Utilizing the economic model of supply and demand, a Tulane sociologist Shayne Lee and historian Phillip Luke Sinitiere have reexamined the reasons some churches are successful. Published this spring, their book Holy Mavericks: Evangelical Innovators and the Spiritual Marketplace analyzes the appeal of the ministries of five well-known Protestant preachers; T. D. Jakes, an African-American; Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life; Joel Osteen, Houston mega-church leader; Paula White, "evangelical Oprah Winfrey"; and Brian McLaren, Generation X leader. The authors conclude that the success of these preachers lies in their entrepreneurial spirit in a competitive spiritual marketplace. Lee says each preacher has " the ability to understand American culture, to be on the cutting edge of using psychotherapy and aspects in the language and taste of contemporary Americans in order to draw people to their congregations". It has been commonly accepted by sociologists that conservative denominations are successful because they are stricter, which results in more dedicated followers and strong churches. Lee rejects this strict-church thesis, stating "It has nothing to do with strictness. None of these five ministries promote strict religion. It has more to do with the evangelical's ability to address existential needs and the cultural taste of a broad range of contemporary people".
As I'm not sure that a full reading of this book would give me a significantly better understanding of the authors' thesis, I am reluctant to devote the effort required to read it. It would be interesting to see what our premier book reviewer, Frank, would report.
If you accept that premise, what are the implications for mainline Presbyterian churches in general, and St. Luke's in particular?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read it.
ReplyDeleteMy main concern is St Luke's, which still seems to be going down the tubes The C&Y program is still shrinking as is the congregation. The choir may soon be larger than the rest of the congregation. I thought we were going to monitor the numbers and have regular report.I haven't seen any.
I think we need a half-time children and youth minister as well as someone or a group of someones who regularly visit members. This blog could list who needs what and ask appropriate people to take care of it. Frank
Thanks fellows! This is exactly the sort of exchange that I hoped a blog could promote. If only we could get more members to participate or at least read.
ReplyDeleteIt would be helpful if the heads of each church committe posted a brief comment after each meeting; likewise, for the clerk of Session. I'm aware that some discussions are privileged; however, there most be many that are not. In the Christian Reform Church, Classis (their Session) meetings were confidential.For any of this to be effective, the congregation must be encouraged to read, and the officers to post.
ReplyDeleteGene, why not send out this blog, about the church, and its comments to all the members who have email? You might also tell them how to open the blog and add comments.
ReplyDeleteWell Gene that went over like a lead balloon! Is anyone reading the blogs or doesn't anyone care?
ReplyDelete