Carl's Corner

Since sometime around 1968, a new set of cultural values has demanded that the traditional Church change. Culture is not what it was in the 1950’s, and before. If the Church remains an institution of that bygone culture, it will surely die.

These words threaten the religious institutions in which we have lived. Worse, the cultural changes that we are experiencing stand opposed to basic, institutional ways of living. Unlike the previous generations, this new culture looks askance at anything that hints of institutional thinking. The question before the Church is obvious. How can we praise and honor God and yet be non-institutional? How can we exist without orthodoxy, established values, and clear cut expectations? It is as if the solid foundation, upon which the Church has nearly always relied, is being shaken by cultural change. If returning to the patterns and practices of past generations does not work – and it won’t – then just what is the Church to do?

As complex as the question might be, the answer is becoming increasingly clear. The Church must to do a new thing. (see Jeremiah 31:31-34) Perhaps a change of perspective might well serve the Church. Throughout religious history, cultural developments have led to seismic change in the Church. The current cultural shift is like the others: like the advent of the printing press, like the industrial revolution, like technological age. Change is a necessary condition of cultural progress.

The Church has begun to act. Despite those who would have the Church retrace its steps back to the past, there are grassroots movements that are offering alternatives to traditional Church life. These “Progressive” movements spring from different denominations and religions. This emerging Church is investigating ways to apply God’s will, as reflected in Christ Jesus and others, to the ways that we actually live in relationship with one another.

Shiloh Church is part of the Progressive Church movement. The congregation is shaping its ministry and mission along the lines of its motto, “Living the Word by Serving the World.” You can be part of this next new thing in Church development. Join us for worship, for study, for fellowship. Help the Church meet the culture in relevant and meaningful ways. Help Shiloh become who and what God continues to call the Church to be. Because God is still speaking, innovating, creating, we are still listening, learning and responding.

See you Sunday!    

 

 

- Reverend Carl E. Robinson