How formal does church need to be?

• Date: 10th February 2012
• Author: Rick Emmelhainz
• Category: all

Churches aiming to reach a younger demographic have realized that the trappings can be an impediment to the experience and have shed many of the symbols and expectations that were formerly an important part of traditional and mainline churches. This has opened the message to a wider audience. Read more and add your reaction!

I remember growing up in Ohio and putting on my "Sunday Best" clothing to go to church. The message was that this experience is special - sacred if you will - and that it honors the Lord to prepare for this experience. Times have really changed and with them the church is transforming its approach to outreach.

No longer does my company get requests for church pews. What's important is mobility, flexibility and an informal atmosphere, so we sell stacking church chairs and folding chairs. I can't remember when I last sold a traditional altar. Most of our requests are for acrylic or plexiglas pulpits and communion tables.

A recent article in USA Today discusses how important informality is to their worship experience and how successful these efforts have been toward attracting a younger generation of church goers. Check out the story at: http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2012-02-08/informal-churches/53002212/1/

What is your church doing, if anything about creating a less formal worship experience?

Do you agree or disagree with this approach?

Share your thoughts!