKTCA]

Brother WG:

A while ago, a similar subject was brought up by someone. It was basically about uncaring church; in other words, a sad church situation just like yours. I asked what I could do if I were in such a church. A young brother (very young, in the late 10's or early 20's - I wish I could remember his name) posted a one sentence reply: Start a home group.

I will never forget that statement though I forgot his name already. There is much wisdom in it. I ask you to think about it. I would like to ask that brother to expand on it if he reads this post.

Rupert

 

[Kasia]

I'm lucky enough to be a college student and we have a center here at UC Irvine called InterFaith, where basically every faith gets represented and has their services and what not. I'm Catholic and I go to the Catholic Mass over there, and you would be surprised as to how many college students attend mass (as I'm sure an equal number attends any other religious service here). We also have groups like Youth for Christ and Campus Crusade for Christ, which have a lot of members as well. So fear not, the Christian youth is vibrant. Not only am I blessed with such a wonderful community of believing people my age, the priests here know that they're talking to a bunch of college kids, so they make thier homilies and services relevant.

All I can advise you to do is keep looking and, if it comes to worst, you and your wife can consider moving. I don't know if finding a good, community-based church is enough for someone to just up and move, but who knows? I wish you the best of luck!
God bless.

 

[JPPT1974]

Praying that you will find the church that God wants you to join and sorry that you are having an rough time. Just lean on the Lord and He will get you through!

 

[HoosierCanuck]

The town I live in has the same problem....most of the churches have an average age of 70. My problem is a little different from yours though....anyone I meet in their 30's is married and I really would prefer to find singles/divorced because I feel I have more in common with them. The local 'Christian singles' group consists of mostly women age 50 and up. Nothing against that but if I want to hang around a single woman in her 50's, I'll go visit my mother. I want to be around people who won't judge me. So, in a way, I feel your pain.

 

[SoulFly51]

My wife and I are in our 30s, and we are hoping to find a house of worship where we might also build some friendships for us and our 1 year old son.

I humbly make this suggestion: make your goal to find a place where you can serve, not be served.

It's not about you, it's about Him.

 

[Wolf Georges]

I humbly make this suggestion: make your goal to find a place where you can serve, not be served.

It's not about you, it's about Him.

Wes,

No doubt.

It is about Him every night when I get down on my knees and pray. It is about Him when I study my Bible and try to bring His Word closer and closer to my heart. It is about Him when I help others without seeking praise...just looking to praise. For me the goal is to serve and to make life about Him every waking moment.

That said, I view a Church as a community, and a congregation as a gathering to worship God and engage in Christian dialogue and activity with like minded people. This becomes even more of a need when you bring a family into the picture.

I'm sorry if my question seemed self serving. It really was not meant to be but I can see how it would be perceived that way.

 

[Wildwood]

We usually have 10 to 20, and yes, it is sad.

 

[HoosierCanuck]

That said, I view a Church as a community, and a congregation as a gathering to worship God and engage in Christian dialogue and activity with like minded people. This becomes even more of a need when you bring a family into the picture.

I'm sorry if my question seemed self serving. It really was not meant to be but I can see how it would be perceived that way.

I got the same response on my thread about changing churches. Apparently anyone who isn't happy with a church situation is self-centered.

a good church community is also a necessity if you don't have a family to bring into the picture....you're all alone and have no one else (human) to turn to for support.

I'm still looking for the mega-churches too. Guess I'll have to move to the South.

Good luck in your search.