Comments on: Digital Britain, Analogue Church

By: Dave Faulkner

Dave Faulkner — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:38:27 +0000

It is a particular problem for Methodists, given that we have the most elderly age demographic of all the major denominations in this country.

By: Peter Kirk

Peter Kirk — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Well, all I can say is, this is why I am not a Methodist, and not a typical Anglican either. I prefer to let the dead bury their own dead (well, perhaps I need to modify that to stop it sounding callous – some people are called to a valid ministry to senior citizens, but I am not) and work with something fresh to evangelise a new generation.

By: Dave Faulkner

Dave Faulkner — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:55:54 +0000

I think that is the distinction. I quite imagine Meadgate is exactly as you describe it Peter. On the other hand, I largely serve ‘analogue churches’, even though one of them has digital projection. The wine and wineskins comment is pertinent. There are difficult choices for many churches between embracing painful change to transition into a missionary form for today, and dying via a protracted period of terminal care while looking to God to raise up something new and fresh.

By: Peter Kirk

Peter Kirk — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:33:38 +0000

Interesting. But I wonder if this “analogue church” thing is really true. It certainly isn’t at my church, Meadgate, which is quite firmly in the digital age. If it is true anywhere, it is among traditional churches which are dominated by the over-70 generation who still write personal letters. So the real gap I see is one of age. Churches that do things for over-70s and run services and other activities in ways which appeal primarily to that generation are never going to reach the young. I’m not sure what can be done, as the words about new wine and old wineskins come to mind.

By: Dave Faulkner

Dave Faulkner — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:33:56 +0000

Yes, I’m with you on that, Pam. I have made friends over the Internet but also know how easy it is to dash off an angry email in haste. There is a problem, though, in convincing some churches that this is a major part of the direction in which communication is heading. And since Christian faith involves communication, that poses a big problem in some quarters.

By: Pam

Pam — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:48:39 +0000

Hi Dave
The internet has certainly revolutionised communication. It would have been inconceivable not so long ago for someone like me (in Australia) to be talking to you in Britain so easily. The ramifications for the church can be huge – no longer are we restricted to our own sometimes insular church community – we can share ideas and find “kindred spirits” so far from our own circle. Needs to be used with responsibility though – especially email written at speed can easily be misinterpreted. On balance, I think it’s great – I work in a school library and would be lost without my two computers!!