Your Opinions on Church Needed (Repost)
This is for some research for a friend of mine who is publishing a book about the changing church and how "church" means nothing that it meant 30 even 20 years ago. After filling out this survey please let me know your age and whether or not you consider yourself a christian or not. (I hope this survey is balanced between both
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1. I feel the church has failed me/been benefical to me in what ways?
I feel that the church has benefited me by providing me with community and showing me the love of Christ in action when I needed it most.
2. The church as a whole is effective/ineffective in our current cultural settings?
Well, I'm Episcopalian from a diocese with traditional Anglican views, and I think our church is very effective. We minister to others at home and abroad and show the love of Christ to those in need. We also reach out to the community in a non-threatening way.
3. I find church to be a real experience/ a show?
I find the Episcopal church to be a real experience; I have attended other churches that felt like a dog-and-pony show, but it might be because of my preferred style of worship. I don't like the "let's all sing kumbaya and then listen to someone talk for an hour" kind of service; I feel like it misses the point of corporately affirming exactly what we believe, repenting of our sin, and learning about the word of God through listening to readings from the Bible as well as expository preaching.
4. The church as a whole has it's hand on the heartbeat of social issues/awareness or they have no clue what is going on?
I think that people give the church too little credit.
Just because we know what we believe to be right and wrong and refuse to change so that we keep up with the trends doesn't mean that we are unaware. Furthermore, people are so negative about church activism in the political and social arenas that they shouldn't be surprised if only the ones who feel very strongly are extremely vocal about controversial issues.
I also think that non-Christians take for granted the quiet social activism of Christians through church charities and good stewardship practices.
5. The church is meaningful, somewhat meaningful, has no place in my life?
The church is highly meaningful.
6. What turns me off about church is................?
... people who try to seem ultra-spiritual to please others.
7. What's more important (a worship service that meets your needs musically and is casual or a place that offers relationship opportunities through outings and gatherings with peers in your age range)
Umm... That's kind of limiting. Assuming that there is a solid foundation behind these frills, I think the relationship opportunities are more important.
8. My overall opinion of Church is........................?
That it can be an excellent way to connect to the body of Christ, make friends with other Christians, learn about our Lord, and impact a lost world through outreach. However, this is all dependent on teaching and following the Word of God faithfully, and it is circumvented when you just try to be popular or "seeker friendly" or not to step on toes.
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