Identity

One of the reasons that my church attracts new members, is their desire to be part of something great as they see it.  My church is big and 2000 years old.  The isolation that comes with urban and suburban life often lacks a way to overcome the struggle for social recognition.  People crave a sense of worth and positive dignity that is missing in mass urbanization, single driver rush hours and mass transportation.  Latinas who feel diminished in their ethnic or immigrant status may gravitate to a church of like culture that makes them feel important and recognized as a group. the Irish, Italian, and others all did this in the past. There is a tension between individual expression and the longing for a community of like minded people.  For some, religion fills the bill.  Evangelization can become a way to make you feel important, but it will not transform you.  Why would one seek transformation in which ultimately you must become less, if you already feel like you are nothing from the uncaring society in which you find yourself?  Feeling part of an elite group is short term for deep spiritual growth.  Maybe that is why Jesus had so few followers, and I suspect still does.