This is a short series on three different distinctives that separate how postmoderns view faith and church from their predecessors.
2. Interact vs. Watch
It is very common for churches to provide what many would call entertainment. This comes through the form of a video, a drama, a special song, and many other ways. All of these things were done with the hope that they would draw people to Jesus, but the reality is that everyone is simply watching these things.
I think a common mindset within postmoderns is that they would rather be involved with something at church, even during a service. This can be done any number of ways, but in generalities it means creating an environment for someone to be involved with their faith by doing something. This can mean singing more songs, taking communion, going to a prayer station, and many other ways.
The benefits to this:
- Overall it is easier for the average church to do. You don’t need extremely talented people in the various parts of a weekend service. Nor do you need as much money to put together videos and productions.
- It forces most people out of their comfort zones. They can’t just stay in their seat and watch.
- It allows the creative minds in a church to really think of efficient ways to use their space to allow intimate times to happen for each person.
- A personal spiritual walk isn’t something that is only talked about on Sunday by the pastor, it is lived out on Sunday in each service. Obviously it is still possible to grow in your faith and relationship with God by watching something, but interaction forces people to move in a direction. This, in most cases, can only be positive.
Have you seen these differences manifest themselves in your church?
