Are Non-Traditional Churches Becoming More Traditional?

I am becoming more and more surprised to see churches that we might call "non-denominational" looking more and more like denominational churches. As Lutheran churches across the country celebrated Ash Wednesday, as we do every year, some churches were engaging their congregations in this service for the very first, or one of the first times. Why is this?

Some scholars are suggesting that "mysticism" is making a comeback. So what is mysticism? Mysticism, from my perspective, approaches God with the understanding that we are unable to fully understand God, but we experience him more fully when we let go of our need to understand him completely. An example, the Lutheran understanding of communion: We believe that Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine that we receive during his holy meal. We don't try to explain or understand that presence we simply accept it.

So why are more churches engaging in these ancient practices? I believe this is happening because we are realizing that faith is not found in answers or understanding but through a connection with God, and quite often a connection that is beyond our typical understanding. Where and how do you experience God? Let me know! Pastor Chris