6 ways leadership will change in the next 10 years (Part 2)

Bob Whitesel Feb. 4, 2021

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In part 1, I examined six ways church leadership is changing during this unprecedented time of change. Those changes included: life first—work second, focus on outcomes, an end to senseless tasks, work when you want, more priority on health/well-being, and why rural towns will flourish (if they're fast). In this article, I have adapted from a list by futurist Chris Heard six more ways church leadership will change in the next 10 years.

1. Fast-track of diversity and inclusion.

Discussing diversity is not enough. Even having a few people of color in the sanctuary or on the platform does not foster a community of living color. My colleague Mark DeYmaz and I wrote re:MIX - Transitioning your church to Living Color, in which we pointed out that diversity grows through three steps:

First, intentionally diversifying your decision-making teams.

Second, ensuring decisions have input from all the diverse voices on your team.

Third, asking for honest feedback to evaluate how well you are connecting with diverse constituencies.

And fast-tracking is needed, because people will not wait around for a church to diversify. New organizations are sprouting up and making it easy for new people to get involved.

2. Burnout because of WFH.

Working from home (WFH) may be more convenient, but convenience usually leads to overworking. The effective leader will watch closely to ensure their employees aren't overworking. If you receive email responses late at night or observe employees neglecting their families, it's important to step up and encourage them to spend less time on work.

God gave you an example of resting from one's labors from the very beginning (Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11) and throughout the scriptures (Isaiah 58:13-14; Mark 2:27-28, Matthew 12:10-12). Tomorrow's leader will ensure others get the rest and worship they need to make sure that convenience does not lead to exhaustion.

3. Increase in retreats and offsites.

Remote work (and remote worship) can lead to isolation. Therefore, scheduling face-to-face events will increasingly be important. St. Paul led effectively by distance. But he also knew the importance of face-to-face gatherings. To the Thessalonians he wrote, "Do you have any idea how very homesick we became for you, dear friends? Even though it hadn't been that long and it was only our bodies that were separated from you, not our hearts, we tried our very best to get back to see you. You can't imagine how much we missed you!" (1 Thessalonians 2:17, MSG).

And it should be rank-and-file workers who create the retreat's content. Too often retreats are created by administrators to train or "envision" workers. But such training can often be handled more efficiently online. Instead, face-to-face events should focus on building interpersonal relationships.

4. More robots.

Here is a topic that may scare some. For those like myself, who were raised reading books and plays by Aldus Huxley, Isaac Asimov, and Karel Capek (who invented the word robot), there is a worrisome aspect to artificial intelligence. But let's set that aside for another conversation.

First, we are reminded that robotic automation allows workers to automate menial parts of their jobs. It frees us to focus on more important things.

Second, an under-analyzed aspect of automation is how it can mimic humans and their message. Holograms and animatronics are already being used by the entertainment industry to bring back to life everyone from presidents (49 years ago Disney's unveiled its animatronic Hall of Presidents) to concerts by deceased musicians such as Elvis Presley, Frank Zappa or Buddy Holly. Will a hologram of famed orators Billy Graham or George Whitfield once again inspire observers through their eloquence, humor and theological power? Will this replace the living pastor in the pulpit? And what are the spiritual and moral implications?

Third, do sin and salvation apply to artificial intelligences? Stephen Hawking, Noam Chomsky and Elon Musk have already signed an open letter warning about the pitfalls of artificial intelligence. But what will the church say? Some like Dr. Russell Bjork, professor at the evangelical Gordon College, are cautious about broadening the Christian understanding of personhood to include AI, saying, "What makes humans special is not what humanity is, but rather it is God's relationship to us based on his purpose for making us."

5. A hobby renaissance.

The Internet has increasingly allowed people to find fellowship with those who enjoy the same hobbies or activities. Churches can address this by offering more small groups that are focused on interests and hobbies. For example, high-top tables in a foyer or online chat rooms after worship services can welcome guests with signs that say: fishing, quilting, classic cars, running, travel, art, pickleball, etc.

6. Written over spoken.

Online communication is also increasing people's desire to be better writers. It is not about spellcheck and grammar apps. Instead, it is about becoming better at explaining ideas, clarifying arguments and finding unity. Amid the din of an electronic world, these are the assets needed to have ideas and voices heard.

Though leadership methods will change over the next 10 years, one thing will not: God's Word. Our anchor to weather storms is the words from Isaiah's time of similar stormy changes: "True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God's Word stands firm and forever" (Isaiah 40:8, MSG).

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Bob Whitesel (D.Min., Ph.D.) is a foresight coach, professor, and award-winning author of 14 books. For over 30 years, he has guided leaders and churches to pivot and engage what’s next. He holds two earned doctorates from Fuller Theological Seminary and teaches on leadership foresight, church health, and organizational change. His website is www.ChurchForesight.com. Learn More »

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