5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025

that also corresponds to other findings that also corresponds to other findings that genz church attendance is actually that genz church attendance is actually that genz church attendance is actually down since 2020 well 22% of gen Z down since 2020 well 22% of gen Z down since 2020 well 22% of gen Z attended church weekly in 2020 only 16% attended church weekly in 2020 only 16% attended church weekly in 2020 only 16% report attending weekly 3 years later report attending weekly 3 years later report attending weekly 3 years later that's a pretty meaningful drop in fact that's a pretty meaningful drop in fact that's a pretty meaningful drop in fact think about this the number of gen Z who think about this the number of gen Z who think about this the number of gen Z who never go to church Grew From 28% to never go to church Grew From 28% to never go to church Grew From 28% to 37% in just 3 years so what does this 37% in just 3 years so what does this 37% in just 3 years so what does this mean I mean the data seems to be suggest mean I mean the data seems to be suggest mean I mean the data seems to be suggest tting they're not going to church as tting they're not going to church as tting they're not going to church as often as they get older uh spiritual often as they get older uh spiritual often as they get older uh spiritual openness drops yet yet you have these openness drops yet yet you have these openness drops yet yet you have these massive revivals happening starting at massive revivals happening starting at massive revivals happening starting at Asbury and then moving across you know Asbury and then moving across you know Asbury and then moving across you know to churches and college stadiums and so to churches and college stadiums and so to churches and college stadiums and so on and so forth well that leads us to on and so forth well that leads us to on and so forth well that leads us to the number one church trend for 2025 Jen the number one church trend for 2025 Jen the number one church trend for 2025 Jen Z is in Revival and retreat at the same Z is in Revival and retreat at the same Z is in Revival and retreat at the same time welcome to the K newoff leadership time welcome to the K newoff leadership time welcome to the K newoff leadership podcast I hope today's episode helps you podcast I hope today's episode helps you podcast I hope today's episode helps you thrive in life and Leadership well today thrive in life and Leadership well today thrive in life and Leadership well today is one of my favorites we're doing is one of my favorites we're doing is one of my favorites we're doing Church Trends and today we're kicking Church Trends and today we're kicking Church Trends and today we're kicking off the 2025 Church Trends series as you off the 2025 Church Trends series as you off the 2025 Church Trends series as you head into a brand new year I guess the head into a brand new year I guess the head into a brand new year I guess the question I'm helping you answer is what question I'm helping you answer is what question I'm helping you answer is what should you be paying attention to as a should you be paying attention to as a should you be paying attention to as a leader I think one of the challenges leader I think one of the challenges leader I think one of the challenges church leaders have is that day-to-day church leaders have is that day-to-day church leaders have is that day-to-day Ministry requires so much time right you Ministry requires so much time right you Ministry requires so much time right you know this your head's down you're know this your head's down you're know this your head's down you're dealing with problems you're getting dealing with problems you're getting dealing with problems you're getting ready for Sunday you've always got ready for Sunday you've always got ready for Sunday you've always got something new you're working on and as a something new you're working on and as a something new you're working on and as a result it's hard for you in the trench result it's hard for you in the trench result it's hard for you in the trench is to focus and see the bigger picture

is to focus and see the bigger picture is to focus and see the bigger picture it's hard to even look up and look it's hard to even look up and look it's hard to even look up and look around you so uh I do that for you and around you so uh I do that for you and around you so uh I do that for you and you know this right like if you miss the you know this right like if you miss the you know this right like if you miss the bigger picture your day-to-day efforts bigger picture your day-to-day efforts bigger picture your day-to-day efforts can often miss the mark you're really can often miss the mark you're really can often miss the mark you're really well intentioned but maybe you should well intentioned but maybe you should well intentioned but maybe you should have been making a course correction have been making a course correction have been making a course correction here or there along the way well that is here or there along the way well that is here or there along the way well that is what this annual Church Trends podcast what this annual Church Trends podcast what this annual Church Trends podcast is designed to help you and your team is designed to help you and your team is designed to help you and your team with so in this episode I'm going to with so in this episode I'm going to with so in this episode I'm going to outline the five Church trends that I've outline the five Church trends that I've outline the five Church trends that I've identified for 25 and then we're going identified for 25 and then we're going identified for 25 and then we're going to break them down in future episodes to break them down in future episodes to break them down in future episodes and go into way more detail for example and go into way more detail for example and go into way more detail for example on gen Z we're going to talk to JP Luda on gen Z we're going to talk to JP Luda on gen Z we're going to talk to JP Luda and Jenny Allen we'll talk about church and Jenny Allen we'll talk about church and Jenny Allen we'll talk about church planting with Noah Haron we'll talk planting with Noah Haron we'll talk planting with Noah Haron we'll talk about high conversion Church growth with about high conversion Church growth with about high conversion Church growth with Joby Martin and Mike householder and Joby Martin and Mike householder and Joby Martin and Mike householder and then we'll look at the Mental Health then we'll look at the Mental Health then we'll look at the Mental Health crisis and spiritual openness with David crisis and spiritual openness with David crisis and spiritual openness with David kinman and Mark Matlock so all that is kinman and Mark Matlock so all that is kinman and Mark Matlock so all that is coming make sure you subscribe whether coming make sure you subscribe whether coming make sure you subscribe whether you're watching whether you're listening you're watching whether you're listening you're watching whether you're listening you'll get it all and before we dive in you'll get it all and before we dive in you'll get it all and before we dive in just know that you can get show notes uh just know that you can get show notes uh just know that you can get show notes uh for this and we've done a lot on our for this and we've done a lot on our for this and we've done a lot on our show notes because we've created a show notes because we've created a show notes because we've created a leader guide for you and your team so leader guide for you and your team so leader guide for you and your team so that you can get it the quick shortcut that you can get it the quick shortcut that you can get it the quick shortcut is if you want just the show notes go to is if you want just the show notes go to is if you want just the show notes go to Kerne hof.com episode 700 you will also Kerne hof.com episode 700 you will also Kerne hof.com episode 700 you will also see it in the description of your see it in the description of your see it in the description of your podcast player and you also can get a podcast player and you also can get a podcast player and you also can get a free leader guide that will walk you and free leader guide that will walk you and free leader guide that will walk you and your team through the trends and how to your team through the trends and how to your team through the trends and how to apply what you have learned to your apply what you have learned to your apply what you have learned to your church to get that go to 2020 Church church to get that go to 2020 Church church to get that go to 2020 Church trends.com to get your copy for free so

trends.com to get your copy for free so trends.com to get your copy for free so now let's start with this if you're now let's start with this if you're now let's start with this if you're ready to lead more effectively in 2025 ready to lead more effectively in 2025 ready to lead more effectively in 2025 here are five disruptive Church trends here are five disruptive Church trends here are five disruptive Church trends that wise leaders will be tracking this that wise leaders will be tracking this that wise leaders will be tracking this year we are diving into one of my year we are diving into one of my year we are diving into one of my favorite topics favorite topics favorite topics 2025 Church Trends now I think one of 2025 Church Trends now I think one of 2025 Church Trends now I think one of the challenges that church leaders have the challenges that church leaders have the challenges that church leaders have is data in Ministry requires a lot of is data in Ministry requires a lot of is data in Ministry requires a lot of time it takes your attention it takes time it takes your attention it takes time it takes your attention it takes your focus and even friends I know who your focus and even friends I know who your focus and even friends I know who lead like very impressive leaders say I lead like very impressive leaders say I lead like very impressive leaders say I got my head down so much it's really got my head down so much it's really got my head down so much it's really hard to see the bigger picture yet you hard to see the bigger picture yet you hard to see the bigger picture yet you know this is true if you miss the bigger know this is true if you miss the bigger know this is true if you miss the bigger picture your day-to-day efforts can picture your day-to-day efforts can picture your day-to-day efforts can often miss the mark no matter how often miss the mark no matter how often miss the mark no matter how well-intentioned you are so that's what well-intentioned you are so that's what well-intentioned you are so that's what this annual Church Trends training is this annual Church Trends training is this annual Church Trends training is designed to help you and your team with designed to help you and your team with designed to help you and your team with so this year sometimes I have eight nine so this year sometimes I have eight nine so this year sometimes I have eight nine 10 Church Trends this year I decided 10 Church Trends this year I decided 10 Church Trends this year I decided rather than going broad I wanted to rather than going broad I wanted to rather than going broad I wanted to investigate the five most significant investigate the five most significant investigate the five most significant Church trends I see just so you know we Church trends I see just so you know we Church trends I see just so you know we also have a leader guide I think that's also have a leader guide I think that's also have a leader guide I think that's really important because this is a really important because this is a really important because this is a conversation that hopefully you're going conversation that hopefully you're going conversation that hopefully you're going to be having all year and you can dive to be having all year and you can dive to be having all year and you can dive into that with your team I'll guide you into that with your team I'll guide you into that with your team I'll guide you at the very end of our conversation I'll at the very end of our conversation I'll at the very end of our conversation I'll show you where that is uh so with all show you where that is uh so with all show you where that is uh so with all that said let's dive in and look at the that said let's dive in and look at the that said let's dive in and look at the number one church trend for 2025 and number one church trend for 2025 and number one church trend for 2025 and it's this genen Z is in Revival and it's this genen Z is in Revival and it's this genen Z is in Revival and retreat at the same time sometimes you retreat at the same time sometimes you retreat at the same time sometimes you get conflicting data on a trend and I get conflicting data on a trend and I get conflicting data on a trend and I was trying to like move my head around was trying to like move my head around was trying to like move my head around gen Z like what is actually

gen Z like what is actually gen Z like what is actually happening and I figured out it's happening and I figured out it's happening and I figured out it's conflicting data if you've been at all conflicting data if you've been at all conflicting data if you've been at all active on social media in the last two active on social media in the last two active on social media in the last two years it's almost impossible to miss the years it's almost impossible to miss the years it's almost impossible to miss the renewal you might even call it Revival renewal you might even call it Revival renewal you might even call it Revival that's happening across college campuses that's happening across college campuses that's happening across college campuses with young adults Across America in with young adults Across America in with young adults Across America in churches across the UK and America and churches across the UK and America and churches across the UK and America and other places around the world now what other places around the world now what other places around the world now what began or at least crystallized at the began or at least crystallized at the began or at least crystallized at the Asbury outpouring almost 2 years ago has Asbury outpouring almost 2 years ago has Asbury outpouring almost 2 years ago has continued in pockets and waves in continued in pockets and waves in continued in pockets and waves in various places so for example look at various places so for example look at various places so for example look at the unit us movement that swept across the unit us movement that swept across the unit us movement that swept across American college campuses in 2024 that American college campuses in 2024 that American college campuses in 2024 that is a very clear indicator that something is a very clear indicator that something is a very clear indicator that something is happening with Gen Z right now right is happening with Gen Z right now right is happening with Gen Z right now right thousands of students are gathering thousands of students are gathering thousands of students are gathering hundreds thousands are being baptized so hundreds thousands are being baptized so hundreds thousands are being baptized so you got to ask the question what is you got to ask the question what is you got to ask the question what is going on well the college campus going on well the college campus going on well the college campus phenomena corresponds with the Barna phenomena corresponds with the Barna phenomena corresponds with the Barna data showing that jenz is generally data showing that jenz is generally data showing that jenz is generally spiritually open for example over 2third spiritually open for example over 2third spiritually open for example over 2third of gen Z say they are highly or of gen Z say they are highly or of gen Z say they are highly or moderately open spiritually now as moderately open spiritually now as moderately open spiritually now as encouraging as that sounds there are encouraging as that sounds there are encouraging as that sounds there are three factors that we still have to pay three factors that we still have to pay three factors that we still have to pay attention to First spiritual openness attention to First spiritual openness attention to First spiritual openness doesn't always lead people to doesn't always lead people to doesn't always lead people to Christianity it can just as easily if Christianity it can just as easily if Christianity it can just as easily if you're spiritually open lead people to you're spiritually open lead people to you're spiritually open lead people to Buddhism or self-directed spirituality Buddhism or self-directed spirituality Buddhism or self-directed spirituality so there's that second even if People's so there's that second even if People's so there's that second even if People's openness leads them toward Christianity openness leads them toward Christianity openness leads them toward Christianity for church leaders that doesn't for church leaders that doesn't for church leaders that doesn't automatically translate into church

automatically translate into church automatically translate into church attendance something to remember and attendance something to remember and attendance something to remember and finally there is a very meaningful finally there is a very meaningful finally there is a very meaningful 18-point drop in spiritual openness 18-point drop in spiritual openness 18-point drop in spiritual openness between genen Z teens who say they're between genen Z teens who say they're between genen Z teens who say they're highly open versus gen Z adults once highly open versus gen Z adults once highly open versus gen Z adults once they become adults gen Z gets more they become adults gen Z gets more they become adults gen Z gets more closed spiritually now that also closed spiritually now that also closed spiritually now that also corresponds to other findings that jenz corresponds to other findings that jenz corresponds to other findings that jenz church attendance is actually Downs church attendance is actually Downs church attendance is actually Downs since 2020 well 22% of gen Z attended since 2020 well 22% of gen Z attended since 2020 well 22% of gen Z attended church weekly in 2020 only 16% report church weekly in 2020 only 16% report church weekly in 2020 only 16% report attending weekly 3 years later that's a attending weekly 3 years later that's a attending weekly 3 years later that's a pretty meaningful drop in fact think pretty meaningful drop in fact think pretty meaningful drop in fact think about this the number of gen Z who never about this the number of gen Z who never about this the number of gen Z who never go to church Grew From 28% to go to church Grew From 28% to go to church Grew From 28% to 37% in just 3 years so what does this 37% in just 3 years so what does this 37% in just 3 years so what does this mean I mean the data seems to be mean I mean the data seems to be mean I mean the data seems to be suggesting they're not going to church suggesting they're not going to church suggesting they're not going to church as often as they get older uh spiritual as often as they get older uh spiritual as often as they get older uh spiritual openness drops yet you have these openness drops yet you have these openness drops yet you have these massive revivals happening starting at massive revivals happening starting at massive revivals happening starting at Asbury and then moving across you know Asbury and then moving across you know Asbury and then moving across you know to churches and college stadiums and so to churches and college stadiums and so to churches and college stadiums and so on and so forth well that leads us to on and so forth well that leads us to on and so forth well that leads us to the number one church trend for 2025 the number one church trend for 2025 the number one church trend for 2025 jenz is in Revival and retreat at the jenz is in Revival and retreat at the jenz is in Revival and retreat at the same time and if you're wondering what same time and if you're wondering what same time and if you're wondering what to do about this it would be super wise to do about this it would be super wise to do about this it would be super wise to double down on your student and to double down on your student and to double down on your student and NextGen Ministry when you look at the NextGen Ministry when you look at the NextGen Ministry when you look at the meaningful drop in spiritual curiosity meaningful drop in spiritual curiosity meaningful drop in spiritual curiosity and church attendance that happens in and church attendance that happens in and church attendance that happens in gen Z between their teen years and their gen Z between their teen years and their gen Z between their teen years and their adult years the more you do to keep high

adult years the more you do to keep high adult years the more you do to keep high school and college students engaged in school and college students engaged in school and college students engaged in the faith the more likely it is that the faith the more likely it is that the faith the more likely it is that their faith as teens will morph into their faith as teens will morph into their faith as teens will morph into Faith as adults too many churches I know Faith as adults too many churches I know Faith as adults too many churches I know anyway still nickel and dime the jenzy anyway still nickel and dime the jenzy anyway still nickel and dime the jenzy ministry that they have and even Young ministry that they have and even Young ministry that they have and even Young Adult Ministry they're underfunding Adult Ministry they're underfunding Adult Ministry they're underfunding their students they're underfunding their students they're underfunding their students they're underfunding their kids ministry wise church leaders their kids ministry wise church leaders their kids ministry wise church leaders you know what they'll do they'll do the you know what they'll do they'll do the you know what they'll do they'll do the opposite in 2025 they'll start funding opposite in 2025 they'll start funding opposite in 2025 they'll start funding the Next Generation and if your church the Next Generation and if your church the Next Generation and if your church is average sized and doesn't have much is average sized and doesn't have much is average sized and doesn't have much of a nextg team or budget try this try of a nextg team or budget try this try of a nextg team or budget try this try befriending or even mentoring some young befriending or even mentoring some young befriending or even mentoring some young adults or teens in your church and adults or teens in your church and adults or teens in your church and Community because relationships and Life Community because relationships and Life Community because relationships and Life Changes begin when someone takes an Changes begin when someone takes an Changes begin when someone takes an interest in you so that's a first church interest in you so that's a first church interest in you so that's a first church trend of 2025 that gen Z is in Revival trend of 2025 that gen Z is in Revival trend of 2025 that gen Z is in Revival and retreat at the same time and retreat at the same time and retreat at the same time the second Church trend for 2025 the second Church trend for 2025 the second Church trend for 2025 evangelism is on life support in most evangelism is on life support in most evangelism is on life support in most churches this one really goes to my churches this one really goes to my churches this one really goes to my heart because over the last five years heart because over the last five years heart because over the last five years the top thing I hear church leaders the top thing I hear church leaders the top thing I hear church leaders talking about is discipleship and that's talking about is discipleship and that's talking about is discipleship and that's not necessarily bad and I was thinking not necessarily bad and I was thinking not necessarily bad and I was thinking about that and I thought okay well why about that and I thought okay well why about that and I thought okay well why is it that we keep talking about is it that we keep talking about is it that we keep talking about discipleship and I think Co created a discipleship and I think Co created a discipleship and I think Co created a collective panic attack among pastors as collective panic attack among pastors as collective panic attack among pastors as droves of people left the church never droves of people left the church never droves of people left the church never to come back while an equal number dove to come back while an equal number dove to come back while an equal number dove into conspiracy theories partisanship into conspiracy theories partisanship into conspiracy theories partisanship like Angry critiques of church

like Angry critiques of church like Angry critiques of church leadership and then rising from the leadership and then rising from the leadership and then rising from the ashes of covid was a call for deeper ashes of covid was a call for deeper ashes of covid was a call for deeper discipleship because to be fair clearly discipleship because to be fair clearly discipleship because to be fair clearly the way we were doing discipleship was the way we were doing discipleship was the way we were doing discipleship was producing fickle shallow disciples producing fickle shallow disciples producing fickle shallow disciples there's a lot of Truth in that but there's a lot of Truth in that but there's a lot of Truth in that but here's the part that I'm struggling with here's the part that I'm struggling with here's the part that I'm struggling with if you ask 20 pastors what discipleship if you ask 20 pastors what discipleship if you ask 20 pastors what discipleship means you'll get 20 different answers means you'll get 20 different answers means you'll get 20 different answers some of which which are fuzzy and some of which which are fuzzy and some of which which are fuzzy and they're unclear 20 different pastors they're unclear 20 different pastors they're unclear 20 different pastors will not agree on what discipleship is will not agree on what discipleship is will not agree on what discipleship is drill deeper in what you discover and drill deeper in what you discover and drill deeper in what you discover and this is why this church trend is so this is why this church trend is so this is why this church trend is so important evangelism in the process is important evangelism in the process is important evangelism in the process is now on life support in so many churches now on life support in so many churches now on life support in so many churches so three data points reveal the extent so three data points reveal the extent so three data points reveal the extent of the crisis around of the crisis around of the crisis around evangelism number one the number of evangelism number one the number of evangelism number one the number of pastors who say their church is very pastors who say their church is very pastors who say their church is very effective at Outreach to non-churchgoers effective at Outreach to non-churchgoers effective at Outreach to non-churchgoers drop from 133% in drop from 133% in drop from 133% in 2015 to 1% in 2015 to 1% in 2015 to 1% in 2023 isn't that that's crazy like 1% of 2023 isn't that that's crazy like 1% of 2023 isn't that that's crazy like 1% of pastors say our church is great at pastors say our church is great at pastors say our church is great at evangelism to unchurched people now I evangelism to unchurched people now I evangelism to unchurched people now I got to tell you there's more add to that got to tell you there's more add to that got to tell you there's more add to that this staggering fact only 3 to 5% of this staggering fact only 3 to 5% of this staggering fact only 3 to 5% of American churches that are growing are American churches that are growing are American churches that are growing are growing through conversion growth and growing through conversion growth and growing through conversion growth and finally 43% I'm not picking on a finally 43% I'm not picking on a finally 43% I'm not picking on a denomination but this is just publicly denomination but this is just publicly denomination but this is just publicly available St statistics 43% of southern available St statistics 43% of southern available St statistics 43% of southern baptist churches experience no converts baptist churches experience no converts baptist churches experience no converts or baptisms in a calendar year an

or baptisms in a calendar year an or baptisms in a calendar year an additional additional additional 34% baptized 1 to five people so a full 34% baptized 1 to five people so a full 34% baptized 1 to five people so a full 77% of this particular denomination 77% of this particular denomination 77% of this particular denomination baptized between zero and five people baptized between zero and five people baptized between zero and five people during a full calendar year so what does during a full calendar year so what does during a full calendar year so what does all this mean like what's actually at all this mean like what's actually at all this mean like what's actually at stake here well when a evangelism is on stake here well when a evangelism is on stake here well when a evangelism is on life support what's at stake is the very life support what's at stake is the very life support what's at stake is the very future of the church because the church future of the church because the church future of the church because the church is probably at risk of becoming a club is probably at risk of becoming a club is probably at risk of becoming a club for the already convinced and when that for the already convinced and when that for the already convinced and when that happens you know it's a whole bunch of happens you know it's a whole bunch of happens you know it's a whole bunch of insiders the church loses its Mission insiders the church loses its Mission insiders the church loses its Mission now let me be clear this isn't Church now let me be clear this isn't Church now let me be clear this isn't Church growth for the sake of church growth growth for the sake of church growth growth for the sake of church growth because if that's all it is we're going because if that's all it is we're going because if that's all it is we're going to fail in our mission okay churches to fail in our mission okay churches to fail in our mission okay churches that want to grow because they want to that want to grow because they want to that want to grow because they want to prop up the institution keep the doors prop up the institution keep the doors prop up the institution keep the doors open PAD their number or they simply open PAD their number or they simply open PAD their number or they simply want a story to tell Miss the point if want a story to tell Miss the point if want a story to tell Miss the point if God's love truly compels us to reach out God's love truly compels us to reach out God's love truly compels us to reach out to the world and if we care genuinely to the world and if we care genuinely to the world and if we care genuinely about our neighbors who are not like us about our neighbors who are not like us about our neighbors who are not like us and if we truly decide this is hard in and if we truly decide this is hard in and if we truly decide this is hard in this day and age to love our this day and age to love our this day and age to love our enemies I think the world might come enemies I think the world might come enemies I think the world might come running but right now the church is running but right now the church is running but right now the church is spectacularly easy to ignore or dismiss spectacularly easy to ignore or dismiss spectacularly easy to ignore or dismiss when when when 1% of pastors say yeah we're good at 1% of pastors say yeah we're good at 1% of pastors say yeah we're good at reaching out to our our community quite reaching out to our our community quite reaching out to our our community quite simply here's here's the takeaway simply here's here's the takeaway simply here's here's the takeaway churches need to take evangelism far churches need to take evangelism far churches need to take evangelism far more seriously the fact that there's no more seriously the fact that there's no more seriously the fact that there's no easy answer for the near-death of

easy answer for the near-death of easy answer for the near-death of evangelism in the current church does evangelism in the current church does evangelism in the current church does not mean there's not a solution it's not mean there's not a solution it's not mean there's not a solution it's going to take a lot of work and I would going to take a lot of work and I would going to take a lot of work and I would love to see that Trend reversed where we love to see that Trend reversed where we love to see that Trend reversed where we see 30% 40% 50% of pastors saying our see 30% 40% 50% of pastors saying our see 30% 40% 50% of pastors saying our church is great at reaching unchurched church is great at reaching unchurched church is great at reaching unchurched people right now it's one % we need to people right now it's one % we need to people right now it's one % we need to change that okay Third Church trend for change that okay Third Church trend for change that okay Third Church trend for 2025 Church closures appear to be 2025 Church closures appear to be 2025 Church closures appear to be outpacing new church plants 3 to one so outpacing new church plants 3 to one so outpacing new church plants 3 to one so a few years ago there were numerous a few years ago there were numerous a few years ago there were numerous calls to increase the number of church calls to increase the number of church calls to increase the number of church plants and those calls honestly are plants and those calls honestly are plants and those calls honestly are needed now more than ever and there are needed now more than ever and there are needed now more than ever and there are several reasons for the urgency first several reasons for the urgency first several reasons for the urgency first the Sher number of existing churches the Sher number of existing churches the Sher number of existing churches that are closing every year continues to that are closing every year continues to that are closing every year continues to grow in the United States approximately grow in the United States approximately grow in the United States approximately 4,000 to 10,000 churches close every 4,000 to 10,000 churches close every 4,000 to 10,000 churches close every single year meanwhile only about 3,000 single year meanwhile only about 3,000 single year meanwhile only about 3,000 churches are being planted each year churches are being planted each year churches are being planted each year prior to covid we don't have reliable prior to covid we don't have reliable prior to covid we don't have reliable stats for after covid which resulted in stats for after covid which resulted in stats for after covid which resulted in a significant net loss of churches let a significant net loss of churches let a significant net loss of churches let me put it simply more churches are me put it simply more churches are me put it simply more churches are closing than opening at pretty much from closing than opening at pretty much from closing than opening at pretty much from what we can tell a 3 to one ratio three what we can tell a 3 to one ratio three what we can tell a 3 to one ratio three churches closed for every new Church churches closed for every new Church churches closed for every new Church Plant so what does this mean well if Plant so what does this mean well if Plant so what does this mean well if you're thinking of planting a church or you're thinking of planting a church or you're thinking of planting a church or launching a campus the need has never launching a campus the need has never launching a campus the need has never been greater now when you're thinking been greater now when you're thinking been greater now when you're thinking about church plants a lot of church about church plants a lot of church about church plants a lot of church plants still fail for the same reason plants still fail for the same reason plants still fail for the same reason that most businesses still fail it's

that most businesses still fail it's that most businesses still fail it's often not a lack of faith it's a lack of often not a lack of faith it's a lack of often not a lack of faith it's a lack of planning and strategy so I want to dive planning and strategy so I want to dive planning and strategy so I want to dive into a couple of keys that will help you into a couple of keys that will help you into a couple of keys that will help you launch more successfully and create launch more successfully and create launch more successfully and create longevity and actually fully fund your longevity and actually fully fund your longevity and actually fully fund your church plant so consider this the church plant so consider this the church plant so consider this the average Church Plant launches with average Church Plant launches with average Church Plant launches with $135,000 worth of funding and has $135,000 worth of funding and has $135,000 worth of funding and has between 100 and 200 attendees you're between 100 and 200 attendees you're between 100 and 200 attendees you're thinking well that's pretty good you thinking well that's pretty good you thinking well that's pretty good you know six figures in funding 10200 on know six figures in funding 10200 on know six figures in funding 10200 on Sunday 1 but consider this if you launch Sunday 1 but consider this if you launch Sunday 1 but consider this if you launch with with with $70,000 your attendance is likely to be $70,000 your attendance is likely to be $70,000 your attendance is likely to be 50 or less so drop the funding and 50 or less so drop the funding and 50 or less so drop the funding and you're going to have a much smaller you're going to have a much smaller you're going to have a much smaller Church 50 is barely viable churches Church 50 is barely viable churches Church 50 is barely viable churches however and this is really powerful however and this is really powerful however and this is really powerful churches that launch with an average of churches that launch with an average of churches that launch with an average of 322 ,000 of seed money have an average 322 ,000 of seed money have an average 322 ,000 of seed money have an average attendance of 500 plus at launch those attendance of 500 plus at launch those attendance of 500 plus at launch those churches are positioned to thrive in churches are positioned to thrive in churches are positioned to thrive in other words and don't miss this what the other words and don't miss this what the other words and don't miss this what the data is showing is that the higher the data is showing is that the higher the data is showing is that the higher the funding the higher the attendance seems funding the higher the attendance seems funding the higher the attendance seems to be and the higher the funding and the to be and the higher the funding and the to be and the higher the funding and the higher the attendance the more likely it higher the attendance the more likely it higher the attendance the more likely it is that your church plant is going to is that your church plant is going to is that your church plant is going to not only survive but Thrive so what do not only survive but Thrive so what do not only survive but Thrive so what do you take away from that well like they you take away from that well like they you take away from that well like they say in boating slow as your friend if if say in boating slow as your friend if if say in boating slow as your friend if if you've ever seen someone trying to dock you've ever seen someone trying to dock you've ever seen someone trying to dock a boat you really want to go slow if you a boat you really want to go slow if you a boat you really want to go slow if you go fast accidents happen okay same is go fast accidents happen okay same is go fast accidents happen okay same is true in church planting take your time true in church planting take your time true in church planting take your time build a core raise money with leaders

build a core raise money with leaders build a core raise money with leaders and donors and then launch we need and donors and then launch we need and donors and then launch we need thousands more Church plants like that thousands more Church plants like that thousands more Church plants like that every year in the US to secure a every year in the US to secure a every year in the US to secure a brighter future for the future of the brighter future for the future of the brighter future for the future of the church all right the fourth Church Trend church all right the fourth Church Trend church all right the fourth Church Trend the rise of the non-derivative church I the rise of the non-derivative church I the rise of the non-derivative church I had a hard time putting my finger on had a hard time putting my finger on had a hard time putting my finger on exactly what to call this one but I've exactly what to call this one but I've exactly what to call this one but I've seen it and I just want to name it okay seen it and I just want to name it okay seen it and I just want to name it okay I've completely made up the name for it I've completely made up the name for it I've completely made up the name for it non-derivative church but I see non-derivative church but I see non-derivative church but I see something changing I sense something something changing I sense something something changing I sense something changing think about this I mean for changing think about this I mean for changing think about this I mean for several years with the proliferation of several years with the proliferation of several years with the proliferation of social media and the rise of the social media and the rise of the social media and the rise of the attractional church Model A lot of attractional church Model A lot of attractional church Model A lot of revitalized churches and church plants revitalized churches and church plants revitalized churches and church plants followed a just ad water approach to followed a just ad water approach to followed a just ad water approach to their model of church you'll recognize their model of church you'll recognize their model of church you'll recognize the pattern right we saw it on social the pattern right we saw it on social the pattern right we saw it on social media we see it from a church down the media we see it from a church down the media we see it from a church down the road so here's what we need to do have a road so here's what we need to do have a road so here's what we need to do have a decent modern band that sings the same decent modern band that sings the same decent modern band that sings the same worship songs every other growing church worship songs every other growing church worship songs every other growing church is singing check relevant Dynamic is singing check relevant Dynamic is singing check relevant Dynamic Communicator preaching check and vibrant Communicator preaching check and vibrant Communicator preaching check and vibrant kids and maybe student Ministry check kids and maybe student Ministry check kids and maybe student Ministry check upbeat serving teams and small groups upbeat serving teams and small groups upbeat serving teams and small groups check and if you got that you got a check and if you got that you got a check and if you got that you got a church now that probably sounds familiar church now that probably sounds familiar church now that probably sounds familiar right well I've sensed over the last few right well I've sensed over the last few right well I've sensed over the last few years that things are changing and in years that things are changing and in years that things are changing and in 2024 last year I got out on the road a 2024 last year I got out on the road a 2024 last year I got out on the road a lot had the privilege of visit visiting lot had the privilege of visit visiting lot had the privilege of visit visiting several thriving churches around the several thriving churches around the several thriving churches around the world like red Church in Melbourne world like red Church in Melbourne world like red Church in Melbourne Australia Village Church in Dallas Texas Australia Village Church in Dallas Texas Australia Village Church in Dallas Texas and what I noticed really surprised me and what I noticed really surprised me and what I noticed really surprised me the churches I visited and it was more the churches I visited and it was more the churches I visited and it was more than just those two I named none of them

than just those two I named none of them than just those two I named none of them that were growing seemed to be using a that were growing seemed to be using a that were growing seemed to be using a cookie cutter approach to their weekend cookie cutter approach to their weekend cookie cutter approach to their weekend Services the songs weren't simply the Services the songs weren't simply the Services the songs weren't simply the top five songs of the moment yeah they top five songs of the moment yeah they top five songs of the moment yeah they were were were contemporary but it wasn't just you know contemporary but it wasn't just you know contemporary but it wasn't just you know Maverick City Music or Brandon Lake Maverick City Music or Brandon Lake Maverick City Music or Brandon Lake playlist they they were a little diverse playlist they they were a little diverse playlist they they were a little diverse than that so when I was at The Village than that so when I was at The Village than that so when I was at The Village Church in Texas Matt Chandler gave an Church in Texas Matt Chandler gave an Church in Texas Matt Chandler gave an unscripted extended welcome during the unscripted extended welcome during the unscripted extended welcome during the announcement window it felt so welcoming announcement window it felt so welcoming announcement window it felt so welcoming it felt so open and it just it felt it felt so open and it just it felt it felt so open and it just it felt free-spirited almost like a Min free-spirited almost like a Min free-spirited almost like a Min sermonette like not your typical welcome sermonette like not your typical welcome sermonette like not your typical welcome Mark sers when I was in Melbourne Mark sers when I was in Melbourne Mark sers when I was in Melbourne Australia after he gave his message he Australia after he gave his message he Australia after he gave his message he gave people an opportunity to come up gave people an opportunity to come up gave people an opportunity to come up and pray to God at the front if they and pray to God at the front if they and pray to God at the front if they wanted more Zeal in their life now wanted more Zeal in their life now wanted more Zeal in their life now personally I was raised Mainline okay personally I was raised Mainline okay personally I was raised Mainline okay Evangelical but raised Mainline I don't Evangelical but raised Mainline I don't Evangelical but raised Mainline I don't usually respond to those kinds of things usually respond to those kinds of things usually respond to those kinds of things you know but I felt compelled I don't you know but I felt compelled I don't you know but I felt compelled I don't know why the Holy Spirit to go forward know why the Holy Spirit to go forward know why the Holy Spirit to go forward to pray and so my wife and I went to pray and so my wife and I went to pray and so my wife and I went forward we knelt on the steps and when I forward we knelt on the steps and when I forward we knelt on the steps and when I finished I saw that about 80% of the finished I saw that about 80% of the finished I saw that about 80% of the room had gone forward blew me away now room had gone forward blew me away now room had gone forward blew me away now the point isn't to copy this the point the point isn't to copy this the point the point isn't to copy this the point is that each leader decided to do is that each leader decided to do is that each leader decided to do something that was right for the people something that was right for the people something that was right for the people they served and it wasn't like getting they served and it wasn't like getting they served and it wasn't like getting the band to you know bring imp pads and the band to you know bring imp pads and the band to you know bring imp pads and all that stuff I mean Mark pray preached all that stuff I mean Mark pray preached all that stuff I mean Mark pray preached a very intellectual sermon as as Mark a very intellectual sermon as as Mark a very intellectual sermon as as Mark does and there was nothing scripted does and there was nothing scripted does and there was nothing scripted about the moment it's just the spirit about the moment it's just the spirit about the moment it's just the spirit showed up and it reminded me that the showed up and it reminded me that the showed up and it reminded me that the Next Generation isn't looking for an

Next Generation isn't looking for an Next Generation isn't looking for an Echo of the culture they're looking for Echo of the culture they're looking for Echo of the culture they're looking for an alternative to it so definitely learn an alternative to it so definitely learn an alternative to it so definitely learn from Best Practices but you also want to from Best Practices but you also want to from Best Practices but you also want to experiment and you want to see what's experiment and you want to see what's experiment and you want to see what's really working in your context and you really working in your context and you really working in your context and you want to be true to who you and your team want to be true to who you and your team want to be true to who you and your team are I think the non-derivative church are I think the non-derivative church are I think the non-derivative church might be a thing to watch for in the might be a thing to watch for in the might be a thing to watch for in the future so the fifth and final Church future so the fifth and final Church future so the fifth and final Church trend for 2025 is an emotional one and trend for 2025 is an emotional one and trend for 2025 is an emotional one and maybe it's a personal one certainly if maybe it's a personal one certainly if maybe it's a personal one certainly if not for you then for people you care not for you then for people you care not for you then for people you care about the church's leader Mental Health about the church's leader Mental Health about the church's leader Mental Health crisis is probably about to get worse crisis is probably about to get worse crisis is probably about to get worse now the good news we'll start with some now the good news we'll start with some now the good news we'll start with some good news is that the mental health of good news is that the mental health of good news is that the mental health of church leaders has rebounded somewhat church leaders has rebounded somewhat church leaders has rebounded somewhat from an all-time low during Co but there from an all-time low during Co but there from an all-time low during Co but there are storm clouds brewing and that's why are storm clouds brewing and that's why are storm clouds brewing and that's why I'm not convinced that we're out of the I'm not convinced that we're out of the I'm not convinced that we're out of the woods yet so the number of pastors who woods yet so the number of pastors who woods yet so the number of pastors who have given real serious consideration to have given real serious consideration to have given real serious consideration to quitting full-time Ministry within the quitting full-time Ministry within the quitting full-time Ministry within the last year good news dropped from an last year good news dropped from an last year good news dropped from an all-time high of 42% almost half in 2022 all-time high of 42% almost half in 2022 all-time high of 42% almost half in 2022 to just a third 33% in 2023 so I mean on to just a third 33% in 2023 so I mean on to just a third 33% in 2023 so I mean on the one hand that's good on the other the one hand that's good on the other the one hand that's good on the other hand that's terrible because a third of hand that's terrible because a third of hand that's terrible because a third of pastors are still thinking about packing pastors are still thinking about packing pastors are still thinking about packing it in but in a more alarming statistic it in but in a more alarming statistic it in but in a more alarming statistic of how severe the current Mental Health of how severe the current Mental Health of how severe the current Mental Health crisis is according to Bara d data 18% crisis is according to Bara d data 18% crisis is according to Bara d data 18% of pastors have thought about suicide or of pastors have thought about suicide or of pastors have thought about suicide or self harm in the last year that is a self harm in the last year that is a self harm in the last year that is a staggering statistic fueling this if you staggering statistic fueling this if you staggering statistic fueling this if you drill down into the data a little bit drill down into the data a little bit drill down into the data a little bit more is a pervasive loneliness among

more is a pervasive loneliness among more is a pervasive loneliness among senior pastors that seems to be senior pastors that seems to be senior pastors that seems to be intensifying not abating today more than intensifying not abating today more than intensifying not abating today more than ever pastors are unlikely to be getting ever pastors are unlikely to be getting ever pastors are unlikely to be getting the personal support and relationships the personal support and relationships the personal support and relationships that they need to thrive so as recently that they need to thrive so as recently that they need to thrive so as recently as 2015 which is in like living memory as 2015 which is in like living memory as 2015 which is in like living memory for us right 37% of pastors said that for us right 37% of pastors said that for us right 37% of pastors said that they were receiving monthly spiritual they were receiving monthly spiritual they were receiving monthly spiritual and personal support from a network of and personal support from a network of and personal support from a network of peers or mentors today just 19% of peers or mentors today just 19% of peers or mentors today just 19% of pastors are getting that support in pastors are getting that support in pastors are getting that support in other words other words other words 81% are not getting that kind of support 81% are not getting that kind of support 81% are not getting that kind of support that you and I need as Leaders to that you and I need as Leaders to that you and I need as Leaders to continue in the journey further to that continue in the journey further to that continue in the journey further to that well 21% of pastors over the age of 45 well 21% of pastors over the age of 45 well 21% of pastors over the age of 45 say they are flourishing in their say they are flourishing in their say they are flourishing in their well-being well-being well-being only 7% of church leaders under the age only 7% of church leaders under the age only 7% of church leaders under the age of 45 say they are of 45 say they are of 45 say they are flourishing it's almost impossible to flourishing it's almost impossible to flourishing it's almost impossible to overstate what a major concern that is overstate what a major concern that is overstate what a major concern that is because as go the leaders so goes the because as go the leaders so goes the because as go the leaders so goes the church as go the next gen so goes the church as go the next gen so goes the church as go the next gen so goes the future and if the leaders aren't healthy future and if the leaders aren't healthy future and if the leaders aren't healthy the church won't be healthy in other the church won't be healthy in other the church won't be healthy in other words we have right now A Mental Health words we have right now A Mental Health words we have right now A Mental Health crisis in the church but what's ahead in crisis in the church but what's ahead in crisis in the church but what's ahead in the next few years in terms of global the next few years in terms of global the next few years in terms of global instability economic challenges the instability economic challenges the instability economic challenges the development of AI it's probably going to development of AI it's probably going to development of AI it's probably going to push leaders to a new Edge so the push leaders to a new Edge so the push leaders to a new Edge so the question then becomes well like how do question then becomes well like how do question then becomes well like how do you address this crisis and you know

you address this crisis and you know you address this crisis and you know this it's hard to prescribe something this it's hard to prescribe something this it's hard to prescribe something that will magically fix a generational that will magically fix a generational that will magically fix a generational Mental Health crisis but that doesn't Mental Health crisis but that doesn't Mental Health crisis but that doesn't mean we should do nothing at a minimum mean we should do nothing at a minimum mean we should do nothing at a minimum senior leaders need to model healthy senior leaders need to model healthy senior leaders need to model healthy practices both in their leadership and practices both in their leadership and practices both in their leadership and in their lives gone are the days when in their lives gone are the days when in their lives gone are the days when leaders can or should drive their teams leaders can or should drive their teams leaders can or should drive their teams to work 60 plus hours a week and remind to work 60 plus hours a week and remind to work 60 plus hours a week and remind people that they can sleep when they're people that they can sleep when they're people that they can sleep when they're dead or that they should burn out for dead or that they should burn out for dead or that they should burn out for Jesus I know that still exists in Jesus I know that still exists in Jesus I know that still exists in pockets in the church today it's not pockets in the church today it's not pockets in the church today it's not only toxic though it's bad theology only toxic though it's bad theology only toxic though it's bad theology similarly I hear reports of pastors who similarly I hear reports of pastors who similarly I hear reports of pastors who have embraced personal margin and health have embraced personal margin and health have embraced personal margin and health in their lives but they expect their in their lives but they expect their in their lives but they expect their teams to pick up the slack so the leader teams to pick up the slack so the leader teams to pick up the slack so the leader is healthy if you can call it that but is healthy if you can call it that but is healthy if you can call it that but the team and the organization are still the team and the organization are still the team and the organization are still dysfunctional and overworked and that's dysfunctional and overworked and that's dysfunctional and overworked and that's a recipe for future failure too the a recipe for future failure too the a recipe for future failure too the Mantra that I've embraced since my Mantra that I've embraced since my Mantra that I've embraced since my burnout almost 20 years ago is simply burnout almost 20 years ago is simply burnout almost 20 years ago is simply this live in a way today that will help this live in a way today that will help this live in a way today that will help you thrive tomorrow not survive tomorrow you thrive tomorrow not survive tomorrow you thrive tomorrow not survive tomorrow but Thrive this isn't just like a but Thrive this isn't just like a but Thrive this isn't just like a personal Credo it needs to be an personal Credo it needs to be an personal Credo it needs to be an organizational reality for all the organizational reality for all the organizational reality for all the people you lead all the people you serve people you lead all the people you serve people you lead all the people you serve too I have a lot more more on that and too I have a lot more more on that and too I have a lot more more on that and at your best uh that's a book I wrote a at your best uh that's a book I wrote a at your best uh that's a book I wrote a course I offer as well but the reality course I offer as well but the reality course I offer as well but the reality is we need to see leaders teams and is we need to see leaders teams and is we need to see leaders teams and churches flourishing the call to churches flourishing the call to churches flourishing the call to Ministry can be difficult and demanding Ministry can be difficult and demanding Ministry can be difficult and demanding but too often we make it way more

but too often we make it way more but too often we make it way more difficult and demanding than it needs to difficult and demanding than it needs to difficult and demanding than it needs to be so these are the church Trends I'm be so these are the church Trends I'm be so these are the church Trends I'm keeping an eye on in 2025 and I hope and keeping an eye on in 2025 and I hope and keeping an eye on in 2025 and I hope and pray they help you and your team Thrive pray they help you and your team Thrive pray they help you and your team Thrive because we got a lot in front of us because we got a lot in front of us because we got a lot in front of us right we got to respond to the organ right we got to respond to the organ right we got to respond to the organ organizational cultural and personal organizational cultural and personal organizational cultural and personal challenges that everybody is facing once challenges that everybody is facing once challenges that everybody is facing once again for more download my free leader again for more download my free leader again for more download my free leader guide to walk you and your team through guide to walk you and your team through guide to walk you and your team through the teachings and how to apply what the teachings and how to apply what the teachings and how to apply what you've learned to your church and your you've learned to your church and your you've learned to your church and your situation go to 2025 Church trends.com situation go to 2025 Church trends.com situation go to 2025 Church trends.com to get yours for free coming up on this to get yours for free coming up on this to get yours for free coming up on this podcast series remember I've got JP Puda podcast series remember I've got JP Puda podcast series remember I've got JP Puda Jenny Allen Noah Heron Joby Martin Mike Jenny Allen Noah Heron Joby Martin Mike Jenny Allen Noah Heron Joby Martin Mike householder David kinaman and more if householder David kinaman and more if householder David kinaman and more if you subscribe and follow you will never you subscribe and follow you will never you subscribe and follow you will never miss an episode we're going to go deep miss an episode we're going to go deep miss an episode we're going to go deep on this and here's what I believe the on this and here's what I believe the on this and here's what I believe the future of the church is bright it gets future of the church is bright it gets future of the church is bright it gets brighter still if our generation of brighter still if our generation of brighter still if our generation of church leaders sees the moment we're in church leaders sees the moment we're in church leaders sees the moment we're in and responds accordingly I hope our time and responds accordingly I hope our time and responds accordingly I hope our time together today has helped you identify together today has helped you identify together today has helped you identify and break a growth barrier you're facing