7 Predictions for the Churches of the Future

Recent world events have shifted the way churches operate dramatically. From packed auditoriums and church services, to exclusive online streaming and digital meetings, Christians across the globe are having to adapt and transition in the midst of uncertainty.

How can church leaders protect their church while growing and nurturing it? The key is in preparing for the future.

Looking at the recent trends and current events, here are some predictions for the future to help you prepare in the best way possible. They are based both on current events, and what the original Christians and apostles of Antioch first believed and taught us about church growth:

1. The Online Church Platform

As restrictions lift, in-person gatherings will return. However, digital church is here to stay. The last few months have seen churches move completely online to reach folks in their homes, and this mode of ministry has so many benefits. People are being able to connect in new ways, even while social distancing. And they are finding a kind of convenience in having church right at home, a personal touch through technology, and pastors who guide them with online platforms.

2. Church Management Software for Leadership

In the future, software for managing inside operations of the church will be more the norm. especially digital tools that help track donations, organize events, fundraise, and handle email marketing. Tools that automate management processes will be vital. The leaders of the future will know how to utilize technology to reach the minds and hearts of their congregation. They will do so with the confidence of leaders who can innovate through a crisis.

3. Digital Giving will Grow

The age-old Christian model of tithing will see new growth from donors who are happier to contribute online. With more and more church members used to e-commerce, trustworthy digital giving apps must be engaged. Today, it is already normal for Millennials to work out their finances and build their wealth online, through apps. In the future, even older generations will move into the new contactless ways of giving and supporting the church. 

4. Mobile Member Engagement Will Become Prioritized

As wearable technology becomes a part of our daily lives, church missions will also be integrated with mobile technology. Churches in the near future will optimize their apps for engaged members, use mobile apps for engaging with their members, nurturing donors, and managing their leaders. 

5. Donors will continue to have positions of power

The use of digital technology will enable churches to be even more discreet. Donors who prefer anonymity may only interact with your church online, but having integrated platforms will encourage them to give in full security. However, this still means that pastors must be even more proactive in reaching potential donors on a personal level, creating content that engaes them and speaks to their personal spiritual needs.

6. The Rise of Remote Teams

Rather than scheduled in-person meetings for church management, remote-working will open doors for remote teams. But this is great news, especially for churches that have a global reach. Teams will be able to work together more effectively across continents, because they’ll be used to remote communications.

7. Evangelism every day of the week

While churches of the past often saved their sermons for Sunday, churches of the future will need to be on-call 24/7. As the world grows darker, the churches who shine their light brightly will continue to attract those hungering for a deeper spiritual message. Church leaders and teachers need to be available to their congregation, and not just on the weekends. “In season, out of season,” as the Bible says.

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More scriptures on church growth

Let’s take some time to remember scriptures about the importance of growing your church the way God intended:

·      1 Corinthians 3:6-7

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.

·      Ephesians 2:21

In whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,

·      Acts 16:5

So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.

·      Ephesians 4:16

…from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

·      Colossians 2:19

…and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

Churches of the Future Will Excel

Too many churches get stuck in “traditional” but outdated ways of doing things. And, in some cases, folks in leadership are reluctant to learn new skills, move forward with digital trends, or shift to a modern modus operandi. Unknowingly, they stunt the spiritual growth of their own congregation. If you want to be one of the churches that is strong and prepared for the future, then you must be aware of the current “trends”. If you advance digitally, you will move into the future prepared. Your outreach efforts will not be in vain, and you will reach your mission goals.

We are a team of individuals committed to help you and your church grow through this difficult time. Please reach out and get in touch if you want to benefit from the software designed for churches, now available online.

For more help and tips on cultivating church growth, plus the perfect digital platforms for seamless integration, check out our resource material at Donorwerx.