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As we begin 2018, I can’t help observing that—in my lifetime—I have never seen local congregations at such a critical juncture. Cultural Christianity is all but dead.
The “nones,” a label that refers to those without any religious preference, are increasing. Many American communities are no longer friendly to local churches; some have even turned openly adversarial.
Seeds of hope
Despite the discouraging pictures, amid the waves of these seas of negativity exist mercy drops of hope and possibilities.
Look at these 10 major trends carefully. See how God would have your church respond.
1. The audio revolution. The e-book has not proved to be nearly as popular as many projected. Indeed, many blog writers are reporting declines in readership. At the same time, audio books are rising in popularity. Listeners are moving to podcasts so they can learn while they jog, drive, and exercise. Outside of preaching podcasts, churches have many other opportunities to reach and disciple people through audio ministries.
2. Boomer retirement crisis. While Boomer pastors and church leaders are retiring in large numbers, most of them don’t have succession plans. These leaders are in churches from the small to the large. We will have many churches that are looking to fill these voids with little success.
3. The deferred maintenance crisis in church facilities. My friend, Tim Cool of Cool Solutions Group, keeps reporting about churches that have done little to keep facilities in acceptable condition. Many are experiencing times of reckoning. I know of a church that had to close 4,000 square feet of space deemed unsafe and uninhabitable. Like Tim says, you pay some now or you pay more later.
4. Churches moving into retail spaces. The nation’s surplus of retail space will grow. The demise of many brick-and-mortar stores and chains presents an incredible opportunity for churches to find prime space for new and additional sites.
5. Ongoing church closures. This trend shows no signs of slowing. I hope church leaders and members will be more receptive to acquisitions and mergers before it’s too late. Too many of these churches expect to get bailed out without lifting a finger.
6. The rise of the neighborhood church. Churches once at the center of life in a neighborhood had declined and died. But now we see them experiencing a renewal through acquisitions and re-plants by healthier churches.
7. The learning revolution of church leaders. It is almost a cliché to talk about the pace of change in our world and culture. I won’t bore you with statistics, but one thing is becoming glaringly obvious. Ongoing learners are becoming the best leaders of healthy churches. Indeed, we created Church Answers to provide a learning platform for church leaders on a regular basis. Those church leaders who are not continually learning will not be leading well.
8. Downsizing of worship centers and sanctuaries. This trend is one I have mentioned in recent months, but the pace of downsizing has accelerated. For some, that is due to declining attendance. But that is not the only factor. Some churches have intentionally moved to smaller worship services through multiple services, venues, and campuses.
9. The rise of networks. More churches are aligning with informal and formal networks with a common purpose. Those that are part of denominations typically choose to stay for both doctrinal and legacy reasons. Acts 29 is an example of a church planting network more aligned with Reformed churches. Watch for new networks to form with different emphases and a broader evangelical doctrine.
10. More Great Commission intentionality. When cultural Christianity thrived, churches could do minimal evangelism and still grow by transfers. Such is not the case anymore. Churches will have to be intentionally evangelistic or they will head toward death and closure.
The tipping point
Many congregations are at a tipping point. Some will die. Some will thrive.
My prayer is that this summary of these trends as we move into a new year can be used of God in your churches to move your congregation toward greater health and Great Commission obedience.
Photo source: istock
 | Thom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers, and online community and resource for church leaders. Prior to founding Church Answers, Rainer served as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Before coming to LifeWay, he served at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for twelve years where he was the founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism. He is a 1977 graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Learn More » |
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