Talking about postmodernism and post-Christendom in congregations

One of the students in our paper visited a church recently. She was handed a little flyer with notices on the back. On the front was some text about postmodernism and our post-Christendom culture. The church is The United Church of Port Chalmers Presbyterian Parish and the text was written by Rev. Geoffrey Skillton, who is the interim moderator of the congregation. I think this is an interesting model for how to begin or nurture a conversation in a congregation about these issues. As you read it, see what you agree and disagree with. Here's what Geoffrey wrote:

Once upon a time

Once upon a time not so long ago, about a century ago, it felt like the church was at the centre of community life. Many people brought their children to the church to be christened when they were but a few months old. In their teens the same children, frequently as a group, took the baptism vows for themselves in Confirmation. Then they came to the church to be married. And eventually their spouse or children made sure they had their funeral in the church. It felt like the church was at the hub of important community rituals. This was how it was once upon a time…….. in the Age of the Church.

One hundred years ago the effects of the Age of Reason, of Science, which replaced the Age of the Church had significantly eroded the centrality of church in Western societies. This Modern period promoted rational thought as its god. Scientific logic and theory became the measure of truth — even absolute truth. This Age has been rather short and is being overtaken by what is known as Post-Modernism. The god of this latter age is individualism.

The effect of these shifts is that the church is at the edge of community life. For many in the church it feels like we are living in a strange and at times lonely place. Baptisms, weddings and funerals in the church are rare occurrences. Programmes that once attracted an audience are characterized by empty seats. Sunday worship is another optional leisure activity alongside going to the Mall with the family.

Jesus himself frequently sought, or was pushed to, lonely places. When he left these places and talked to people in everyday situations his message sounded strange and yet appealing. Perhaps the church is best placed to represent Jesus from the edge, from a place where its message and actions are most unlike the cultures which surround it.