Churches of the future are sure to be different

Change is constant. What was, is not now and will never be again. That is doubly true for institutions like the church.

Recently the Alban Institute, a leading church think tank and consultative group, had one of their writers reflect on emerging trends they are seeing in the changing environment. I think they are challenging to all people of faith.

The first trend is that a congregation’s identity does not equal its building.

The days of Salvation Corners are long gone, save as a tourist attraction. A church cannot be dependent upon its building for its identity. Buildings are nice, but not necessary to be a church.

Second, being a pastor is not a full-time position. This is how the church was 2,000 years ago. Most churches are actually too small to support a full-time minister. Worker pastors or bi-vocational pastors will be the future.

Third, resources come from drop-down menus rather than denominational staff. I can barely recall the last time I looked for resource and program support from my denomination. Much more is available from the Internet. The future will be determined by those who can mine the Internet for gems to get their church moving. Using a search engine to help with everything from conflict to Bible study is where we are headed.

Don’t misunderstand. People will still be necessary. But the “experts” of days gone by are no longer relevant. The next expert for the church is named Google. Fourth, groups are changing. My father leads a Bible study in the congregation he attends in Oakville. He has been astounded to discover that people from differing faith backgrounds are starting to attend. One of the more interesting developments is a small group of new Canadians from China who attend the United Church and the Bible study because they want to learn more about Canada and the community they live in. They are welcomed.

Fifth, worship happens not just on Sunday mornings. While Sunday may be for many a “sacred hour,” it can also be a difficult time for many. Several churches in the U.S. are starting ministries in local pubs, serving beer (with a two-beer limit) and a house band. It’s called “Beer and Hymns.”

Sixth, small groups and faith formation is not Sunday School at church. Small, off-site gatherings are replacing Sunday School for children and adults. The traditional Sunday School, with graded classes and lessons, is long, long gone. Play groups for children or gathering over coffee at the beginning or the end of the day are where change is happening.

Finally, active membership is not equal to weekly attendance. Nor is it the number of bodies on the church membership roll. There is a huge cultural shift going on. No longer does going to Sunday worship mean you are an active member. Active members may be in attendance once every six to eight weeks. That’s the new normal for the church.

None of this is intended to rationalize or justify what is happening. What the Alban Institute is saying is that what we are seeing are changing patterns of behaviour among all age groups across North America. As such, they can’t be “fixed” by forcing people to behave the way they used to.

If I hear another church person say “We have to get more young people in the church,” I may scream.

The future of the church is not to go back to old patterns, but to adapt and see things in a new way. It’s not a betrayal of faith to say goodbye to a building or a program. It is, instead, the same thing our ancestors did — adapting to a new reality and finding new meaning. We don’t change core beliefs, but we find new ways to live out and share those beliefs.

Comments

InannaWhimsey

Posted on: 12/03/2013 06:23

Isn't it going to be mind-blowing when, say, during tests at a school, the teacher will have to ask for people to turn their Wireless Cyberware off during the test?

Or transgenic congregants?

You should, if you haven't already, check out Douglas Rushkoff's book "Present Shock" -- it's the latest version of Toffler's "Future Shock" :3

(one of the big changes that is happening, imho, is that things like food & security will be recognized as basic rights and that the old concept of jobs as working yourself out of a job will fade, being replaced by working producing actual value...which, I think, will naturally free up those in the Church who get waylaid by economic struggles -- giving up spiritual pursuits for economic ones...)

carolla

Posted on: 12/03/2013 18:34

Thanks for the summary DKS - I agree.

kaythecurler

Posted on: 12/04/2013 13:35

Interesting blog. What will be more interesting will be watching as congregations change, or don't change until they eventually die.

I have heard the cry 'we need more young people'.

I have heard young people chatting about showing up at a congregation and being denied opportunities to learn, contribute their thoughts, grow. None of them stayed for long.

It will be interesting to watch what happens.