Gone are the days when churches can rely on the prosperous baby-boomers to build mega-churches twenty minutes outside of town. While churches will continue to grow, growth will no longer come with new buildings, bookstores, and coffee shops. In order to expand we will see the creative use of existing space, focused more on people and less on places.The Well is a creative example of how churches will begin to discover ways to grow without need for new buildings or even buildings at all. We will see a resurgence of urban-focused churches as emerging congregations are drawn to once-abandoned downtown spaces. Large suburban churches with slipping attendance will adopt multi-site strategies to extend their reach. These sorts of efficiencies will allow congregations to grow while better positioning them to reach overlooked people.

A Good Dose of Humility

One of the benefits of a recession is an increased level of humility. Many people will experience unemployment for the first time. Others will rely on the assistance of others, preferably assistance from the church, in order to make ends meet. Our society convinces us that we are independent, invincible, and yet in the midst of such difficult times we are humbled by our vulnerabilities. Dan Holly writes: The recession may be changing American culture – away from conspicuous consumption and pretentiousness, toward being more down-to-earth, honest and humble.

Undoubtedly the new normal will require greater humility in the pulpit and in the pews. As if stewardship sermons were not difficult enough, pastors will be preaching to congregations with increased levels anxiety and fear. Those in the pews will find themselves being asked to be more generous when they would prefer to hold back and preserve what they have. Many churches will be called to a greater level of generosity and sacrifice in order to serve those in need.

Many financial experts describe the recent changes in our economy as a market correction. Investors agree that market corrections are an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted prices, new opportunities, and even a time to grow.

I believe in the years ahead we will see our society correct many of the mistakes we have made. I also believe we will see some significant corrections made within the church. We will experience adjustments, cuts, and revisions. Some of the corrections we will make are extraordinary opportunities; to discover people in places we have previously overlooked and to serve those in our midst in ways we might not have considered. The church in the new normal has an opportunity grow and serve like never before, to bring hope in the midst of trouble, peace and joy in the midst of doubt.


Jason is a senior consultant with The Frank Group. Jason has served Christian ministries in a variety of leadership roles, trained hundreds of non-profit leaders, and enjoyed friendships with a continuously growing number of generous individuals. You can read more about Jason’s work at The Generous Life. You can reach Jason @ e-mail.