Is The Concept Of "Church" Dead?

Is the concept of “church” dead? The buildings are emptying as the concepts of “heaven” and “hell” are changing, and the realization of the existence of “God” is taking a more personal turn. On the other hand, modern Evangelicalism, not to be confused with actual Christianity, has become loud and obnoxious in the face of those it considers to be against its assumed notions of right and wrong. Thus we have a rift that has formed between those who lovingly gather to worship and pray, those who judge and harass, and those who turn their nose to the whole concept of religious tradition. But who thrives? Who grows? In the end, it is the organization who caters to their community’s needs while nurturing the individual’s own belief and way of life that makes an impact.

People nowadays are focused more on their own economic survival, state of mind, and sense of purpose to worry about who is judging them, what their community is doing, or where they’re going after this life is done. While these are indeed all vitally important for the individual’s well being, and the more people in a community pay attention to these things the healthier the community will function, it is most important, theologically speaking, to keep in mind that God, or whatever concept thereof one believes, is actually the conscious awareness behind everything. We individuals are not separate from or foreign to That which we seek realization of through prayer, meditation, or contemplation. Several theological and philosophical sources talk about this from Esoteric Christianity to Vedanta to Buddhism. As a great Indian guru once said, “Everything is a Play of Consciousness”. When you live with this frame of mind and this awareness, your place in this universe becomes Self-evident.

At EarthSpirit Interfaith Ministry, it is our entire focus to include you in the community, to shine the light on that which has always given you your worth, and to help you find your place in this world. We are not the ministers who oversee the operations and programs. We are the congregation that gathers and extends our open arms to you without judgment or aversion. When you feel the acceptance of true family, you will see your own light shine perhaps in ways you haven’t before. Then you will start to understand what our slogan “a ministry of hope” really means. In this way, the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary definition of church as “a public divine worship”, thus the light that manifests as you yourself as you are. It takes a community of fellow loving people to nurture the potential and the possibilities within yourself. As we are a state-registered nonprofit organization, we offer the immediate geographical community services to help it meet its basic needs as well. There is always something magical that you will find when you realize what you are truly capable of.