Church Trends Open Discussion

Barna Group (2005)

Trends related to the American church

1) Barna noted that most local churches essentially ignore three critical spiritual dimensions: ministry to children, ministry to families, and prayer.

2) Congregations are rapidly incorporating new technologies into their activities. The integration of these applications into the church’s normal process conveys an image of cultural sensitivity and relevance to those who are trying to determine if the church has something valid to offer.

3) The slow demise of the African-American church community. There is an intriguing - and unfortunate - correlation between the economic rise of the African-American population and the deterioration of its faith in Christ.

4) The "changing of the guard among the leaders of the leaders." Referring to the individuals whom the media and general public, as well as pastors, perceive to be the leading spokespersons for the Christian Church in the U.S.

Trends related to people of faith

1) Evangelicals are by far the most active in evangelism, most likely to read the Bible, to pray, to attend church services, to volunteer at a church, and to engage in a small group during the week, and give away almost three times as much money as do other Americans.

2) American Christians are biblically illiterate. Although most of them contend that the Bible contains truth and is worth knowing, and most of them argue that they know all of the relevant truths and principles, the Barna research shows otherwise.

3) The rise of revolutionaries. Revolutionaries are individuals who are deeply committed to Christ, and want more of God in their lives. Frustrated by churches in the attempts to satisfy that longing, these individuals have crafted entirely new spiritual environments that draw them closer to God and other believers, without the help of a conventional church.

4) The faith trajectory of the young adult generations (the Baby Busters and the Mosaics). Overall, they are interested in matters of faith, but they have few assumptions about what a life of faith must entail.


These trends should easily evoke multiple thoughts and insights in believers. What are yours?