8 Predictions for Ministry Leaders to Be Aware of in 2021
2020 sped up changes that have been happening in churches for years.
In a study on Sunday morning church attendance, Barna noted that about 1/3 of Christians “dropped out” of church during COVID. 50% of those “dropouts” were millenials.
The fact that people, especially younger people, are peacing out of organized churches isn’t new. But the rate at which they are since COVID is staggering!
For leaders, anticipating what’s ahead is a key to knowing what action to take now and how to best prepare for the coming years.
Where most couldn’t have predicted what 2020 would bring, there were trends already emerging before Covid that became even more significant throughout the year (i.e. the importance of digital platforms, Zoom, the rise of micro-communities, etc).
In a spirit of exploration and anticipation, the following are trends that I anticipate growing in 2021 and beyond that ministry leaders would be wise to pay attention to.
In no particular order then are 8 predictions for ministry leaders to be aware of in 2021 and beyond:
1. 2021 is for collaborators — as more and more innovators “go on their own,” it’ll be the ones willing to work with others that’ll go farther. As people leave institutions unable to adapt to change around them, the collaborators will find new life with others that help them achieve greater success in their niche area. The rules of collaboration are different than the rules of competition. People who learn these new rules
2. 2021 is for servant organizations: Similarly, groups that move away from self-serving bureaucracies to helping others be the hero will become linchpins in the future. Groups that’ve veered into believing that their existence is the point of existence are missing the point. Instead, wise leaders of existing organizations and networks will build relationships with like-minded creators on the margins and seek to run alongside of them, fanning their innovations into flame. They’ll have to think long and hard about what it means to partner or collaborate, but learning to serve others’ dreams will be the name of the game for existing churches/organizations. It’s also an incredible way to expand your impact with very little overhead as I noted here.
3. 2021 is for those incorporating nature — this may seem obvious since people have been quarantined for months. But, in the coming months, buildings are out and nature is in even more. Look for more and more physical environments to emphasize interaction with nature and the outdoors. Fewer crowds and crowded environments and the health benefits of being outdoors are strong pulls. Already, about 1/5 of my clients walk outdoors during our coaching phone calls (or we walk together in person). 2021 will belong to leaders who pursue more of these nature-based connections.
4. 2021 is about growing fee for service ministry models. Despite the fact that some churches have grown their finances in the pandemic thanks to electronic giving, the next generation isn’t tithing. They give. But not very often to churches. And not with the consistency or scope that previous generations did.
BUT, younger generations are used to paying for services that help them grow: gyms, apps, books, etc. all come at a cost. While some sit and complain about the consumeristic nature of the American church, others are creating programs, teaching courses, honing in on new skills to develop others better, and designing products to help the next generation connect with God more deeply. Spiritual needs haven’t changed. But how to deliver them sustainably must.
5. 2021is for helpers who offer personalized care. Ministry leaders, therapists, spiritual directors, coaches and pastors who address people’s individual problems will win. There are too many people who believe that preaching at audiences or educating in classrooms will bring about lasting change. But the best helpers in 2021 and beyond will provide personalized care; they’ll know people’s stories, understand their desires, and find ways to help that are personalized and tailored to the lives of those they’re serving.
6. 2021 is for the storytellers who can contextualize their message. Your story and unique work will be more important than ever. But being heard in a sea of noise is hard. Like Donald Miller teaches, storytellers must make the people they’re serving the hero and shift their role to that of guide — one who can help them get there.
We’re living in a world where people consume stories by the dozens weekly: news, film, podcast, books, articles, etc. Learning to tell yours and how you can help others flourish is key.
7. 2021 will be filled with fear by people who benefit from it. We saw it in 2021 — fear is a powerful force. Fear of freedoms being removed, fear of death, fear of being politically correct, fear of being complicit, fear, fear, fear. In 2021, we’ll see more people use fear to manipulate and coerce others into their ideology.
Ministry leaders can help by engaging in dialogue with a self-defined and non-anxious presence. Reactionary leadership can be dangerous. But so can leadership that’s not engaged or contextualized.
Leaders who speak the truth in love consistently and broadly will be increasingly necessary and hard to find as many fall into 1) fearful demonizing of the other or 2) fearful hiding behind de-contextualized stories.
8. 2021 belongs to the innovators — some people were forced into innovation because of the pandemic. Some just can’t resist cause it’s in their blood. But there are an increasing amount of innovative people launching their dream businesses, ministries, non-profits, etc.
It’s never been easier to build a brand and/or share a product and more and more people are going to join the solo/entre-preneur parade.
These people want autonomy and an opportunity to uniquely contribute their experiences and expertise. They want greater freedom and most want to make a bigger difference and live a more meaningful life. They’re gonna need lots of help. Leaders and organizations that position themselves to help these innovators will win.
Those are some predictions for 2021 and beyond that I anticipate influencing my work with kingdom-oriented, risk-taking leaders.
What other trends do you see impacting your work in 2021 and beyond?
