Church: The rules have changed

"Hey kids! You ready for church? It's communion Sunday!"

Wonder if I can get WiFi from my pew?

From the Ooze: Church: The rules have changed..

Welcome to postmodern evangelism, where we all worship at Starbucks. Didn't the boomer generation try this by playing Foreigner for the "special" music? (What's so special about a top 40 hit, anyway?)

From the article:

The past few generations have been called "the emerging generation", and with them has come a breaking free of the traditions that have become deemed as going nowhere in this new culture. We have a longing for community, a need for a creative outlet, and a desire to experience the mystical and deeply spiritual aspects of God. What is relevant to our culture? As I look for the places that are sought after, I see coffee houses, concert venues, places to hang out, places to be a part, and places where we can express ourselves, places where we can just rest, read, or just be still with God, places where we are both productive and rested. This is Church, a place where everyday-life and spirituality mesh.

Living everyday life in church sounds like some form of postmodern monasticism.

Because "coffee houses, concert venues, places to hang out" are well-attended, does that mean the church needs to become more like them? The grocery store is well-attended, too.

Are these trendy spots drawing diverse crowds of young and old, rich and poor? In my neighborhood, young, middle class people are the best customers of concert venues and coffee shops.

Is the church supposed to attract people with her perceived coolness? When all the churches have started serving great coffee and provided a comfortable place to plug in your laptop, where will we go to hear the preaching of the Word? The story of the Cross doesn't do a lot to make the unchurched comfortable. It tells them that they're sinners and forgiveness comes through Christ, and Christ alone. How well does that message go with biscotti?