Since I didn't seem to generate too much anger with my last religious-oriented post, I figure it is safe for a second round. One of the things I find interesting about religion today is that there seems to be increasing competition among faiths for the minds of followers, as well as increasing marketing skills among religious leaders. One benefit is that religions are innovating and improving to better serve their parishioners.
One example of this improvement due to competition is seen in the photograph here, from Zion Lutheran Church near my neighborhood. As you can see, this church has divided its Sunday service into various formats, each appealing to a different target segment. These include:
- Classic Service: Note use of the term "classic" to positively signify that this is old-time religion. Most likely a traditional sermon catering to an older crowd.
- Christian Edge: Bible classes for all ages; allows for extra learning by the Classic crowd and Sunday School for the kids.
- Praise Ablaze: Billed as "contemporary worship", this is for the younger crowd that prefers music and less traditional messages.
Years ago options like this would be unheard of. When I grew up we didn't attend church very often, but when we did it was a lot less "consumer centric". You had a traditional sermon and maybe 30 minutes for Sunday School. Today, there are churches in town that use Powerpoint and barely crack the Bible open.
Many churches have adapted their messages and presentation in response to the challenge of competing media as well as competing faiths. Today's "consumer of faith" is busier than ever and all forms of media have become more aggressive and innovative in courting their attention. And if Sunday services fail to adapt they will simply lose this empowered consumer to other alternatives.
Some may believe that making church services more user friendly is a mistake - maybe another example of the consumer society negatively impacting tradition. Some may see the slow pace of a "traditional" service as a small cross that they must bear. But I believe churches are smart to adapt to modern times and modern believers.
Habits and culture continuously change whether we want them to or not; and for a faith to meet its core purpose - improving people's lives - it must adapt as well. Only those faiths that adapt to "consumers" will make an impact and continue to grow.
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