The past three decades brought a proliferation of where congregations assemble in the United States. What can we expect in the coming decade?
1. Increasing importance of church buildings.
John Chandler
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“Here is the church, here is the steeple; open the door and see all the people.” Baptist children across the country are taught this simple rhyme (with hand motions) to instill the idea of the church as a body of believers and not a physical structure.
But a building is where most local churches meet. North Americans go to a ball game in a coliseum, to the doctor at her office, to schools with classrooms and to movies at theaters. Our culture expects things to occur in buildings—including church.
Not all churches have buildings. Nor am I claiming that the church can’t meet in homes or wherever “two or more are gathered in his name.” But as Thom Rainer puts it, “Church facilities are one of the most expensive and most critical tools church leaders use in shepherding God’s people. In short, buildings are (increasingly) important pieces in God’s mission of building his kingdom.”
Rainer predicts that in the next 10 years, this focus will surge. Churches will increasingly view their buildings as part of their discipleship process.
2. Growth in video-venues slows down.
While they won’t disappear, we expect the popularity of video-venues (in which a single teaching pastor is projected to multiple sites) to wane. Internet and podcast booms brought a wave of electronic teaching. Generally, this trend has been positive, with more excellent teaching readily available (for free) than ever before.
There is increasing concern, however, over an unacceptable culture of celebrity that suggests only a few superstars can preach and teach. Thus campuses at multi-site churches will increasingly feature an in-person pastor/teacher, and more people will seek out this type of local connection.
3. Re-purposing of abandoned church buildings.
Ten congregations cease to exist in the United States every day. Many of those churches will end their lives redemptively by giving away their buildings to emerging congregations. We’re seeing this already in Virginia Baptist life.
To me, that trend is evidence of the resurrection in action!
Trending is written by John Chandler, leader of the Spence Network, www.spencenetwork.equip.htm.