Podcast Episode #092

Trend prediction is both an art and a science. It is a science in the sense that I utilize the good objective research of credible research organizations like LifeWay Research and others. It is an art in that I depend on observations, anecdotal information, and ongoing interaction with church leaders and members.

At the beginning of every year, I attempt to present to you the major trends for congregations for the coming twelve months. I review my predictions from previous years to see how accurate I am. I have come to two conclusions. First, I am far from perfect in my predictions. Second, I do have a decent track record.

Some of my trends are called “tipping points.” Formally defined, a tipping point is the critical moment in an evolving situation that leads to a new and somewhat permanent reality. In simple terms, a tipping point here means that something has changed in our churches to the point that it appears to be permanent.

So this week, Jonathan and I cover my 15 trends for 2015.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

• The Millennial generation is almost insisting on smaller worship gatherings.
• A larger percentage of church attendees are attending larger churches.
• The multi-teaching pastor trend we are seeing in churches is a healthy trend for pastors and churches.
• In 2015, less than 5% of churches in America will continue to hold a separate Sunday evening service.
• The majority of churches in America have been isolated from their community in recent years. But that is changing.
• Denominations are becoming more streamlined with more money going to the mission field.
• A church that does not put an emphasis on small groups is likely not a healthy church.

The 15 trends to look for in 2015 are:

• More partnerships between denominations and churches.
• Continued increased in the number of multi-site churches.
• Smaller worship gatherings.
• Continued flow of people from smaller churches to larger churches.
• The tipping point for a plurality of teaching pastors.
• The tipping point of churches eliminating Sunday evening worship services.
• Congregations growing in favor in their respective communities.
• The beginnings of prayer movement in our churches.
• More emphasis on congregational singing.
• More focus on theological education in local churches.
• The waning and reconfiguration of denominational structures.
• A rapid increase in bivocational church staff.
• Increased difficulty in matching prospective pastors with churches with pastoral vacancies.
• Growth of verbal incarnational evangelism.
• The tipping point for small groups.

Episode Sponsor
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Resources

• Fifteen Trends for Churches for 2015, Part 1
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