Heaven on Earth

A number of us have been participating in a monthly discussion of what we might do to grow our church. This discussion was occasioned by the recent publication of a small booklet titled “The Almost Church, Revitalized” by Michael Durall and the sober fact that our numbers are declining. Durall gives us a critique of Unitarian Universalism in the face of a reality of current religious life in America. “If young people have an interest in religion at all, it’s likely to be in a church of their same-age peers, or they view private spirituality as more appealing than the institutional church. And there’s the rub. The methods used by established churches to reach younger generations fall on the deaf ears of those raised in an un-churched culture.”

Among many constructive criticisms offered, Durall cites a UU “hands-off attitude toward encouraging members to lead lives of dedication, commitment, and when necessary, sacrifice for the greater good.” He explains that “Those seeking a church (aka…solace, support, inner growth, renewal, faith, service, fulfillment) do so because they are lost or lonely, are hurting in body or soul, are searching for lives of greater meaning and purpose, are concerned about their finances or their careers, wish to raise happy and healthy children, yearn to understand a world that is increasingly uncertain, wish to forgive and be forgiven, and desire to create a more equitable society.”

Durall explains that “church (aka…) shoppers have little interest in personal autonomy, individual freedom, or the democratic process (that is to say our seven principles do not speak to their needs). They are seeking a church that will challenge their self-centeredness, one that offers an alternative to a consumer-oriented society and its attendant shallowness. And they are willing to invest considerable time, energy and money to achieve these goals. They are yearning to be asked to make a commitment.” In response, Durall urges us to redefine our “UU product”, to offer specific ways by which we can help these people make meaningful change in their lives, “…to live a life worth living.”

I agree with Durall that we must redefine our vision of who we are and what meaningful work we do in a succinct and compelling way, one that resonates with relevance to current life situations. We must be able and indeed willing to articulate our identity and mission, our commitments of membership, and the specific rewards that others might expect to receive should they decide to journey through life with us. We need a vision that we could all recite as the common core of our elevator speeches. This vision must be palpable to visitors as they walk through our door, experience our worship, converse with us during fellowship hour. Visitors must leave with no doubt of who we are, what we are about, and what membership might mean to their lives.

So here I go. Take a look at attached document below “Heaven on Earth” and join the discussion.

I admit that I am not yet entirely happy with this statement; but it is a start. I am groping for yet fewer words and ones that speak directly to the reader. Durall cites a powerful example of one church’s vision: “You will be cared for, and will be called upon to care for others.” Can we match this?