As the speed of change heats up, what kinds of people will staff the churches of tomorrow? We posed that question at Group’s recent Future of the Church summit. Panelists gave some surprising answers:
Smaller staffs. William Vanderbloemen of the Vanderbloemen Search Group said churches will be spending more money on fewer staff people. And, part-time staff positions will replace full-time ones.
Children’s pastors in high demand. They’re hard to find, and they will “pay for themselves” through church growth, according to Vanderbloemen.
Multi-ethnic. As minority populations grow, church staffs will need to reflect the make-up of their neighborhoods. Currently, among Americans under 30 years old, only one in five is a white Christian.
Digital staffers. Churches’ online presence will become more crucial. Pastor Tim Peterson said his church recently conducted a funeral for an online church member who never entered the church building–until his funeral. And, Pastor D.J. Soto conducts virtual weekly services at his Virtual Reality Church. Members around the world strap on a headset and worship together–virtually.
Relational skills. Vanderbloemen said the effective church leaders of the future will be those “who play well with others.” Here’s a short soundbite from Vanderbloemen:
Emotional intelligence. Sally Morgenthaler of New Day Coaching and Staffing, said congregations increasingly “want leaders who know who they are.” She sees a growing demand for the “hybrid” staff person–someone who is decisive, nurturing, and emotionally aware. Morgenthaler explains in this soundbite:
Experience over information. Future effective church leaders will be less about teaching, and more about leading people through life-changing experiences. Soto said, “The Information Age is coming to a close, and the Experience Age is dawning.”
The world is changing rapidly around us. And the leaders of tomorrow’s churches may need a new skill set.
Great article. What is the source of the 1 out of 5 under 30 are white Christians?
Thanks!
Cheryl, that stat comes from the Public Religion Research Institute.
Great post, Thom!
“Less about teaching and more about leading people through life – changing experiences”. Interesting future. The Sound Bite seemed to me more about a psychological session than a faith community based on seeking greater understanding of the Scriptures and growing in Christ. The use of the “Shadow” and so on very Carl Jung, have no problem there in fact he was one of the greatest intellects of the 20th Century. There is a great deal of truth in being aware of “Emotional Intelligence” Has anyone been exposed to the teachings of the ENNEAGRAM??? A very old and valuable study on the psychology of sin and personality. I have lectured on it from time to time over the years. Whilst I believe that many of the psychological/personality tools are of great value I would be concerned if church communities began to see these as superseding the need for Scriptural/Biblical growth and intelligence. The Information age is coming to a close and the Experience Age is dawning. An interesting thought; does this mean clear intelligent/scholastic learning versus subjective feelings and so on. Interesting topic. I will be keen to follow this.
” faith community based on seeking greater understanding of the Scriptures and growing in Christ.” That has been tried for the last 100 years or so in the west , and has resulted in endless Church/denomination splits and divisions. The fruits of it are always , we can do it better , we know the correct interpretation, and so on. “Scriptural/Biblical growth and intelligence. ” ???. Would a fruit of that be the 81% of evangelicals supporting Trump ? Or how about almost 100% of prominent evangelical leaders supporting Trump?
As someone who recently retired as Office Manager of a mega church, gone are the typical church office roles of the past. It was an honor to be the “go to” person for thousands of attendees weekly. Communication is key, and if you don’t know the answer, let them know you will find out…then follow through. In this age, folks are leaving churches just because they can’t get answers and don’t find a way to connect that is genuine. Be genuine and respond within 24 hrs. Be prepared to listen; I found that for many, that is what they need most.
The mainline church I attend has no worries about future staffing, because it is blissfully continuing in the path of ingrown-ness and irrelevance. When the church disappears in 10 years, there will be no staff problems!