The CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources published the results of his research in an article describing 15 trends affecting churches this year. In the February Tribune, an edited list was published, and here is a slightly expanded list with some comments from Tribune Editor Keith Bassham.
1. Smaller group gatherings – Rainer says, “Churches that are growing will likely do so through multiple services, multiple venues, and multiple sites. This trend will accelerate through the growing influence of Gen X and the Millennials.”
Bigger is better except when it is not. This small group theme comes up a few times in the trend list.
2. More difficulty for churches seeking pastors – pastoral search committees may be out, to be replaced by something similar to professional headhunter agencies in the secular world.
My youngest son just went through a season of seeking a church, and each one who looked at him as a possible candidate had a basic, traditional approach, i.e., a pastoral search committee reviewing resumes and recommendations, to be followed by interviews and visits to the churches. It is time consuming, hard work, and there were some inconsistencies among the churches’ procedures. Much of the communication these days is digital, and that helps some, but unless a church goes through the search process often (and who wants that?), there is a big knowledge gap. I don’t think leaving the task to “professionals” is the answer, but churches (and candidates) could use some coaching.
3. Small groups become more important – Rainer says, “I see a new movement of ‘groups’ taking place that will be similar in growth as the Sunday school movement was in the late 19th century through the first half of the 20th century.”
Here is the second reference to small groups. And I wonder why a return to Sunday school is not a viable option here?
4. Prayer movements – more meetings dedicated solely to prayer.
Students of revival movements often mention a prevalence of prayer meetings leading up to the actual revival. However, in my view, God’s people seeking His face in thanksgiving and asking His assistance is evidence that revival is already beginning.
5. More multi-site churches – presumably meeting in smaller venues (see 1 and 3).
I’m still trying to fathom the reason for a multi-site church in the first place. Why not start a church if one is needed?
6. More teaching pastors – other pastors on staff sharing more of the preaching and teaching duties. Rainer says, “In 2015 multiple teaching pastors will become normative, and they will be pervasive in smaller churches as well.”
Preachers on staff get the pulpit when the lead pastor is absent or on special occasions. This will be an interesting trend to watch.
7. Theological education on site in churches – higher studies made available without moving to a seminary or college community. Seminaries will likely partner with churches.
Quality education can be delivered online, and combined with mentoring and apprenticeships, this could be a very positive development. And a close connection between the schools and churches is generally preferred. Schools don’t lose touch with real-world ministry, and churches get high-quality instruction.
8. In denominational churches, more grassroots partnerships among congregations
The Baptist Bible Fellowship has been modeling this for the denominations 65 years. Large organizations tend toward bureaucracy and control. Local church emphasis limits that trend, and it encourages churches to look to one another to accomplish large goals.
9. People continue to flow from smaller to larger churches
Church growth, when it comes at the expense of other churches — and when it consists largely in transfer of membership and not evangelism — cannot be a good thing. This sometimes happens when a multi-site church decides to open a new site in an already well-churched community. There are reasons why a person may prefer a larger church, but this is hard to square with the emphasis on smaller groups referenced above.
10. Congregations and communities – they will get along better as churches serve and communities come to appreciate what they bring to the table.
I am seeing this more, even among churches that use to brand this type of behavior “the social gospel.” A congregation doing good in the community without any strings attached will surprise their neighbors and establish some good will. As more governmental entities express hostility to Christianity, it is important that our actions keep us without blame and thus make such hostility seem unreasonable to common citizens.
11. Individual churches will seek more separation from denominational structure – but at a cost. Rainer says, “Denominational structures will continue to get smaller and more streamlined, and churches will not be able to expect the same type of resources they have received in the past.”
This goes along with what was said earlier about grassroots partnerships among churches. Power flowing in that direction, from the larger organizations to the local churches, is a welcome trend.
12. Continued integrating lifestyle and verbal evangelism
Christians showing more Christianity while telling the Good News more is always a good thing. Too many want to make this an either/or issue, but it really is both/and. Just as churches should be doing good in the community, individual Christians should let their lights shine among those they interact with daily, making it possible to share the Gospel when it is most needed.
13. More emphasis on congregational singing – Rainer says, “In many of our churches, both traditional and contemporary, you can hardly hear the congregation sing. There will be an increased emphasis on intentionally bringing the congregants into worship through singing.”
I so much hope this is the case. Often, in the congregations I visit, people do not sing. They watch. And they listen. And they stand for a long time. (I know that has nothing to do with what Mr. Rainer said, but I thought I would slip it in.) Turn down the instruments volume, choose sing-able songs, use middle key-ranges, and keep the theology sound, and people will gladly sing with you.
14. More churches phasing out Sunday evening services.
Be purposeful in everything you do. If you have a Sunday evening service, have a reason for doing it. If you drop it, or modify it some way, have a reason for it. Don’t keep it because it is traditional. Don’t phase it out because it is the cool thing. There’s nothing wrong with giving people options, and a Sunday night gathering could be more welcome than you think provided it is not a repeat of the morning worship experience.
15. Increase in bi-vocational staff – Rainer says, “We have noted the growing trend of bi-vocational pastors. We will see in 2015 an accelerated trend of other church staff becoming bi-vocational.”
I see this as a positive trend. Bi-vo ministers have not always received love and respect from our Fellowship as they should. Sharp people doing secular work can bring their skills to a church staff with less expense to the church. With the younger guys coming into our churches with increased college debt, giving them opportunity to minister and hold a good-paying job at the same time could be a win-win. Fellowships could plan their meetings to give more options for bi-vo pastors, and help with travel expenses.
Disclaimer – the Tribune is always in favor of more Christians living more obediently, winning more people, doing more Bible study, and praying more. We hope those will be trends in 2015 among our Fellowship.