We Need to BE and to DO “Church” Differently

In a recent God.Gifts.You. study session, I said something to the effect that going forward, we need to BE and to DO church differently. Here’s part of what I meant and I mean:

•       Many experts are saying that the past two years (pandemic) have been the biggest ministry disruption in our lifetime/s…and are also saying that we/church is NOT going back to “normal”.

•       According to Gallup, fewer people are volunteering at church than ever before, while many are still involved in other outside-of-church commitments. Room for the church to grow in this area.

•       New church—many are not coming to our buildings anymore but haven’t left church or faith…we need to find new ways of engaging them while remaining faithful to our mission.

•       And, people were already tiring of the usual type of church: even 57% of church-going adults said they were tired or somewhat tired of the usual type of church experience. Note: This is from the people who were still attending church, before COVID-19.[i]

•       New engagement: “Engagement Will Become the New Church Attendance Because Attendance Was Never the Goal”…we want people to BE the church—everywhere they go.[ii]

In addition, at least at my Boulder church (and with many churches with whom I’m in ongoing conversation), I believe we are in a healthier place thinking seriously about a bigger shift away from the pastor/staff-driven model of church to an equipped ministry of all of us operating out of our gifts and calling. We are also moving increasingly away from programs toward relationships. My great hope is that the Church global, headed by Jesus, with all believers as ONE Body, become the healthiest version of itself—that the world might know…

As you seek to know your gifts, I hope that you will prioritize seeking God and living into community and relational connection with those around you. May He do amazing things as a result of your commitment to Him, to each other, to His Word, and to personal reflection as you continue to complete the God. Gifts. You.: Your Unique Calling and Design six-week workbook.

Photo (c) Shirley Giles Davis. All rights reserved.

 Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been Catalyst for Equipping at her church since 1999.

[i] Barna study, as quoted in http://careynieuwhof.com/the-church-has-left-the-building-5-truths-about-future-church-attendance-and-commitment/

[ii] http://careynieuwhof.com/the-church-has-left-the-building-5-truths-about-future-church-attendance-and-commitment/