Podcast Episode #038
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At the beginning of the year, I noted 14 predictions for the church in 2014 here on the blog (part one, part two). Jonathan and I discuss those 14 predictions and reasons behind them. My 14 predictions are:
- Increased church acquisitions.
- Downsizing of denominational structures.
- Decline in conversion growth.
- More megachurches.
- Greater number of churches moving to a unified worship style.
- Increased emphasis on high-expectation church membership.
- Increased challenges for congregations to build and acquire land due to restrictive governmental policies.
- More large churches will function like mini-denominations.
- New worship centers will be built smaller.
- Increased emphasis on small groups.
- Longer pastoral tenure.
- Local churches increasing their roles as ministry training leaders.
- Church movement to the community.
- More multiple teaching/preaching pastors.
Finally, as it does on many podcast episodes, the topic of church membership came up again. And this week, I gave two specific tips for pastors looking to clean or improve the membership rolls in their local church.
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I fully agree with this article but one thing is sad and concerns me. If there will be a decrease in conversion growths, why will there be an increase in mega-churches? How are churches becoming larger with less conversions unless they are drawing sheep out of established churches. The emerging church is known for doing this so this may not be a good thing.
There is a church in my town that lost a bunch of members because they did not want new members. People get uncomfortable with leadership when they realize they are members of a private club. Jesus did not intend that.
Mike: Bigger growth may not necessarily be successful growth. It may be entertainment growth or fleshly growth which cuts down on conversion growth. “Preach the Word; be instant in season and out of season. The time will come when men will have itching ears, etc………..” FAITHFULNESS is the key word for the end time”
Charles Mays <
I predict more churches will enlist a consultant and take a Health Assessment. I’ve been contacted by three churches this year already.
This podcast was very informative. When I read the initial blog I was disturbed by the terminology of church acquisitions. The podcast gave me an understanding of what was meant. In our small little worlds we often are out of touch with the bigger picture of what is happening in the bigger world and the written word can be more restrictive than the spoken word in explaining things. Thanks for the enlightenment. I have a better understanding of what is occurring. I have in the past led a church in a three church merger to expand and continue our witness. I see this as another way of accomplishing the same. Thanks again for aiding my understanding.
Thanks David.