A week ago today Chaplain Mike, one of the principal bloggers on the popular Evangelical/post-Evangelical Internet Monk site, shared his summary of my thoughts on the future of the church as expressed in a series of blog posts written last year. In addition to framing my series as a “perspective on the future of the American church from a younger leader in the mainline Protestant world,” Chaplain Mike shared his take on how my thoughts relate to what others are saying now and having been saying for years about the future of American Protestantism. More specifically, he finds that my remarks feature updated language for ideas consistent with the prevailing wisdom of many groups in recent years alongside two somewhat unique contributions: the role of technology and shifts in how ministry will be funded.
So What?
I suspect that Chaplain Mike and I agree far more than we disagree. My series focuses on what I foresee as most likely based on significant trends in recent decades whereas his hopes focus on ideals – those things he believes individuals and communities of faith ought to be doing now that will positively impact the church of the future. What I appreciate most about his blog post is his intentional inclusion of a perspective that differs from his own alongside encouragement for readers to contribute to the conversation.
- What do you believe are among the most likely changes in the American church between now and 2020 based on current trends within the church and the wider culture?
- What types of reform or in group change do you feel are important (whether or not they are likely on the macro level) for local Christian congregations and for denominations? How are you and how is your church striving to transform these ideas into reality?