I will offer some thoughts on my recent experiences in Europe, especially on their church life and population changes. Most peoples’ roots and our Lutheran heritage are based in Europe. As America ages, we are becoming more like an European nation. Let’s take a peek at what may come.
Lutheranism is not German. Though it started in Germany, both Sweden and Finland are officially Lutheran, even today. Strangely enough the German state church is “prostestant,” not “Lutheran.” These countries have large and beautiful churches. While many people go to see these churches, they do not go to worship services. For the most part, they don’t care to hear about the Gospel or Jesus.
I was able to attend a Sunday morning service at a state Lutheran church in Finland. It must have seated about 500 people. Yet, there were only around 30 people in church, including some visitors, like us. This church serves 1000’s of people, but they do not go. Even members of the church think of going to church as little as visiting the North Pole. A majority of Europeans live as if there were no God who speaks to them in words.
