The Church in the New Normal

For the last several weeks the Dow has trended around 10,000 for the first time since last October. We are encouraged to see things moving upwards as opposed to the downward trends of a year ago. Most experts will insist that the Dow @ 10,000 is of little significance, yet it seems to be an indication that things might be getting back to normal. The Economist writes…After the wrenching economic crisis of the past year, people crave stability and predictability—in short, normalcy.

 

Unfortunately, the normal we became accustomed to is no longer the normal we face today. The Associated Press writes: Even with an economic revival, many U.S. jobs lost during the recession may be gone forever; and a weak employment market could linger for years. That could add up to a “new normal” of higher jobless rates and lower standards of living for many Americans.

 

Most of us can imagine what this new normal might look like at home and at work. But what does the new normal look like at church? What sort of impact will a slow yet promising recovery have on our churches?
 

Increased Supply and Demand for Volunteers

 

One of the benefits of a weak economy is the increase in volunteerism. Volunteerism is counter-cyclical due to the increase in available labor. Unemployment creates an army of volunteers eager to keep themselves busy while they search for new employment. Unemployment will also convince many once two-income households to reconsider the benefits of a single-income.

 

While churches have resisted layoffs as best they could, some have found it necessary to make staff cuts due to declining giving. These cuts have left many programs understaffed. Ministries that were once heavily staff-driven will now become volunteer-driven which will require greater flexibility, role-sharing and new management practices. Fortunately, people remain generous even in hard times – maybe even more so, and they will seek out new ways to give. If they are unable to be generous with their checkbooks, they are inclined to be generous with their time.

 

Re-defining Church Growth

 

The Well is a creative example of how churches will begin to discover ways to grow without need for new buildings or even buildings at all. We will see a resurgence of urban-focused churches as emerging congregations are drawn to once-abandoned downtown spaces. Large suburban churches with slipping attendance will adopt multi-site strategies to extend their reach. These sorts of efficiencies will allow congregations to grow while better positioning them to reach overlooked people. 

 

Gone are the days when churches can rely on the prosperous baby-boomers to build mega-churches twenty minutes outside of town. While churches will continue to grow, growth will no longer come with new buildings, bookstores, and coffee shops. In order to expand we will see the creative use of existing space, focused more on people and less on places.

 

A Good Dose of Humility

 

One of the benefits of a recession is an increased level of humility. Many people will experience unemployment for the first time. Others will rely on the assistance of others, preferably assistance from the church, in order to make ends meet. Our society convinces us that we are independent, invincible, and yet in the midst of such difficult times we are humbled by our vulnerabilities. Dan Holly writes: The recession may be changing American culture – away from conspicuous consumption and pretentiousness, toward being more down-to-earth, honest and humble.

 

Undoubtedly the new normal will require greater humility in the pulpit and in the pews. As if stewardship sermons were not difficult enough, pastors will be preaching to congregations with increased levels anxiety and fear. Those in the pews will find themselves being asked to be more generous when they would prefer to hold back and preserve what they have. Many churches will be called to a greater level of generosity and sacrifice in order to serve those in need.
 

Many financial experts describe the recent changes in our economy as a market correction. Investors agree that market corrections are an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted prices, new opportunities, and even a time to grow.

 

I believe in the years ahead we will see our society correct many of the mistakes we have made. I also believe we will see some significant corrections made within the church. We will experience adjustments, cuts, and revisions. Some of the corrections we will make are extraordinary opportunities; to discover people in places we have previously overlooked and to serve those in our midst in ways we might not have considered. The church in the new normal has an opportunity grow and serve like never before, to bring hope in the midst of trouble, peace and joy in the midst of doubt.

 

UPDATE: I have recently developed a new workshop proposal that is being considered at a variety of national conferences. The content is ideal for any audience interested in improving their fundraising capacity as well as problem-solving skills. To learn more, click here.

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