A Giant Falls
The bankruptcy of General Motors: A giant falls | The Economist.
I am struck by how similar the prosperity and ‘golden age’ of American Car Manufacturers and American Mainline Protestant Denominations coincided. In the 1950s everyone drove their Buick to the local United Methodist Church (my Grandpa Hanke being the posterboy for this).
That time is over.
For both.
The article gives some great history and some reasons for the collapse of GM in particular.
In my world, I am curious about now– 60 years later. American cars are pretty much dead. Mainline denominations are pretty much on life support (not being pejorative, just looking at the numbers). But there are still strong American companies that dominate– Apple, google, movies based on Stan Lee comic book characters… What have they done to build a brand, to meet people where they are at, to give them what they want?
What is the corresponding church of 2010? Restoration is a young church with an old soul. We speak lots of words during our service. We compel people into smaller communities during the week. We love ancient liturgy and nights of Wii.
The Gospel hasn’t changed. We believe that it is the only means to true life here and everlasting life there. What’s a church look like now?
June 20, 2009 @ 8:30 pm
David-
You capture with your characteristic and God-given wisdom what happens to individuals… and organizations… when they they think it’s about them… and not about a higher calling, a nobler purpose or a God to worship with humility and compassion and a servant’s heart.
Pride cometh before the fall… Detroit had too much pride… and she fell. Unfortunately, Detroit is not alone… :o/
I appreciate the conversations you start… and pray His continued blessings upon you, your family and the church He’s put in your hands to lead.
Lindsay
June 22, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
Unlike the companies and the brands that you mention, the true church does not produce just to produce and sell. Rather, it is the product of the Gospel and of discipleship. It is the product of the Spirit and of the Word. It looks like Christ. it is His body as well as His bride. In a way, though, a church is like a factory in that its members go out into the world and make disciples of all men. We are commanded to do so. It is integral to our own discipleship.