Purpose of the Indian Orthodox Church in the US?
Many thoughts running through this little brain, so apologies to anyone who may be reading. The main internal struggle is as the title states - what is the purpose of the Indian Orthodox Church in the US?
There are books devoted to the this topic that is essential for Church growth. The Internet has many articles, including many by our own clergy.
So, is the purpose of the Indian Orthodox Church in the US to be islands in America for those who miss their home churches back in Kerala? Or perhaps to be the Church who has the largest congregation (think the title belongs to Houston at moment) or the biggest building (no clue, but definitely not in Chicago as we keep splitting before that can be considered!).
What then becomes of those Indian Orthodox Christians who need something more - a Church with a purpose to teach the Indian Orthodox faith and prepare the entire fellowship to become Christ's disciples? A Church that is able to welcome back all those Christians who had become disillusioned with the politics and lack of progress.
But, over past couple weeks I see that many are quite content with the current status, and others believe Orthodoxy should never change and is in fact poured in concrete. This is not unique to our Church alone, as there are those in the Eastern Orthodox who write volumes about those who have "become infected by ecumenism".
It appears that the American Diocese really needs to establish an identity, that accommodates all Indians in the US. Initially I had thought that this thirst for something more from our Church was generational, but the past couple months made me realize that many of the older generation are just as frustrated, and sadly many of my generation are just as content with "business as usual" as some of the elders.
Final random thought - I truly believe that a Church need not split to accommodate the needs of all members. Simple things such as an additional service, or holding the Committee members accountable to represent everyone can be implemented immediately. There are things that do not require a re-write of the Constitution, and yet we don't have the courage to implement or the commitment to stick together and fulfill the vision.
All goes back to the question ... what is the purpose of the Indian Orthodox Church in the US? The answer to that question will define the future of our Church.
There are books devoted to the this topic that is essential for Church growth. The Internet has many articles, including many by our own clergy.
So, is the purpose of the Indian Orthodox Church in the US to be islands in America for those who miss their home churches back in Kerala? Or perhaps to be the Church who has the largest congregation (think the title belongs to Houston at moment) or the biggest building (no clue, but definitely not in Chicago as we keep splitting before that can be considered!).
What then becomes of those Indian Orthodox Christians who need something more - a Church with a purpose to teach the Indian Orthodox faith and prepare the entire fellowship to become Christ's disciples? A Church that is able to welcome back all those Christians who had become disillusioned with the politics and lack of progress.
But, over past couple weeks I see that many are quite content with the current status, and others believe Orthodoxy should never change and is in fact poured in concrete. This is not unique to our Church alone, as there are those in the Eastern Orthodox who write volumes about those who have "become infected by ecumenism".
It appears that the American Diocese really needs to establish an identity, that accommodates all Indians in the US. Initially I had thought that this thirst for something more from our Church was generational, but the past couple months made me realize that many of the older generation are just as frustrated, and sadly many of my generation are just as content with "business as usual" as some of the elders.
Final random thought - I truly believe that a Church need not split to accommodate the needs of all members. Simple things such as an additional service, or holding the Committee members accountable to represent everyone can be implemented immediately. There are things that do not require a re-write of the Constitution, and yet we don't have the courage to implement or the commitment to stick together and fulfill the vision.
All goes back to the question ... what is the purpose of the Indian Orthodox Church in the US? The answer to that question will define the future of our Church.
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