Crisis in the church
By Elshunta Peoples, Contributing Writer
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
When I look at the world around us, specifically the Black community, I see us rising as individuals but crumbling as a whole. The foundation for our community has, for many years, been the Black Church.
Now, our people are falling, looking for something to grasp, and there is nothing there.
Why?
There is no life preserver because our people, as well our pastoral leaders, have gone astray.
We have become too concerned trying to be “modern.” We worry more about “keeping up with the Joneses” than keeping up with our own families.
If you ask people who don’t attend church why they don’t attend, many would feel uncomfortable and some pre-judged. To many, the church has lost its meaning and value.
Our churches have been transformed from small, close-knit communities to large suburban mega-churches. The seats there are filled, but hearts are closed. Some people, though not all, are more worried about what they wear to church and how they look. Some church leaders, though not all, are more worried about how many seats they fill, CDs they sell, and books they sign.
Of course, the leaders of these new mega-churches say they’re only trying to reach a mass audience. But how many books are given away free for those who cannot afford them?
How can the leaders of suburban churches preach to a community filled with problems, if they have not been there and lived it? Of course, the leaders of these new mega-churches say they’re just trying to reach as many people as possible. But how many books are given away free for those who cannot afford them? How can the leaders of suburban churches preach to a community filled with problems, if they have not been there and lived those problems?
I’m not suggesting that people tear down or avoid these mega-churches. But the leaders of the church must realize that they have been called by God and not the people. The community must realize that realize that we can succeed, but only if we are united. We turn to the church for so much. It should be our home away from home. The church should be the place we go to for advice, love, friendship, spiritual cleansing, and to be heard.
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