Daily Musings

Small Church, Big Impact

Filling the Pews

Author and church theorist Brian McLaren calls it “The Episcopal Moment” and I agree. 

While many believe the Episcopal Church and other mainline churches are in an unalterable slide toward oblivion I am hopeful and encouraged. 

Sure, membership has been in decline for a long time, but that doesn’t mean it always will be. We may not see a great influx of new members in the next decade, but for some unknown reason, I truly think we will regain some of our “losses” and see a restored and invigorated church. 

Spending most of my waking hours with teenaged girls in my classroom and office, on the athletic field, at meals and in chapel, I have come to realize how much they grow to enjoy liturgical worship, sensible Biblical interpretation, and a style of practicing the Christian faith that is not judgmental or threatening. 

Everyone always says that youth are the “future of the church” and since that is obviously the case I am delighted to see their embrace of our identity.

So, if young people are drawn to and comfortable with the Episcopal Church, why don’t we see more of them (or adults for that matter) in our collective pews?   That’s not hard to answer. 

People, young and old, come because they are invited.  Statistics show that 85% of all people who join a church do so because they were invited by a friend or relative to attend and subsequently join. 

New people come to church because someone they know agreed to pick them up (or meet them there) have lunch afterwards and keep doing so week after week until the new person has a sense of belonging on their own. 

I know our town is small and our social circles have, for the most part, been determined.  However, that should not prevent us from keeping our ears and eyes open for opportunities to be hospitable and inviting.  It really is that simple. 

What’s the worst thing that could happen?  I don’t think there is a down side.

- David Smith

Lessons from South Africa

Upon our return from the recent Chatham Hall service trip to South Africa, someone asked me if I would ever go back.  My answer was swift and certain - Yes, yes and more yes! 

The people on the African continent are joyful, remarkably optimistic, and spiritually vital despite the political, economic, military and cultural uncertainty that seems to be everywhere.

Christianity is growing faster throughout Africa than any other place in the world. Unlike churches throughout Europe that, for the most part, are empty on Sunday mornings, churches in Africa must have multiple services each week to accommodate the crowds. 

Even the little Anglican Church in Touwsriver, South Africa (a small town 3 hours west of Capetown) has two services each Sunday morning so everyone can attend.

Chatham Hall students visiting a small apostolic church in Touwsriver, South Africa during their Spring 2009 Service Trip

I’m not sure why the church is growing so fast in Africa.  I wish I did.  But if I had to guess I’d say it has something to do with how much sense Jesus’ words make to them.

• “Blessed are the poor.”
• “Blessed are the mourners.”
• “Blessed are those who are persecuted”. 

All this makes sense to people who have known little else since the middle of the 17^th century; and all this makes sense to people with a seemingly bottomless well of smiling, authentic good will. 

The message of God’s love for them is not one of which they must be convinced.  It is part of their genetic code, and worship for them is as natural as breathing. 

The churches do not have fancy programs or grand facilities.  However, the people have hearts and souls in which God has taken up permanent residence and they love to let it show. 

               - David Smith

(Dr. Smith was one of six Chatham Hall faculty members accompanying this year’s Chatham Hall students on their March service trip to South Africa.)