@joe134cd, I agree, Christians in general seem less concerned about dogma, and more concerned about believing in Jesus. Not a bad thing.
I bet that church with music brought a lot of people in. Although I'm sure some wouldn't attend without the night club atmosphere, I have to say that a place of worship should be joyful, as an expression of faith. If I had any faith in God left, I would want to go somewhere to worship that had a happy vibe to it. The churches here are into all sorts of things, some practical (food banks and shelters) and many social (spaghetti dinners, book clubs, zumba classes, breakfast socials). These events are run, for the most part, by women of the 55+ age group.
@bamse, IDK. I don't think the younger generation wants to go for years, just hoping that maybe, just maybe, the GB will relent and (as Finkelstein proposes) get to hold the microphones.
There's just not much excitement in this religion. Only a special few get to be really involved in what goes on. You can't even go to an International Convention, on your own dime, if you don't have permission. And it's all just drab, repetitive meetings, service, clean the hall, man the cart, etc. Nothing much exciting for women at all, just service, giving basic pre-scripted talks, cleaning the hall, etc. The older generation of women accept that this is their "place", being in subjection to all men, but I just don't see loads of younger women growing old in this organization. I don't think they'll be interested.