Alex Griffin

Lately, I’ve seen a number of articles stating that young people don’t see the value of involvement with church, insinuating that churches are dying out as a result. The articles often share that some see the value in a spiritual practice, but feel that church dogma or theology is too rigid (or perhaps not rigid enough). Others may feel they do not have the time or patience for church.

As a millennial and regular church-goer, these articles have felt disappointing, perhaps capturing the perspectives of some, but failing to reflect my own experience or that of many of my peers. My experience with church has been a mutual blessing: one that uplifts and inspires me and my family, while allowing us to support others and the activities of church. I have many friends of other faith traditions who would echo this sentiment. Our experience of church feels alive and well.

This isn’t to say that organized religion isn’t facing any problems. Decreased attendance is just one concern. But just what is it that makes a church alive? Is it a large membership (youthful or otherwise) that brings meaning, or is it the power to transform lives that testifies to its life and vitality? 

At the recent annual meeting of my church, the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, our membership gathered to think and pray about this topic. The theme was “Joy in the living church.” Members shared accounts of restoration and healing that occurred while engaging with church, and how feeling God’s grace — expressed through church — has tangibly blessed them and their communities. Underlying this uplifting message, I felt as if our entire membership was asking vital and urgent questions, such as: “How are we serving our neighbors, both in, and out of church? In what ways can we do this holy work better?”

Considering these questions with a fresh outlook has continued further growth in supporting all who study Christian Science, including young adults. The meeting included discussion sessions focused on topics that youth and young adults are thinking about, as well as sessions that shine light on the wonderful ways they are contributing to their communities and to their churches. Counter to the current public discourse, youth and young adults worldwide are dedicating themselves to lives of service, living witnesses to Jesus’ example of selfless living and care for others.

A recording from a youth summit in the Republic of the Congo last summer was shared during this year’s annual meeting. One speaker shared heartfelt sentiments about the value of church. Attendees could feel the love of church in her voice as she emphasized the importance of Christ Jesus’ command to love God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves. Speaking of the importance of church in the community, she shared: “What are these qualities we should express in our branch church? Our group came to the conclusion that the first quality should be love. And love should reign over all.” Her faith certainly felt alive and well.

The entire meeting left me with a profound sense of inspiration and hope for the future after seeing how reliance on God in daily life has touched the lives of individuals around the world. It seems to me that if we measure the life of a church by attendance, we are missing a deeper and more substantive dimension — meaningful engagement with church, and individual lives transformed by the grace of God. So long as lives continue to be touched by that grace, churches will have an important and lasting role to serve.

Alex Griffin lives in Ashland and serves as the Deputy Christian Science Committee on Publication for Massachusetts.