The Church of the Future

I have always thought it fun to hear and read what people think the future will be like. I remember as a kid (I’ll give my age away here on this one!) reading predictions about Moon Colonies and space stations in orbit by the year 2001 followed by manned mars landings shortly thereafter. My favorite was the prediction of flying cars, robot maids and TV/telephones! Looking back at all those predictions – at least a few of them have actually come true!
I’ve spent the last few days looking over dozens of articles on the web about what pastors, worship leaders and congregation folk in general predict churches will look like in the future – let’s say twenty-five years from now or the year 2038. If I stay reasonably healthy, I will be 76 years old and still around in the year 2038! It’s really been interesting and thought provoking to read all of them! For the sake of time, I’ve shortened the list down to about four of the most common predictions made – and feel free to add any of your own at the bottom of this.


More Multi site churches – 37% of people polled recently on a survey question thought there would be more “multi-site” churches – those are several small local churches that are all connected to a main church hub. Sharing resources, staffing, as well as facilities, this type of church actually does exist today and is a growing trend in modern church planting. Multi site churches will be small in size as well as a combination of multigenerational family groups.


Stronger Mission emphasis – Many believe we will see even more emphasis on missions in the future, both local and abroad. With tough economic times sure to be a constant, there will be even greater need to help others less fortunate as well as spread the gospel message to the entire world.


Return to ancient roots and principles – In all aspects of ministry (the message, the music and the fellowship) there will be a consistent return to the basic New Testament principles in churches of all generations. There will always be hymns sung in churches, as well as modern worship music – however, the emphasis will be more on the worship of God, rather than the worship of the music.


Growth in persecution – This is the scariest one – and most challenging! Persecution has always been around, but in the future it is predicted to increase ten fold. We’ve never seen the severe types of Christian persecution in America that they see in countries such as China, Russia or in the Middle eastern countries – but it is coming our way and many will probably say – it is already here! This is the strongest argument for strengthening our study and knowledge of the word of God. Putting on the “armor of God” as protection for the coming days!

Blessings,

Dave Farmer