A NEW MONASTICISM – THE SALVATION OF THE CHURCH?

This blog is intended to generate conversation about the problems that the Church is currently facing in its efforts to grow and flourish, not just survive; and the role a New Monasticism may play in that endeavour. I invite others – particularly Anglicans in the City of Toronto – to join me in exploring the possibilities New Monasticism may offer; not only for our personal faith journeys, but for the future of the Church.

The Problem

There is indeed much evidence that our paradigm of Church is broken, and we don’t seem to know how to fix it.

We know that we are experiencing challenges with young people. A 2012 survey conducted for The Huffington Post Canada among millennials found 51% of respondents had never attended a religious institution. Just 12% attend weekly. Citing the 2012 report “Hemorrhaging Faith”, by the sociologist James Penner, the HPost reported that a significant portion of Canadian teens and young adults are abandoning religious institutions after being involved in them as children. Penner found that for every 3 young people who attended church as a child in the 80’s and 90’s, only one regularly attends now. (read the complete article here http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/12/10/generation-y-religion-canada-millennials-faith_n_2244548.html ).

We also know that Christianity has slipped from its pre-eminent place in our society. The 2011 Canadian Census showed that while the largest faith group is still Christianity, with just over 22 million adherents ( 2/3rds of the population), the second largest faith is … NOTHING. Nearly 1/4 of the population, approximately 7.8 million people, answered “none” to religious affiliation. (see: http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2013/05/religion-in-canada-the-new-numbers/). The Anglican Church, my own denomination, is the third largest Christian group at just 5% of the population. The largest is the Roman Catholic Church at 39%.

In the past several years, the “Nones” have been the focus of much attention in church circles. They present a challenge, but also an opportunity; and much effort has been put into re-imagining Church to attract them, as well as bring lapsed church members, back to faith.

Now there is further cause for concern. In a recent article in The Huffington Post Patrick Vaughan comments on stunning research, by sociologist and author Dr. Josh Packard, that could shake the church to its foundation. There are now 30 million de-churched people in the United States. Another seven million are about to walk out the door. They are done or almost done with the church. These are U.S. figures; but the situation in Canada is, if anything, worse. According to The Rev. Canon Duke Vipperman, Incumbent and Missional Coach in the Diocese of Toronto, “Accounting for cultural differences the US may never hit the depth of exodus we are facing up here”.

Dr Packard found that, for the most part, the “Dones” are not angry or bitter. They did not hate their churches. In fact, they loved them. Nor were they were just pew-sitters; over half were actively involved in a variety of ministries. Many were strong leaders, faithful givers, and reliable teachers. Most startling is the fact that these are not just young people. There are as many over 55 as between the ages of 18 and 34. Their decision to leave was painful and brought them much sorrow.

Seeking community, they often encountered judgment. Wanting to make an impact on their neighborhood; they encountered one bureaucratic obstacle after another. Hoping to make a difference in the lives of other people, they were asked instead to make institutional maintenance a top priority. Not finding what they were looking for in church as we have presented it, they have left, or are about to do so.

The “Almost Dones” continue to worship and participate in the life of their congregations, but they are weary, and research indicates they will soon leave. Dr Packard believes they are about to give up on an institution that they find to be irrelevant and impeding their spiritual growth.

(Read the complete article by Patrick Vaughan here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patrick-vaughn/are-you-fed-up-with-churc_b_7941012.html )

What Can We do?

What can we do to stem the tide; not only keeping the parishioners we have, and possibly bringing those who have left back into relationship with us, but also making new disciples? We have experimented with Back-to-Church Sunday, and Fresh Expressions of Church. We have tried to become more “relevant” by throwing out our traditional liturgies, way of worship, music, and vestments; and adopting the style and mannerisms of the evangelistic and mega churches. Sadly, they too now see decline and express many of the same concerns we have. Indeed, Willow Creek Community Church – a model for much innovation – has recognized that they got it wrong … that their growth resulted from attracting other Christians seeking something new, and not from making new believers … and that they were not making disciples.

(see: http://www.christianheadlines.com/news/a-shocking-confession-from-willow-creek-community-church-11558438.html).

My research indicates that The New Monasticism may provide some answers for developing authentic community, and could be a vehicle to make a difference in the lives of others. I believe that this can be done in tandem with existing church, not instead of it; but in a way that will not be stifled by it.

I invite others to join me in my exploration … to help me refine my thinking on these matters … and to possibly join in the establishment of new monastic communities should our exploration show the viability of this concept in our context.

Specifically, my interests are in the fields of Intentional Community, Workplace Ministry and University Chaplaincy – areas I believe not to be well-served by our parish model; but that could be fertile ground for shifting our paradigm back towards relevance.

Please join me.