ok so taking a risk here.
What trends do I see coming in the US church world this year.
1. All the focus of social justice moves to sex trafficking. Everyone on board. But the problem will continue to grow unless the buyers stop buying. The World Cup will focus attention on the issue globally. Christians and secular media will work together.
2. The super hero pastor will continue to make the news. It’s on the road and over the road with young pastors who are reshaping the mega-church world.
3. More churches will try to hire media professionals. Everyone was on board at first with social media, but best business practices have yet to filter down. A year of change.
4. Divisions emerge stronger than ever. Lines are drawn less along theological distinction and more around styles of ministry. Tribes will go to war.
5. Desperation will set in as church leadership continues to lose the cultural battles.
6. Towards the end of the year, I see rumblings of something new on the horizon. Professional church has led to apathetic believers. A new hybrid of passionate, slightly less professional ministry will begin to emerge.
7. Skinny jeans will be gone by Christmas. (Well, at least we all hope).
8. The Borge Phenomenon among smaller urban churches will continue. Large churches with systems and influence will assimilate smaller communities of faith struggling to make budget.