6. Develop Leaders.
Leadership isn’t just for adults or ordained folks. The church must invest in developing leaders at every stage of life. The church’s future depends on it! Mentorship and apprenticeship equip people to lead with wisdom and grace, no matter their age or background. Passing on learning and wisdom is a two-way street. Congregations need to create opportunities for intergenerational mentoring. We must prioritize apprenticeships to empower and equip young adults to grow as leaders.
7. Create Healing Communities.
To be human is to experience trauma and loss. So the church should serve as a sanctuary for people who are hurting. Scripture provides a language for grief, healing, and renewal–and a map to the heart of a savior who suffers with us. From the way we build our buildings, to how we staff and support our teams of volunteers, to how we show up with empathy and resources to support healing, churches can be an essential place of healing for those who hurt. The Christian community can be a hospital where wounded people receive grace and acceptance while finding restoration and life in Jesus. Let’s build churches that help transform suffering into purpose.
Can These Bones Live?
According to Barna’s research, more than six out of 10 Americans say they’ve made a commitment to Christ that remains important in their life. That’s nearly seven out of 10 people who see the value of following Jesus. The world is ready and waiting for the church to be its best.
Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones is a powerful metaphor for the state of the church today. “Can these bones live?” God asks in Ezekiel 37:3. The answer isn’t up to us; it’s up to God. But he calls us to play our part.
In 2020, I lost my wife, Jill, to brain cancer. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever experienced. If I were to write a review of the church based on the past few years, I’d say, “The church has helped to put my heart back together.” I have experienced firsthand the best that a community of Jesus-followers has to offer.
What could the church’s future be in these dark, disorienting times? I firmly believe that modern-day leadership requires us to step into this “new wineskin” moment with courage and creativity. We’re in a time of fundamental change, a time to listen, dream, and act. Where is God calling you to a bigger vision for the church? Let’s come together, guided by the Holy Spirit, to create congregations that inspire awe, foster community, and transform lives.
