January 6 - Minn. Church Launches Service for 'Unsure' Christians

The church in St. Cloud is asking people who have averted from their faith to attend their services, which will be less "preachy." Starting Saturday, First United Methodist will offer congregants who "aren't so sure about church" a service that consists mostly of just music and meditation, said the Rev. William Meier.

The pastor of the church, speaking to St. Cloud Times, commented, "Our church is concerned for people whose spiritual journey has taken a detour or have been hurt by religion."

The new church service will be offered the first Saturday of each month and will combine inspirational readings, music, and meditation. "Our hope is that this service will be a safe place to re-enter the Christian spiritual life and find acceptance, healing, and wholeness," Meier added.

The altered church service is a result of a low church attendance, and many other churches across the United States are being affected by the ever-shrinking numbers of parishioners.

Meier noted that his church's offering is the first of its kind in the state. "As far as we are aware, no one else in this area in offering this type of service that honors silence, acoustic music, art and meditative prayer in this format."

Similar to First United Methodist, many churches are changing the way they conduct services in an attempt to attract and maintain churchgoers. Earlier this year one church leader suggested shortening church services to last under one hour in order to boost church attendance.