Fast forward five to ten years, and we find skinny jeans. Half the fabric at twice the cost. If nothing else, we don’t see suits in most churches because we don’t see suits in most communities.
God informs our theology, but people determine our ministry.
Therefore, church leaders must always understand their broader community and adjust in kind. We change our clothing styles and should be just as willing to change our ministry models.
What Church Trends Are The Most Challenging?
I’ve been working in the church for 15 years. That’s shorter than some of you, but it’s long enough to see a few church trends come and go. And not just clothing ones!
For the past two years, I’ve consulted with church leaders and worked with churches on ministry model overhauls, funding systems, volunteer engagement, and the like. Like you, I’m also a student of the church.
As I’ve surveyed and synthesized, it is clear that some church trends have emerged. Some were happening pre-pandemic, but all have accelerated during and following the pandemic.
To put on my consultant hat, I’m less concerned that you catch back up to the trends you missed. I’m primarily concerned you see what’s here today and coming tomorrow so you can catch up and get slightly ahead of the change curve. It’s impossible to know the future, but here are 5 trends I see coming for churches over the next 5 years:
Church Trends You Need to Know Right Now
TREND 1: Online and virtual church experiences:
This may sound like old news, but read on. With the increased use of technology and online platforms, churches will likely continue exploring and developing new ways to provide virtual and online experiences to reach members. But the secret to online success moving forward is the word “integration.”
Every church has some online presence, even if it is only a Facebook group. Churches that thrive in the future will understand not just how to use each online platform in the way it is meant to be used, but they will learn how to integrate online and in-person into a more seamless experience.
TREND 2: Multisite and decentralized church models:
Churches may continue to embrace multisite and decentralized models, allowing them to better serve diverse communities and reach new audiences in different locations.
Even if you’re not a multisite church, this will most likely become relevant. The move to more connected and community-focused churches is growing. Content is a commodity, but connection and community are a specialty. Content is everywhere! Do you know what is lacking now more than ever before? Authentic connection and community. Decentralized models add better connection.
