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Does Preaching Have a Future?

6. Church growth now has a model of church “franchising,” by having multiple “communities” under the same banner (name, leadership, vision).

These communities are being placed alongside single community local churches (sort of like a “Chili’s” restaurant alongside a family owned and operated restaurant).

7. There will be competition to see which multisite “franchises” dominate the Christian market.

My apologies if the use of these business terms comes as an offense. I am using them as an analogy. A limited amount of “technologically franchised” preachers will provide tremendous influence upon the church at large. This is not a new trend, but now these preachers are global and readily accessible.

8. Social issues will continue to be politically and geographically divisive.

Churches in states that adopt and provide legal acceptance to biblically immoral activities (i.e. homosexuality) will face an ever-growing amount of persecution.

9. The challenge of multiculturalism in church life will move beyond ethnic barriers to age diversity.

Multiethnic churches will continue to grow, while age diversity in local churches will diminish.

10. Denominationalism will continue to give way to affinity based networks of churches who share a similar ecclesiology, worship and preaching style.

Geographical borders will no longer apply.

11. Urbanization will continue, although generational flight toward and away from city centers will continue based on current living trends and economics.

Children will continue to move away from their parent’s immediate context in both church and where they choose to live.