Re: LSM vs the Midwest
Slowly but surely the cultural aspects of the LSM church life are disappearing. Some churches have made a concerted effort to purge some of the dead practices (the rote calling, rote hymn recitals, Amen-drumbeat prayers) but mostly these things are dying of their own accord. They all had their place once but, like all seasons, time moves on.
In several churches they have one-hour Lord's day meetings (and they don't call it "Lord's Day" much). It consists of song and message mostly, the message being twenty minutes long or so. In other churches, the meetings are still fairly long and the music is hymnal-driven. In some of the smaller groups, the meetings are more like a small group setting with a very informal atmosphere, Bible study like in some respects. It's a range, really. All of the churches, though, have had some changes. Faux enthusiasm is gone, something I greatly appreciate. I suppose the meetings are quieter than they once were -- I know ours are. But part of that's because of a drop in numbers.
To me, the meetings have become more real. I kind of see three phases to the LC meetings. Phase one was that shouting phase of the 70's with (mostly) honest enthusiasm and spirit. Phase two was the shouting phase of the 80's, with ritualized enthusiasm and spirit (not totally). Phase three is the non-shouting phase, with more questions than answers but with an earnestness of spirit.
I oversimplify. But that's been my experience pretty much.
SC
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