The world is changing every day. And we as the church have fallen behind the times. We have let an entire generation become the most "unchurched" generation that ever existed. We can play the blame game all we want but the truth is we can not fix what has happened in the past, we must step up and fix it for the future. How do we do that? I am not overly sure. One thing is for sure though, it is our responsibility to find the people where they are and teach them there. It is obvious that they are not coming to us. The times planting a church, opening the doors and expecting people to come is over. Neighborhoods used to be built around the church, now churches need to adopt and build around a neighborhood.
We need to break out of the pews, and go beyond to the walls to see what the neighborhood needs. If we can not adapt to the environment then we will continue to fail. Tradition is important and should not be discarded carelessly but change is also important. Jesus did not sit in the synagogues and wait for people to come to him to listen to his message, he traveled the country sides, and went to the people where they were.
I started reading a book yesterday about cell groups and the importance they share in the future of the church. I am not very far in, maybe 20 pages to be honest. However, the concept of a cell group is exactly what is needed. A small group of people that are meeting others where they are, doing things in the name of Christ that take us back to the basics. The church started in homes, small groups, intimate spaces, where people could connect to the message and to the people. They were people that had things in common. Millennials as they are called are inidated with so much information at all times, they are finding ways to connect spiritually but are missing the community. It is the job of the church to help them find the community they are missing, whether that means an online group or a group that meets in a coffee house.
I am by no means an expert or even doing this very well myself but I suppose that is the challenge. To strive to do better every day then we did the day before. I see how the future of the church could find great success in cell groups, are you willing to break out of what we have always done to be a better person and create a better church?