Dr. Karen for BoomerYearbook.com
If one were to go back in time, how would the Churches of then differ from the Churches of today? It is an interesting thought for those who make it a practice to attend regular church services. Not for just specific denominations but for all Churches.
Did we somewhere along the way turn the word “congregation” into “segregation”? Perhaps that’s why some churches have a predominantly white congregation, while others have mostly black.
There was a National Congregations study that says about 14% of mostly white congregations stated they had no minorities in their group in 1998, and a 20% minority congregation in 2007. While religious aspects are known to be resistant to change, there is very clear evidence in these figures that show that not to be the current trend in white church congregations.
However the change is primarily in the white congregations as the majority of the black churches reviewed are stable in their segregation; meaning there has been no change towards white member inclusion.
Not only have there been changes in the congregations but there have been several changes in the presentation of the worship. If you were to ask an avid church goer who is now a older baby boomer or senior, what changes have evolved over the years they would tell you there have been significant changes. The Churches don’t seem to be quite so staunch and formal. There is more enthusiasm by acts such as hand clapping and swaying to the music. The music consists of small bands performing a different class of hymns as opposed to the traditional ones.
What has brought about these changes? Many of the traditional churches were finding that their congregations are aging and attendance was slipping. It became a sign of the times that the Church had to be more inviting to the younger generation. This was partly successful due to the relaxing of the formal presentation, and the incorporation of music geared to echo boomers. The modern Church has a more personal touch and is less ritualistic.
There are many older church-goers that feel the Church has become too lax and has lost its serenity and purpose. This makes for a controversial conversation. It makes one think what really is the true purpose of the church? Is it to draw a person to a closer communion with God, or is it to carry out what may have become a routine that has been handed down through the years?
One thing is evident; any individual that speaks of a personal relationship with God through the Church seems to have a certain aura about them of peace and happiness and isn’t that what counts?
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