Reflections From Sunday Evening

In the church world we are continually reading articles and hearing podcasts that address the sagging church attendance in America.  Is this a truly Post-Christian era?  What contributes to the decline in people participating in worship? 
Even Fox News speaks to the issue.  In an article by Chris Sonksen we read an opinion: Americans still believe in God. So why do so many of us see the church as just optional rental car insurance?
A Pew Research survey notes that 80% of American believe in God.  There are many differences in how this looks and yet a basic faith endures.  At the same time Americans are leaving the church.
The article suggests this may be tied to unrealistic and unhealthy expectations.  When the church does not deliver precisely what is desired people opt out.  Why not?  We can live stream the services.  We can watch really good communicators on T.V.  Why not stay home and do our own thing?
Here is why.  Community.  We are meant to love God, serve God, and grow in God with one another, not in solitary means.
John Wesley spoke to the early Methodists and perhaps it will serve us well to reclaim this spirit.
"Solitary religion is not to be found there.  Holy Solitaries is a phrase no more consistent with the gospel than Holy Adulterers.  The gospel of Christ knows no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness.  Faith working by love, is the length and breadth and depth and height of Christian perfection."   (John Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, quoted in an article written by Steven Manskar).
This quote has been used by some to suggest Wesley was calling for social justice as we understand it today.  This is not the case.  Wesley was reminding the Methodists that we live in community together.  Social holiness means we meet together and worship the Lord. 
How will we re-discover this truth and practice in our day?  One person at a time.  I discover the power in living in community with other followers of Jesus.  Then another and another and another.  I trust the day comes when the tide turns.  Once again the power of the gospel rises up and the people of God move into the future.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve