There is an interesting article in the Alban Institute weekly newsletter this morning. Its title is Church as Wikipedia, by Landon Whitsitt.

Although the article seems to be addressing a cultural break between generations, the article is applicable to cultural changes in the church as a whole. There will always be a viewpoint gap between generations, but a major challenge of the neighborhood church (our focus) is the cultural change in communities, now occurring year to year rather than decade to decade or generation to generation. Neighborhood churches must foster atmospheres that welcome people who will be very different from the people who once populated their pews — at least in some ways. What people fear is true: things WILL change. But we may find that the changes are revitalizing, and the Church is big enough to embrace them. And those differences . . . as we get to know one another . . . well, they may not seem to be such a big deal!

Little neighborhood churches are likely to be more adept at change than the church structure. Congregations will be first to recognize that change is necessary for their survival and leadership’s role includes helping them over the bumps. The laity will become resistant to being spoon fed. The answers to parishioners questions will be found online. Oh, they will ask the pastor, but they will check the answers online! With those answers will come fresh thinking. Resources are available in abundance (check and contribute to our Nuts and Bolts page). For example, there is no reason to limit a congregation’s worship resources to published hymnals, when people can hear a new song on the radio, google it online, and learn it by memory to sing at Bible study next week.

There is no stopping the revolution. What are we going to do about it?