November 9, 2014
Watch a movie about challenges to churches in USA, the declines and responses. It will be hosted at First Congregational Church of St. Johns, 100 Maple Street: 989-224-2636 or email fccsj@4wbi.net.
On Sunday, November 9 the documentary will be shown at 11 a.m. and then again in the evening at 7 p.m. so that people from God’s many other churches can join in the experience. The presentation will be followed with small group discussions for those wishing to reflect on the themes.
Though the majority of Americans identify themselves as Christians, they have largely stopped attending church. Less than 20% of the population now makes it to church in a typical week. Some 4000 churches are closing every year. It’s a major and unprecedented social upheaval. In St. Johns three churches have closed during the last 5 years.
The film follows a church that has seen its attendance plunge from 900 to 40. In addition to external cultural factors that affect all churches, this church is disintegrating from the inside from a variety of human storms. A pastor doesn’t know who or what God is. Fights over petty things inspires a faction of angry ex-members to devises a plan to take over the church.
Throughout the story, cameras also visit other dying churches—as well as innovative new forms of church that are thriving. These range from a ministry in a Pennsylvania pub to an outreach in Los Angeles that brings joy to skid-row moms.
Here is a brief preview.