Churches Advised To Change For Future
Churches have a bad habit of not planning for the future well enough, something they have to change if they hope to survive. That’s one of the main messages futurist Tom Sine addresses in his latest book, “Mustard Seed Versus McWorld: Reinventing Life and Faith for the Future.”
The Seattle-based writer and consultant will be in Spokane this week to speak about his book at Whitworth College and Kaufer’s Religious Supply store.
The key to planning for the future is to be creative, says Sine. “It’s a world we’ve never lived in before,” he says. “We tend to plan more like the future is going to be like today. It’s really quite a different world now because of globalization.”
The graying of American churches has received little attention in the media, but many people think the rapid growth of evangelical churches negates the problem. “It isn’t enough to offset the graying and declining of the mainline churches,” says Sine.
One of the biggest problems is that churches are not attracting or retaining younger members, says Sine. Part of the problem is that recent college graduates have high debt loads, requiring them to spend a high percentage of their earnings on housing and loan payments. Working long hours and juggling family responsibilities leaves little free time.
“They’re going to have very little left to give to the church,” he says.
Sine is concerned that Christian values are getting lost in the helter-skelter rush of daily life. He recommends that families make time for spirituality and prayer, as well as spend two hours a week volunteering for a community organization as a family. That will increase the bonds between family members and between the family and the church.
“It’s not just a matter of right doctrine, it’s a matter of right practice,” says Sine.
Churches must do their part and learn to think creatively, finding new ways to reach people and make church a relevant part of their lives. “I’m trying to get people to think outside the box a little bit,” he says.
Churches also need to plan at least five to 10 years in advance, he says. Congregations need to look at how the community is changing and what needs there will be. For example, if a church has a large number of elementary-age children, it should start planning programs that can be implemented when they become teenagers.
This sidebar appeared with the story:
TALKS SCHEDULED
Writer Tom Sine Tom Sine will be in Spokane next week for two talks:
Kaufer’s Religious Supply, 907 W. Boone, 7 p.m. Thursday. A book signing will follow.
Whitworth College’s Hixson Union Building (in the catering rooms), noon Friday. The free event includes lunch. Space is limited and reservations must be made by Monday by calling 777-4676.