Jake Hinton • April 8, 2024
Community as Church, Church as Community
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Reviving the Heartbeat of Borrego Springs: Community as the Core of Local Churches
In "Community as Church, Church as Community," Rev. Michael Plekon takes a close look at the challenges American churches are facing, such as losing members, and what they're doing to bounce back. He finds stories of churches that aren't just sitting back but are making big changes, like using their buildings in new ways and getting more involved in their neighborhoods, to bring people together and give them hope.
Plekon reflects on the deeper meanings of church and community, proposing that the Christian principle of renewal could also rejuvenate churches. He expresses that churches should be more than places to pray; they should be lively centers where people help out and connect with others. He points out that even small churches have a special chance to really become part of their local area, making life better for both the people in the church and those around them.
Borrego Springs' Faith Groups Mirror Plekon's Vision: Community Engagement as the Future of Church
For those in Borrego Springs and involved with the Borrego Ministers' Association, what Plekon talks about might sound familiar. Their efforts to support people around them, like running food banks and helping out financially, line up with what's in the book. It shows how groups based on faith can make a big difference, especially when times are tough.
Plekon's book makes you think about what churches might look like in the future, especially as society changes. He suggests that churches might have to offer more than just religious services to stay relevant, like getting involved in different community activities. This could breathe new life into struggling churches and change the way we think about what churches are for.
So, "Community as Church, Church as Community" is more than just a study; it's a push for church leaders and members to think creatively about the future of their churches. It encourages turning church spaces into places where community and support go way beyond traditional religious services.
About the Author
Michael P. Plekon is emeritus professor of sociology and religion and culture at Baruch College of the City University of New York. He has served parishes while teaching, writing, and researching for thirty-five years. Earlier in life he was a Carmelite friar and served as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is now a priest in the Orthodox Church in America in Wappingers Falls, New York, and married to a landscape artist and former IT professional, with two married adult children.
Community as Church Interview With Rev. Michael Plekon
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