Digital Church Trends Pastors Should Know in 2021

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that our future is still uncertain. Regardless of how you may feel about the future, pastors need to be the lifeline between their donors and their spiritual survival. Keeping up with digital church trends is a major way to do this.

By becoming aware of the digital trends that will grow in 2021, you can have a head start on leading your church effectively, no matter the circumstances. Let’s look at some digital trends and donor management software to grow your church to its potential.

More Interactive Church Services Online

People won’t simply be satisfied with the usual online services. They will be more drawn to the ones which are interactive, create open live conversations, and meet their need for connection. As loneliness grows during the pandemic, make sure your church has a cloud platform to offer this to your members and donors.

More Digital Connections Than In-Person Gatherings

There are apps for everything these days, and you should encourage your members to use the ones that strengthen them spiritually, plus keep them connected to the church. If your services cannot continue with in-person gatherings in 2021, a simple solution such as an online digital church bulletin is essential.

Greater Need for Inspirational Digital Tools

Podcasts, Bible apps, inspirational Scriptures—these are already accessible online, but in 2021 we will see a surge of users. Ensure that your church has a good digital security system in place and invests in workshops teaching members and donors how to hone their soft skills.

Financial Transactions Online

The majority of givers and donors using online financial transactions will only grow in the years to come. Your church website must have an option for online donations — this is not optional. If you want to grow at the speed necessary to survive post-pandemic, make it easy for your donors to find and support you.

Video Is Still King

Your church leaders and pastors should start now to use online video in their teaching and preaching. If you do not yet have the tools to shoot and broadcast video, you can also encourage your pastors to compile video resources to share with their members. There are many inspirational TED talks for example, and other Christian-produced YouTube channels available.

Byte-Sized Bible

As people consume more online, they start to crave smaller, easier-to-digest content. Don’t forget this when planning your church outreach and marketing strategy. Think digital quote posters, short podcast snippets, even gifs and cute ways to spread the message.

Cloud-Based Church Teams and Networks

A central place in the cloud for church communications is essential. Make sure that your managers are up to speed on how to use the various platforms and resources. Ensure that they have the tools and media necessary to do their jobs. Those handling donations, gifts, and financial transactions for the church must also know how to use cloud-based platforms for data and reporting.

We hope this article assures you that the future of 2021 is still bright for those who enter it with faith, and a working plan. Don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed with the setbacks caused by a global pandemic. All the digital tools you need are already at your disposal. Here are some Scriptures to shine a light on the year ahead:

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 43:2 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

1 Peter 1:6-7 

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.

At DonorWerx, we know staying on top of digital church trends isn’t all you need. That’s why we help you assess where your church is at today, so you can plan better for tomorrow. Take a look at our many resources and software, then schedule a Discovery Call to find out more.