Which Way Is The Way?

Church has really changed over the years, hasn't it? It seems we've lost a lot of the "old traditions" of church and church-going. One thing that stands out in my mind is that people actually applaud in church now. When I was a teenager, you wouldn't dream of applauding in church. It reminds me of the old Andy Griffith episode where Andy, Barney, Opie, and everyone else are in church. Someone is introduced to speak and Barney innocently starts to clap. Andy stops him in the caring way that he had. 

It introduces an interesting topic brought up by a friend of mine in Ohio.  (She has a blog called Illuminating the Grey.) Church is simply boring for younger people, perhaps under 40. It seems this generation (is it X or Y?) is looking for something else in church and the "way is used to be" doesn't interest them. No problem there, things change. But for me, I like "old church." And churches. When I pass through small towns, I tend to look for their churches. They are usually the beautiful white churches with the tall steeples. Typical of small town churches. Today's churches look more like a Wal-Mart. 

The music has changed, too. Personally, I prefer the old gospel music ("In the Garden," "Softly and Tenderly"). It seems deeper and richer. I get more out of it. Today's Christian Music (as one of the radio stations here calls it) doesn't do a thing for me--and I've tried listening to it. Sounds like all the other junk music out there. But I suppose I'm typical of many people who find themselves in their mid-50's. I spend more time wondering "Where did it go?" rather than "Where am I going?" It's the "going" that takes adjustment. 

I don't want to be "entertained" at church. That's why I haven't gone in so many years. Today's church reminds me of a pop concert more than a church service: loud music, noisy crowd, etc. I like quiet in church, a peace, a reverence, a calm so you can actually listen to and hear God. 

But I suppose whether you choose the "old way" or a "new way," either one is fine, as long as it leads to "THE way." Whether you spend your Sunday's in a church singing and clapping, or on the back porch with your Bible in quiet study and thought, as long as you spend some time with God, that is a good thing. It is where He wants you to be. No matter what generation you are.