George, sounds familiar except our southern migration was for jobs in the auto industry, primarily (my dad was a carpenter in the housing industry). The difference between the military bases in NJ and the auto industry in MI is the autoworkers stayed for 25-30 years for their pensions before they entertained thoughts of returning “home.” Many did, some came back because things down there had changed. Others, like my folks, stayed in MI for the rest of their lives.
Yes, many of the churches I knew about as a teenager--ages 15-20--in SE PA and S NJ were primarily white collar workers or military. Are you saying the people you experienced in MI were more blue collar workers?
George, yes, when they first arrived. Some moved up into white jobs. And we had a some who were white collar transfers from companies like LTV (Ling-Temco-Vought) in the Detroit area (where we had a tank factory). But a large number of them remained blue collar. But Detroit autoworkers did well for themselves and their churches.
Dan, I did notice in my travels for the Home Mission Board, SBC beginning in 1981, and my relationships with the associational directors of missions, that many churches in the Great Lakes area where SBC-heritage people came and stayed many years failed to reach leadership indigenous to states in the Great Lakes area. So, after the first 15-18 years of existence they began a slow and steady decline, and many became a remnant congregation by the time they were 25-30 years old. Does this match your observation?
Yes, George! That’s pretty much the case. Remnant churches is an appropriate term. The convention is currently focused on new plants (SEND Network) and trying to revitalize/strengthen existing churches. There are more indigenous pastors/leaders. My wife and I returned to MI 13 years after we left. And several of my colleagues were Michiganders. Most of us returned after getting experience elsewhere after seminary. I pastored a church in VA 10 before returning. A couple of our current state leaders are former IMB missionaries.
George, I remember these experiences well, from my ministry in the early 70s in Western New York. Hey, I remember doing it once or twice myself! Great series. Brings back lots of memories!
Thanks. They are going to continue off and on. The next one is about people who thought we were snake handlers from southern mountain and tural areas, and banks who did not trust us when churches asked for loans.
George, sounds familiar except our southern migration was for jobs in the auto industry, primarily (my dad was a carpenter in the housing industry). The difference between the military bases in NJ and the auto industry in MI is the autoworkers stayed for 25-30 years for their pensions before they entertained thoughts of returning “home.” Many did, some came back because things down there had changed. Others, like my folks, stayed in MI for the rest of their lives.
Yes, many of the churches I knew about as a teenager--ages 15-20--in SE PA and S NJ were primarily white collar workers or military. Are you saying the people you experienced in MI were more blue collar workers?
George, yes, when they first arrived. Some moved up into white jobs. And we had a some who were white collar transfers from companies like LTV (Ling-Temco-Vought) in the Detroit area (where we had a tank factory). But a large number of them remained blue collar. But Detroit autoworkers did well for themselves and their churches.
Dan, I did notice in my travels for the Home Mission Board, SBC beginning in 1981, and my relationships with the associational directors of missions, that many churches in the Great Lakes area where SBC-heritage people came and stayed many years failed to reach leadership indigenous to states in the Great Lakes area. So, after the first 15-18 years of existence they began a slow and steady decline, and many became a remnant congregation by the time they were 25-30 years old. Does this match your observation?
Yes, George! That’s pretty much the case. Remnant churches is an appropriate term. The convention is currently focused on new plants (SEND Network) and trying to revitalize/strengthen existing churches. There are more indigenous pastors/leaders. My wife and I returned to MI 13 years after we left. And several of my colleagues were Michiganders. Most of us returned after getting experience elsewhere after seminary. I pastored a church in VA 10 before returning. A couple of our current state leaders are former IMB missionaries.
And we like other churches in SC went and partnered with SBC churches in Mi for mission trips....
George, I remember these experiences well, from my ministry in the early 70s in Western New York. Hey, I remember doing it once or twice myself! Great series. Brings back lots of memories!
Thanks. They are going to continue off and on. The next one is about people who thought we were snake handlers from southern mountain and tural areas, and banks who did not trust us when churches asked for loans.
Enjoying your series...