Trends

Recently a study from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life stated that more and more people have left the faith in which they were raised. Specifically, 44% of American adults have left the faith in which they were raised. Other findings include: 16% of adults say they have unaffiliated with any relision - including atheists, agnostics and "nothing in particular." While this is not surprising to some within the church it does remind us that we have a lot of work to do within the church to share the gospel in compelling ways.

As the church reflect upon trends taking place in faith, I will share with you some trends that are currently shaping the Presbyterian (USA) denomination and some that may take place in the future.

A. More and more churches are employing part-time pastors. Reason: Smaller membership churches cannot afford a full-time pastor with benefits. These churches are employing either retired pastors (on a part-time basis) or pastors with other jobs. Several churches within our presbytery are already doing this. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is a congregation comprised mainly of smaller membership churches (81.3% of the denomination's churches are under 300 members - 62% of the churches are under 150 members). The trend of hiring more part-time pastors will increase.

B. More presbyteries will align with other presbyteries in order to accomplish mission and ministry. For the same reasons listed above, we will find that many presbyteries will consolidate operations. Prediction: The Presbytery of Missouri River Valley will eventually morph into the Presbytery of Nebraska (uniting Homestead, Plains/Peaks (Nebraska), Central Nebraska and Missouri River Valley). That may be a few years down the road but it could happen.

C. Synods will dramatically change as well. See note B. above.

D. Churches will increase efforts in the area of planned giving. Churches without a system in place to encourage giving beyond death will struggle. Years ago the church had very little competition in this area. Read an obituary today and you will discover gifts to all kinds of charities. Churches need to step it up in this arena and encourage legacy giving.

E. God's Spirit will still breathe new life. There is hope for the future of the church. The One who set it in motion will still be there to continue it to its completion. The challenge will be to recognize that new life in Christ's church and community.

I don't know if any or all of these things (with the exception of E) will occur but these are some of the trends that I have noticed. What trends do you envision?