This document discusses the changing social structures in Western societies from traditional communal structures to modern individualism. It outlines how pre-1960s society had strong communal organizations like villages, guilds, and churches that provided social connection. However, the 1960s brought broad social and cultural changes that shifted society away from duty-based communal bonds to an emphasis on individual rights and choice. This has led to declining traditional churches and loss of communal ties, resulting in greater isolation for many individuals today.

1. The vanishing middle
Church in a post-covenantal context
Mark Sayers

2. SHRINKING CHURCHES

3. VILLAGE & TRIBE

4. TRADITIONAL STRUCTURE
META STATE, NATION, EMPIRE
COMMUNAL
Village, Tribe
INDIVIDUAL

5. MOVE TO THE CITY

6. NEW MODELS FOR NEW CITIES

7. TRADITIONAL STRUCTURE
META STATE, NATION, EMPIRE
COMMUNAL
GUILD, CHURCH, VILLAGE, TRIBE, TRADE, LODGE,
FAMILY, MARRIAGE, CLAN, CLUB, ASSOCIATION,
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, MARKET, VOLUNTEERS,
UNIONS, FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.
INDIVIDUAL

9. Guilds
Red Cross
Friendly Societies
Societies
Kiwanis
Rotary
Masons
Rotary
Probus Clubs
Country Women's assoc.
Alumni
Burial Societies
Fraternities & Sororities
Political Parties
Temperance Movements
Clubs

10. TRADITIONAL STRUCTURE
META STATE, NATION, EMPIRE
COMMUNAL –
VOLUNTEERISM
COVENANTALITY
DUTY & SERVICE
INDIVIDUAL

11. QUANTAM CHANGE 1962-1970

12. POST-COVENANTAL

13. BROADCAST &
ENTERTAINMENT

14. ME-ISM

15. CONTEMPORARY STRUCTURE
META STATE, NATION, CORPORATION, MASS MEDIA,
TECHNOLOGY/INTERNET, UNIVERSITY, CITY.
COMMUNAL/COVENANTAL
INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS, FREEDOM,
CHOICE, PERSONAL HAPPINESS

16. GROWTH OF NON-
EUROPEAN CHURCH

17. NEW URBAN TRIBES

18. CONNECTED? THE NEW INDIVIDUALISM

19. META + INDIVIDUAL –
COMMUNAL/COVENANTAL =

20. META + INDIVIDUAL –
COMMUNAL/COVENANTAL =

21. ISOLATION

22. USING COVENANTALITY AS A
RESOURCE