7 Disruptive Church Trends in 2026 | Are You Ready?

If you're attracting a particular If you're attracting a particular demographic, say only wealthy people or demographic, say only wealthy people or demographic, say only wealthy people or white people or just males, maybe it's white people or just males, maybe it's white people or just males, maybe it's time to audit your ministry and ask why. time to audit your ministry and ask why. time to audit your ministry and ask why. Welcome to the Carrie New Hoff Welcome to the Carrie New Hoff Welcome to the Carrie New Hoff leadership podcast. Man, I'm so excited leadership podcast. Man, I'm so excited leadership podcast. Man, I'm so excited for this episode. This is the annual for this episode. This is the annual for this episode. This is the annual church trends, 2026 church trends. I'm church trends, 2026 church trends. I'm church trends, 2026 church trends. I'm going to look at seven this year and going to look at seven this year and going to look at seven this year and this is a kickoff to a church trend this is a kickoff to a church trend this is a kickoff to a church trend series. We've been doing this every year series. We've been doing this every year series. We've been doing this every year for a while now. And so coming up, I've for a while now. And so coming up, I've for a while now. And so coming up, I've got episodes with David Kinnaman, got episodes with David Kinnaman, got episodes with David Kinnaman, Barnes, David Kinnman, with Luke Lef Barnes, David Kinnman, with Luke Lef Barnes, David Kinnman, with Luke Lef Fever and Daniel Mloud, Rouseland KD Fever and Daniel Mloud, Rouseland KD Fever and Daniel Mloud, Rouseland KD talking about one of the trends and then talking about one of the trends and then talking about one of the trends and then even John Markr weighs in on what he even John Markr weighs in on what he even John Markr weighs in on what he thinks the trend is. Uh it's going to be thinks the trend is. Uh it's going to be thinks the trend is. Uh it's going to be an incredible conversation. So I'm an incredible conversation. So I'm an incredible conversation. So I'm really glad that you've joined us. really glad that you've joined us. really glad that you've joined us. Whether you're watching, whether you're Whether you're watching, whether you're Whether you're watching, whether you're listening, welcome. This is kind of a listening, welcome. This is kind of a listening, welcome. This is kind of a church trends month. So we have a whole church trends month. So we have a whole church trends month. So we have a whole lot coming up. The best thing you can do lot coming up. The best thing you can do lot coming up. The best thing you can do is to follow. Hit follow right now. Hit is to follow. Hit follow right now. Hit is to follow. Hit follow right now. Hit subscribe. You won't miss a thing. This subscribe. You won't miss a thing. This subscribe. You won't miss a thing. This year, I unveil seven disruptive church year, I unveil seven disruptive church year, I unveil seven disruptive church trends we're going to look at together trends we're going to look at together trends we're going to look at together and track in 2026, including Gen Z and track in 2026, including Gen Z and track in 2026, including Gen Z leading a surge in young church leading a surge in young church leading a surge in young church attendance, a rise in women exiting the attendance, a rise in women exiting the attendance, a rise in women exiting the faith, and disciplehip by algorithm, faith, and disciplehip by algorithm, faith, and disciplehip by algorithm, which is actually what makes it which is actually what makes it which is actually what makes it impossible for you to make anybody happy impossible for you to make anybody happy impossible for you to make anybody happy right now. But before we jump in, I want right now. But before we jump in, I want right now. But before we jump in, I want you to know about something I'm really you to know about something I'm really you to know about something I'm really excited about. We've officially launched excited about. We've officially launched excited about. We've officially launched the 2026 Church Trends Hub. So, that's a the 2026 Church Trends Hub. So, that's a the 2026 Church Trends Hub. So, that's a brand new place where you can dive brand new place where you can dive brand new place where you can dive deeper into the biggest shifts shaping deeper into the biggest shifts shaping deeper into the biggest shifts shaping the church this year. And inside the

the church this year. And inside the the church this year. And inside the hub, you're going to get instant access hub, you're going to get instant access hub, you're going to get instant access to the full 2026 download. I'm giving to the full 2026 download. I'm giving to the full 2026 download. I'm giving you like a little sample. Uh it's over you like a little sample. Uh it's over you like a little sample. Uh it's over 5,000word document. We got a leader 5,000word document. We got a leader 5,000word document. We got a leader guide inside of it so you can walk guide inside of it so you can walk guide inside of it so you can walk through with your whole team. And through with your whole team. And through with your whole team. And honestly, you're not going to unpack honestly, you're not going to unpack honestly, you're not going to unpack this in a meeting. This could take you a this in a meeting. This could take you a this in a meeting. This could take you a month to look through. That's why we're month to look through. That's why we're month to look through. That's why we're doing episodes all month long. So, if doing episodes all month long. So, if doing episodes all month long. So, if you really want to be at the center of you really want to be at the center of you really want to be at the center of everything church trends, you got to get everything church trends, you got to get everything church trends, you got to get into the church trends hub. Plus, on into the church trends hub. Plus, on into the church trends hub. Plus, on January 7th, which is tomorrow, if January 7th, which is tomorrow, if January 7th, which is tomorrow, if you're listening to this or watching it you're listening to this or watching it you're listening to this or watching it on release day, I'm hosting our first on release day, I'm hosting our first on release day, I'm hosting our first ever live church trends webinar. We're ever live church trends webinar. We're ever live church trends webinar. We're going to walk through the trends going to walk through the trends going to walk through the trends together. I will take your questions together. I will take your questions together. I will take your questions live. And if you want to be part of a live. And if you want to be part of a live. And if you want to be part of a community that's preparing for the community that's preparing for the community that's preparing for the future, not just reacting to it, this is future, not just reacting to it, this is future, not just reacting to it, this is where you want to be. So head on over to where you want to be. So head on over to where you want to be. So head on over to 2026 churchtrends.com, 2026 churchtrends.com, 2026 churchtrends.com, jump in for free and get ready for an jump in for free and get ready for an jump in for free and get ready for an incredible month of learning, of incredible month of learning, of incredible month of learning, of conversation, and hope for the future of conversation, and hope for the future of conversation, and hope for the future of the church. Believe it or not, this is a the church. Believe it or not, this is a the church. Believe it or not, this is a year of hope. So you can also join by year of hope. So you can also join by year of hope. So you can also join by clicking the link in the description of clicking the link in the description of clicking the link in the description of this episode, wherever you're listening, this episode, wherever you're listening, this episode, wherever you're listening, wherever you're watching. So see you wherever you're watching. So see you wherever you're watching. So see you inside. Don't forget to join the church inside. Don't forget to join the church inside. Don't forget to join the church trends hub. As you lead your church in trends hub. As you lead your church in trends hub. As you lead your church in 2026, the world and the church is 2026, the world and the church is 2026, the world and the church is shifting faster than anybody expected.

shifting faster than anybody expected. shifting faster than anybody expected. But what's even more surprising is that But what's even more surprising is that But what's even more surprising is that the shifts include some positive the shifts include some positive the shifts include some positive momentum, right? Surges in faith among momentum, right? Surges in faith among momentum, right? Surges in faith among the next generation, rising commitment the next generation, rising commitment the next generation, rising commitment to Christ, and yes, there are warning to Christ, and yes, there are warning to Christ, and yes, there are warning signs, but this year's church trends are signs, but this year's church trends are signs, but this year's church trends are as much a story of hope as they are a as much a story of hope as they are a as much a story of hope as they are a story of caution. So, as a church story of caution. So, as a church story of caution. So, as a church leader, here's what you do. You live leader, here's what you do. You live leader, here's what you do. You live with the constant tension of managing with the constant tension of managing with the constant tension of managing the urgent while trying not to lose the urgent while trying not to lose the urgent while trying not to lose sight of the important. Right? The sight of the important. Right? The sight of the important. Right? The danger is though, if you keep your head danger is though, if you keep your head danger is though, if you keep your head down, you miss the big picture. You down, you miss the big picture. You down, you miss the big picture. You really don't see what's going on and really don't see what's going on and really don't see what's going on and your daily efforts can get offtarget. your daily efforts can get offtarget. your daily efforts can get offtarget. And that's actually why I write this And that's actually why I write this And that's actually why I write this annual church trends report, right? It's annual church trends report, right? It's annual church trends report, right? It's to help you and your team look up, see to help you and your team look up, see to help you and your team look up, see what's changing, try to figure out why what's changing, try to figure out why what's changing, try to figure out why does this matter, and that'll help you does this matter, and that'll help you does this matter, and that'll help you lead with clarity in the middle of like lead with clarity in the middle of like lead with clarity in the middle of like really massive change that's happening really massive change that's happening really massive change that's happening in our culture. 2025 was a really in our culture. 2025 was a really in our culture. 2025 was a really interesting year last year, right? It interesting year last year, right? It interesting year last year, right? It was the first year we began to see the was the first year we began to see the was the first year we began to see the stirrings and anecdotes associated with stirrings and anecdotes associated with stirrings and anecdotes associated with revival become statistically meaningful.

revival become statistically meaningful. revival become statistically meaningful. Things really did begin to change. So, Things really did begin to change. So, Things really did begin to change. So, we have a few stats, right? Bible sales, we have a few stats, right? Bible sales, we have a few stats, right? Bible sales, maybe you've heard this, they're up maybe you've heard this, they're up maybe you've heard this, they're up 41.5% 41.5% 41.5% since 2022. Spiritual app downloads rose since 2022. Spiritual app downloads rose since 2022. Spiritual app downloads rose 79.5% 79.5% 79.5% since 2019. And Christian music streams, since 2019. And Christian music streams, since 2019. And Christian music streams, they're up 50% since 2019. Now, they're up 50% since 2019. Now, they're up 50% since 2019. Now, according to Bara, even the number of according to Bara, even the number of according to Bara, even the number of Americans who say they have made a Americans who say they have made a Americans who say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is personal commitment to Jesus that is personal commitment to Jesus that is still meaningful in their lives is up 12 still meaningful in their lives is up 12 still meaningful in their lives is up 12 percentage points between 2022 and 2025. percentage points between 2022 and 2025. percentage points between 2022 and 2025. That said, okay, we all need to take a That said, okay, we all need to take a That said, okay, we all need to take a deep breath. Despite all the positive deep breath. Despite all the positive deep breath. Despite all the positive evidence, the talk of revival, you know, evidence, the talk of revival, you know, evidence, the talk of revival, you know, the stuff you see on Instagram, there's the stuff you see on Instagram, there's the stuff you see on Instagram, there's actually a meta trend hanging over every actually a meta trend hanging over every actually a meta trend hanging over every other church trend I'm going to share other church trend I'm going to share other church trend I'm going to share today, and that's the ongoing general today, and that's the ongoing general today, and that's the ongoing general decline of Christianity in America. So, decline of Christianity in America. So, decline of Christianity in America. So, some very fresh data from Bara is some very fresh data from Bara is some very fresh data from Bara is showing that at the same time, we're showing that at the same time, we're showing that at the same time, we're seeing some very positive trends I'm seeing some very positive trends I'm seeing some very positive trends I'm going to talk about. Christianity as a going to talk about. Christianity as a going to talk about. Christianity as a whole is less important to Americans whole is less important to Americans whole is less important to Americans than in the past. And more Christians than in the past. And more Christians than in the past. And more Christians than ever don't actually practice their than ever don't actually practice their than ever don't actually practice their faith. For example, in 2000, 74% of faith. For example, in 2000, 74% of faith. For example, in 2000, 74% of Christians said their faith was central Christians said their faith was central Christians said their faith was central to their lives. Today, it's 54%. That to their lives. Today, it's 54%. That to their lives. Today, it's 54%. That means that 46% of Christians do not means that 46% of Christians do not means that 46% of Christians do not consider their faith to be central to consider their faith to be central to consider their faith to be central to their lives, which is, I think you'd their lives, which is, I think you'd their lives, which is, I think you'd agree, probably an issue, right?

agree, probably an issue, right? agree, probably an issue, right? Similarly, and this is huge, half of all Similarly, and this is huge, half of all Similarly, and this is huge, half of all US adults now qualify as nonpracticising US adults now qualify as nonpracticising US adults now qualify as nonpracticising Christians. In fact, of those who call Christians. In fact, of those who call Christians. In fact, of those who call themselves Christians, only 24% of themselves Christians, only 24% of themselves Christians, only 24% of Christians actively pursue their faith. Christians actively pursue their faith. Christians actively pursue their faith. That is a huge finding and a big change That is a huge finding and a big change That is a huge finding and a big change from 15 years ago when more Christians from 15 years ago when more Christians from 15 years ago when more Christians actually practiced out their faith than actually practiced out their faith than actually practiced out their faith than didn't. So perhaps this helps explain didn't. So perhaps this helps explain didn't. So perhaps this helps explain the crisis in disciplehip and the crisis in disciplehip and the crisis in disciplehip and partisanship that we're seeing in the partisanship that we're seeing in the partisanship that we're seeing in the church. And all of this confirms what we church. And all of this confirms what we church. And all of this confirms what we noted back in 2025, a year ago, that noted back in 2025, a year ago, that noted back in 2025, a year ago, that even among Gen Z, where we see all the even among Gen Z, where we see all the even among Gen Z, where we see all the positive stuff, they are in revival and positive stuff, they are in revival and positive stuff, they are in revival and retreat at the same time. So that said, retreat at the same time. So that said, retreat at the same time. So that said, as you track these 2026 trends, remember as you track these 2026 trends, remember as you track these 2026 trends, remember that the mission of the church isn't that the mission of the church isn't that the mission of the church isn't accomplished, right? There is so much accomplished, right? There is so much accomplished, right? There is so much left to do, so many more people to left to do, so many more people to left to do, so many more people to reach. And yeah, there's little signs of reach. And yeah, there's little signs of reach. And yeah, there's little signs of revival, but the big picture, a lot of revival, but the big picture, a lot of revival, but the big picture, a lot of work to be done. So with that said, here work to be done. So with that said, here work to be done. So with that said, here are seven disruptive church trends to are seven disruptive church trends to are seven disruptive church trends to look for in 2026. Trend number one, Gen look for in 2026. Trend number one, Gen look for in 2026. Trend number one, Gen Z is leading the surge in church Z is leading the surge in church Z is leading the surge in church attendance. So the recent rise in church attendance. So the recent rise in church attendance. So the recent rise in church attendance is being fueled by young attendance is being fueled by young attendance is being fueled by young adults. So there is a rise, right? And adults. So there is a rise, right? And adults. So there is a rise, right? And Gen Z is at the forefront of it. In Gen Z is at the forefront of it. In Gen Z is at the forefront of it. In fact, last year they became the most fact, last year they became the most fact, last year they became the most frequent church attenders in America, frequent church attenders in America, frequent church attenders in America, attending on average 1.9 times a month, attending on average 1.9 times a month, attending on average 1.9 times a month, which is marginally higher than which is marginally higher than which is marginally higher than millennials and meaningfully higher than millennials and meaningfully higher than millennials and meaningfully higher than their Gen X parents or boomer

their Gen X parents or boomer their Gen X parents or boomer grandparents. And when you drill down a grandparents. And when you drill down a grandparents. And when you drill down a little bit, you see that this isn't just little bit, you see that this isn't just little bit, you see that this isn't just a generational shift. It's a spike in a generational shift. It's a spike in a generational shift. It's a spike in engagement among Gen Z's. So, this is engagement among Gen Z's. So, this is engagement among Gen Z's. So, this is positive. You know, in 2021, they were positive. You know, in 2021, they were positive. You know, in 2021, they were barely attending church once a month. barely attending church once a month. barely attending church once a month. Now, that's pretty much doubled to twice Now, that's pretty much doubled to twice Now, that's pretty much doubled to twice a month. And millennials have seen a a month. And millennials have seen a a month. And millennials have seen a similar surge. And then there's data similar surge. And then there's data similar surge. And then there's data from the UK, right? It's showing that from the UK, right? It's showing that from the UK, right? It's showing that Gen Z church attendance among ages 18 to Gen Z church attendance among ages 18 to Gen Z church attendance among ages 18 to 24 has quadrupled over the last 8 years, 24 has quadrupled over the last 8 years, 24 has quadrupled over the last 8 years, growing from 4 to 16% today. So, at the growing from 4 to 16% today. So, at the growing from 4 to 16% today. So, at the most charitable level, what does this most charitable level, what does this most charitable level, what does this mean? Well, it means the surge back to mean? Well, it means the surge back to mean? Well, it means the surge back to church among many young adults might church among many young adults might church among many young adults might stem from there having explored what the stem from there having explored what the stem from there having explored what the culture has to offer and found it culture has to offer and found it culture has to offer and found it wanting. To borrow from Luke Lef Fever, wanting. To borrow from Luke Lef Fever, wanting. To borrow from Luke Lef Fever, who's going to be on a future episode of who's going to be on a future episode of who's going to be on a future episode of this podcast in the Church Trend series, this podcast in the Church Trend series, this podcast in the Church Trend series, the church has gone from despair to the church has gone from despair to the church has gone from despair to desperation. And what that's done is desperation. And what that's done is desperation. And what that's done is it's driven a lot of young adults to it's driven a lot of young adults to it's driven a lot of young adults to Jesus. They're not really seeking an Jesus. They're not really seeking an Jesus. They're not really seeking an echo of the culture, but an alternative echo of the culture, but an alternative echo of the culture, but an alternative to it. And that's what they're finding to it. And that's what they're finding to it. And that's what they're finding in Jesus. And that's what they're in Jesus. And that's what they're in Jesus. And that's what they're finding in Christianity. So what do you finding in Christianity. So what do you finding in Christianity. So what do you do about it? Well, as John Tyson points do about it? Well, as John Tyson points do about it? Well, as John Tyson points out, you can't really create a revival, out, you can't really create a revival, out, you can't really create a revival, right? Even though you see stadiums right? Even though you see stadiums right? Even though you see stadiums filled and young adults returning, but filled and young adults returning, but filled and young adults returning, but what you can do is position yourself what you can do is position yourself what you can do is position yourself spiritually for renewal and revival.

spiritually for renewal and revival. spiritually for renewal and revival. Revival fundamentally is God's action. Revival fundamentally is God's action. Revival fundamentally is God's action. But that said, preparing your church to But that said, preparing your church to But that said, preparing your church to reach the next generation is something I reach the next generation is something I reach the next generation is something I think every leader can embrace this think every leader can embrace this think every leader can embrace this year. Trend number two, young men are year. Trend number two, young men are year. Trend number two, young men are coming to church and young women are coming to church and young women are coming to church and young women are leaving. So with every shift in culture leaving. So with every shift in culture leaving. So with every shift in culture and trends, there's unexpected news. On and trends, there's unexpected news. On and trends, there's unexpected news. On the positive front, young men who are the positive front, young men who are the positive front, young men who are often thought of as, you know, the most often thought of as, you know, the most often thought of as, you know, the most difficult to reach, appear to be heading difficult to reach, appear to be heading difficult to reach, appear to be heading to church in ways nobody had to church in ways nobody had to church in ways nobody had anticipated, including me. So despite anticipated, including me. So despite anticipated, including me. So despite the good news stories that keep popping the good news stories that keep popping the good news stories that keep popping up about Gen Z's resurgence in faith, up about Gen Z's resurgence in faith, up about Gen Z's resurgence in faith, it's not equally distributed, right? it's not equally distributed, right? it's not equally distributed, right? There's a spiritual languishing of Gen Z There's a spiritual languishing of Gen Z There's a spiritual languishing of Gen Z women that goes beyond church women that goes beyond church women that goes beyond church attendance. When you look at the stats attendance. When you look at the stats attendance. When you look at the stats around Gen Z women across the board, around Gen Z women across the board, around Gen Z women across the board, they are less plugged in spiritually they are less plugged in spiritually they are less plugged in spiritually than Gen Z men. So when it comes to than Gen Z men. So when it comes to than Gen Z men. So when it comes to prayer, when it comes to Bible reading, prayer, when it comes to Bible reading, prayer, when it comes to Bible reading, when it comes to attending church, Gen Z when it comes to attending church, Gen Z when it comes to attending church, Gen Z women lag behind their male women lag behind their male women lag behind their male counterparts. So what does this mean?

counterparts. So what does this mean? counterparts. So what does this mean? Well, I don't in any way want to Well, I don't in any way want to Well, I don't in any way want to disparage the conversions happening disparage the conversions happening disparage the conversions happening among young men, but you do have to among young men, but you do have to among young men, but you do have to wonder, and this is just wondering, wonder, and this is just wondering, wonder, and this is just wondering, we're going to explore this in future we're going to explore this in future we're going to explore this in future episodes. Is the hard right swing among episodes. Is the hard right swing among episodes. Is the hard right swing among many US evangelical churches many US evangelical churches many US evangelical churches simultaneously driving the surge among simultaneously driving the surge among simultaneously driving the surge among young men and the exit among young young men and the exit among young young men and the exit among young women? It's a question that I think we women? It's a question that I think we women? It's a question that I think we need to ask. So what's going on, right? need to ask. So what's going on, right? need to ask. So what's going on, right? Well, if you see this from a positive Well, if you see this from a positive Well, if you see this from a positive viewpoint, the church offers a viewpoint, the church offers a viewpoint, the church offers a counterpoint to the culture for young counterpoint to the culture for young counterpoint to the culture for young men. I had one young megaurch pastor men. I had one young megaurch pastor men. I had one young megaurch pastor tell me that for decades, young men, tell me that for decades, young men, tell me that for decades, young men, he's a young guy as well, have been he's a young guy as well, have been he's a young guy as well, have been portrayed by the culture as dumb, portrayed by the culture as dumb, portrayed by the culture as dumb, incapable, and often even oppressive. incapable, and often even oppressive. incapable, and often even oppressive. Right? What many of them are finding Right? What many of them are finding Right? What many of them are finding through the teachings of Jesus is that through the teachings of Jesus is that through the teachings of Jesus is that they're called to be more than they're called to be more than they're called to be more than conquerors and that they have a purpose conquerors and that they have a purpose conquerors and that they have a purpose that is way bigger than their jobs. that is way bigger than their jobs. that is way bigger than their jobs. Right? However, I think you also have to Right? However, I think you also have to Right? However, I think you also have to ask, you know, has the resurgence of ask, you know, has the resurgence of ask, you know, has the resurgence of young men maybe led to a broke culture? young men maybe led to a broke culture? young men maybe led to a broke culture? Not in every case, but in some cases, Not in every case, but in some cases, Not in every case, but in some cases, and if that's the case, has that driven and if that's the case, has that driven and if that's the case, has that driven young women away? Anecdotal evidence, young women away? Anecdotal evidence, young women away? Anecdotal evidence, for example, we've asked our audience for example, we've asked our audience for example, we've asked our audience about this, right? And I've gotten about this, right? And I've gotten about this, right? And I've gotten emails, I've had conversations, and emails, I've had conversations, and emails, I've had conversations, and we'll have more on the podcast this year we'll have more on the podcast this year we'll have more on the podcast this year about the exit of women from the church.

about the exit of women from the church. about the exit of women from the church. But what I'm hearing anecdotally is that But what I'm hearing anecdotally is that But what I'm hearing anecdotally is that maybe women feel disempowered in church maybe women feel disempowered in church maybe women feel disempowered in church leadership or they disagree with the leadership or they disagree with the leadership or they disagree with the partisan political agenda of some partisan political agenda of some partisan political agenda of some churches. Another common theme I've churches. Another common theme I've churches. Another common theme I've heard is that women have risen to higher heard is that women have risen to higher heard is that women have risen to higher levels of leadership in their jobs or levels of leadership in their jobs or levels of leadership in their jobs or even as elected government officials but even as elected government officials but even as elected government officials but don't see the same opportunities or don't see the same opportunities or don't see the same opportunities or valuing of their gifts in the church. So valuing of their gifts in the church. So valuing of their gifts in the church. So you know you can see this you can see you know you can see this you can see you know you can see this you can see the number of female podcasters, authors the number of female podcasters, authors the number of female podcasters, authors and rather large ministries and and rather large ministries and and rather large ministries and nonprofits that have sprung up outside nonprofits that have sprung up outside nonprofits that have sprung up outside of the church. Why? Well, you could of the church. Why? Well, you could of the church. Why? Well, you could argue because maybe there's not the argue because maybe there's not the argue because maybe there's not the platform inside the church, right? And platform inside the church, right? And platform inside the church, right? And this is true not just of women in their this is true not just of women in their this is true not just of women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, but a lot of young 40s, 50s, and 60s, but a lot of young 40s, 50s, and 60s, but a lot of young influencer women in their 20s and 30s. influencer women in their 20s and 30s. influencer women in their 20s and 30s. So most female nextgen influencers don't So most female nextgen influencers don't So most female nextgen influencers don't lead from a position in their church. lead from a position in their church. lead from a position in their church. They might go to church, but they don't They might go to church, but they don't They might go to church, but they don't have the position in the church, but have the position in the church, but have the position in the church, but they lead from their organizations, from they lead from their organizations, from they lead from their organizations, from their books, from their podcasts, and their books, from their podcasts, and their books, from their podcasts, and from their speaking engagements. And from their speaking engagements. And from their speaking engagements. And then finally, I think you have to pay then finally, I think you have to pay then finally, I think you have to pay attention to the lingering impacts of attention to the lingering impacts of attention to the lingering impacts of church scandals, right? #meto #church2 church scandals, right? #meto #church2 church scandals, right? #meto #church2 and the prevalence of abuse of women by and the prevalence of abuse of women by and the prevalence of abuse of women by male church leaders that is probably male church leaders that is probably male church leaders that is probably also a factor again the data haven't also a factor again the data haven't also a factor again the data haven't fully shown what's driving the exit but fully shown what's driving the exit but fully shown what's driving the exit but people don't leave without a reason so people don't leave without a reason so people don't leave without a reason so in 2026 there should be some more in 2026 there should be some more in 2026 there should be some more research coming out I believe it's you research coming out I believe it's you research coming out I believe it's you know happening as we speak and we will know happening as we speak and we will know happening as we speak and we will share that with you as soon as it comes share that with you as soon as it comes share that with you as soon as it comes out because I think this is a really

out because I think this is a really out because I think this is a really important trend right so what do you do important trend right so what do you do important trend right so what do you do well I think the most important thing to well I think the most important thing to well I think the most important thing to do is to see whether young women are do is to see whether young women are do is to see whether young women are leaving your church and congregation and leaving your church and congregation and leaving your church and congregation and then ask if they are why. Right? Or if then ask if they are why. Right? Or if then ask if they are why. Right? Or if you're attracting a particular you're attracting a particular you're attracting a particular demographic, say only wealthy people or demographic, say only wealthy people or demographic, say only wealthy people or white people or just males, maybe it's white people or just males, maybe it's white people or just males, maybe it's time to audit your ministry and ask why. time to audit your ministry and ask why. time to audit your ministry and ask why. Because the gospel reaches into the Because the gospel reaches into the Because the gospel reaches into the hearts of all people. Church trend hearts of all people. Church trend hearts of all people. Church trend number three, evangelism is getting number three, evangelism is getting number three, evangelism is getting bolder and more direct. So for years, bolder and more direct. So for years, bolder and more direct. So for years, churches viewed evangelism as hosting churches viewed evangelism as hosting churches viewed evangelism as hosting weekend services where people could weekend services where people could weekend services where people could invite their friends. Still a good invite their friends. Still a good invite their friends. Still a good model. Okay. But the challenge with this model. Okay. But the challenge with this model. Okay. But the challenge with this model is that many Christians number model is that many Christians number model is that many Christians number one, never invite anybody to church one, never invite anybody to church one, never invite anybody to church despite the astonishing reality that 80% despite the astonishing reality that 80% despite the astonishing reality that 80% of non-churchgoers say they would come of non-churchgoers say they would come of non-churchgoers say they would come to church if somebody invited them. And to church if somebody invited them. And to church if somebody invited them. And number two, you know, you just have this number two, you know, you just have this number two, you know, you just have this inertia. Maybe they're not going to do inertia. Maybe they're not going to do inertia. Maybe they're not going to do that. So, enter the next generation and that. So, enter the next generation and that. So, enter the next generation and a rise in bolder, more direct a rise in bolder, more direct a rise in bolder, more direct evangelism. And what we've seen is the evangelism. And what we've seen is the evangelism. And what we've seen is the rise of everything from college campus rise of everything from college campus rise of everything from college campus crusades like the Unite us movement and crusades like the Unite us movement and crusades like the Unite us movement and pastors like JP Mluda um challenging pastors like JP Mluda um challenging pastors like JP Mluda um challenging Christians to share Christ every day Christians to share Christ every day Christians to share Christ every day with you know your Uber driver with the with you know your Uber driver with the with you know your Uber driver with the person who cuts your hair that kind of person who cuts your hair that kind of person who cuts your hair that kind of thing. But probably the biggest shift thing. But probably the biggest shift thing. But probably the biggest shift that we've seen is the emergence of that we've seen is the emergence of that we've seen is the emergence of YouTubers, artists, and social media YouTubers, artists, and social media YouTubers, artists, and social media influencers. People like Bryce Crawford, influencers. People like Bryce Crawford, influencers. People like Bryce Crawford, Wesley Huff, Rusyn Katy, who's going to

Wesley Huff, Rusyn Katy, who's going to Wesley Huff, Rusyn Katy, who's going to be on the podcast in a couple of be on the podcast in a couple of be on the podcast in a couple of episodes, the late Charlie Kirk, and episodes, the late Charlie Kirk, and episodes, the late Charlie Kirk, and even Forest Frank taking apologetics, even Forest Frank taking apologetics, even Forest Frank taking apologetics, evangelism, and their message directly evangelism, and their message directly evangelism, and their message directly to YouTube, to crowds, and to the to YouTube, to crowds, and to the to YouTube, to crowds, and to the streets. So, churches are kind of being streets. So, churches are kind of being streets. So, churches are kind of being bypassed in this trend, right? The trend bypassed in this trend, right? The trend bypassed in this trend, right? The trend has moved from the seats to the streets. has moved from the seats to the streets. has moved from the seats to the streets. Pastors, think about this, tend to share Pastors, think about this, tend to share Pastors, think about this, tend to share sermon clips online. Next generation sermon clips online. Next generation sermon clips online. Next generation evangelists share the gospel directly evangelists share the gospel directly evangelists share the gospel directly with people online and one- on-one. One with people online and one- on-one. One with people online and one- on-one. One practical thing your team can do this practical thing your team can do this practical thing your team can do this year is maybe to consider exploring more year is maybe to consider exploring more year is maybe to consider exploring more offstage moments. Right? Brainstorm how offstage moments. Right? Brainstorm how offstage moments. Right? Brainstorm how you can start speaking directly to you can start speaking directly to you can start speaking directly to people on social media and do more people on social media and do more people on social media and do more in-person sharing of the gospel. in-person sharing of the gospel. in-person sharing of the gospel. Innovation doesn't always lead to Innovation doesn't always lead to Innovation doesn't always lead to breakthroughs, but breakthroughs never breakthroughs, but breakthroughs never breakthroughs, but breakthroughs never happen without innovation. So maybe happen without innovation. So maybe happen without innovation. So maybe experiment this year. It's almost experiment this year. It's almost experiment this year. It's almost guaranteed that any church with a guaranteed that any church with a guaranteed that any church with a vibrant student ministry or young adult vibrant student ministry or young adult vibrant student ministry or young adult ministry has got some social media ministry has got some social media ministry has got some social media influencers and YouTubers attending influencers and YouTubers attending influencers and YouTubers attending their church. Now, what do you do if their church. Now, what do you do if their church. Now, what do you do if that's the case in your church? Well, that's the case in your church? Well, that's the case in your church? Well, I'll tell you what the problem is.

I'll tell you what the problem is. I'll tell you what the problem is. Online influencers who attend local Online influencers who attend local Online influencers who attend local churches, and many of them do, often get churches, and many of them do, often get churches, and many of them do, often get ignored or they get asked if they can ignored or they get asked if they can ignored or they get asked if they can run the soundboard or proresenter on a run the soundboard or proresenter on a run the soundboard or proresenter on a Sunday morning. So maybe the best thing Sunday morning. So maybe the best thing Sunday morning. So maybe the best thing you can do for that group this year is you can do for that group this year is you can do for that group this year is to pour fuel on their fire, encouraging to pour fuel on their fire, encouraging to pour fuel on their fire, encouraging them, supporting them, resourcing them, them, supporting them, resourcing them, them, supporting them, resourcing them, and even learning from them. This and even learning from them. This and even learning from them. This episode is brought to you by Igniter episode is brought to you by Igniter episode is brought to you by Igniter Media. So let's be honest, keeping your Media. So let's be honest, keeping your Media. So let's be honest, keeping your church's visuals and communications church's visuals and communications church's visuals and communications fresh week after week, that's tough fresh week after week, that's tough fresh week after week, that's tough work, right? And that's where Igniter work, right? And that's where Igniter work, right? And that's where Igniter Media comes in. Igniter has a robust Media comes in. Igniter has a robust Media comes in. Igniter has a robust library of ready-made church media from library of ready-made church media from library of ready-made church media from sermon videos to beautifully designed sermon videos to beautifully designed sermon videos to beautifully designed backgrounds that work seamlessly in all backgrounds that work seamlessly in all backgrounds that work seamlessly in all church presentation software church presentation software church presentation software applications. So whether you're a big applications. So whether you're a big applications. So whether you're a big church with a designed staff or a small church with a designed staff or a small church with a designed staff or a small church with not a lot of budget, church with not a lot of budget, church with not a lot of budget, Igniter's got you covered. And for my Igniter's got you covered. And for my Igniter's got you covered. And for my listeners, Igniter is offering an listeners, Igniter is offering an listeners, Igniter is offering an exclusive discount on any of their exclusive discount on any of their exclusive discount on any of their memberships. Plus, they're giving you a memberships. Plus, they're giving you a memberships. Plus, they're giving you a free exclusive sermon series package free exclusive sermon series package free exclusive sermon series package valued at $330, which includes a valued at $330, which includes a valued at $330, which includes a complimentary sermon bumper, title complimentary sermon bumper, title complimentary sermon bumper, title graphics, worship backgrounds, social graphics, worship backgrounds, social graphics, worship backgrounds, social graphics, Canva templates, and a graphics, Canva templates, and a graphics, Canva templates, and a proresenter theme. Check it out at proresenter theme. Check it out at proresenter theme. Check it out at ignitermedia.com/carry.

ignitermedia.com/carry. ignitermedia.com/carry. That's ignitermedia.com/carry. That's ignitermedia.com/carry. That's ignitermedia.com/carry. Today's episode is brought to you by the Today's episode is brought to you by the Today's episode is brought to you by the Aspen Group. Hey everyone. You know Aspen Group. Hey everyone. You know Aspen Group. Hey everyone. You know Christmas is almost here and that means Christmas is almost here and that means Christmas is almost here and that means your church is about to see an increase your church is about to see an increase your church is about to see an increase in attendance and lots of first-time in attendance and lots of first-time in attendance and lots of first-time guests walking through your doors. Most guests walking through your doors. Most guests walking through your doors. Most pastors focus on the practical pastors focus on the practical pastors focus on the practical experience of their buildings like experience of their buildings like experience of their buildings like parking or navigation. But what often parking or navigation. But what often parking or navigation. But what often gets overlooked is the formational gets overlooked is the formational gets overlooked is the formational impact. Reality is your building is impact. Reality is your building is impact. Reality is your building is shaping people's experience of ministry. shaping people's experience of ministry. shaping people's experience of ministry. It's either working for your mission or It's either working for your mission or It's either working for your mission or it's working against your mission. And it's working against your mission. And it's working against your mission. And that's where Aspen Group comes in. Aspen that's where Aspen Group comes in. Aspen that's where Aspen Group comes in. Aspen Group helps churches steward their Group helps churches steward their Group helps churches steward their resources to create spaces that enhance resources to create spaces that enhance resources to create spaces that enhance mission, elevate growth, and establish mission, elevate growth, and establish mission, elevate growth, and establish longevity, walking with you every step longevity, walking with you every step longevity, walking with you every step of the way from the first idea to your of the way from the first idea to your of the way from the first idea to your final build. You may not be renovating final build. You may not be renovating final build. You may not be renovating before Christmas, but now is the perfect before Christmas, but now is the perfect before Christmas, but now is the perfect time to start dreaming and planning for time to start dreaming and planning for time to start dreaming and planning for the future. To learn more about how the future. To learn more about how the future. To learn more about how Aspen Groupoup can help your space Aspen Groupoup can help your space Aspen Groupoup can help your space better serve your mission, visit better serve your mission, visit better serve your mission, visit aspengroup.com/carry.

aspengroup.com/carry. aspengroup.com/carry. That's a s pengu.com/c ru y. Church trend number four. ru y. Church trend number four. Preaching is starting to shift from Preaching is starting to shift from Preaching is starting to shift from presentation to encounter. So, while the presentation to encounter. So, while the presentation to encounter. So, while the world has changed a lot in the last 30 world has changed a lot in the last 30 world has changed a lot in the last 30 years, you know what? Sunday services, years, you know what? Sunday services, years, you know what? Sunday services, not so much. Sure, I mean, the music, not so much. Sure, I mean, the music, not so much. Sure, I mean, the music, the dress code, the technology, they've the dress code, the technology, they've the dress code, the technology, they've all shifted, but fundamentally the all shifted, but fundamentally the all shifted, but fundamentally the sermon is still primarily a 30 to 40 sermon is still primarily a 30 to 40 sermon is still primarily a 30 to 40 minute presentation. A few decades ago, minute presentation. A few decades ago, minute presentation. A few decades ago, that kind of made sense, right? Content that kind of made sense, right? Content that kind of made sense, right? Content was scarce. And if you wanted to hear a was scarce. And if you wanted to hear a was scarce. And if you wanted to hear a sermon, you needed to be present in sermon, you needed to be present in sermon, you needed to be present in person or subscribed to the cassette person or subscribed to the cassette person or subscribed to the cassette ministry, right? What was plentiful 30 ministry, right? What was plentiful 30 ministry, right? What was plentiful 30 years ago were community and connection. years ago were community and connection. years ago were community and connection. But fast forward to today, and guess But fast forward to today, and guess But fast forward to today, and guess what? Content's everywhere. People are what? Content's everywhere. People are what? Content's everywhere. People are swimming. They're drowning in content. swimming. They're drowning in content. swimming. They're drowning in content. You can pretty much get any sermon You can pretty much get any sermon You can pretty much get any sermon anywhere in the world absolutely free. anywhere in the world absolutely free. anywhere in the world absolutely free. Meanwhile, in an exact reversal of three Meanwhile, in an exact reversal of three Meanwhile, in an exact reversal of three decades ago, community and connection, decades ago, community and connection, decades ago, community and connection, they're scarce. Really scarce. So, one they're scarce. Really scarce. So, one they're scarce. Really scarce. So, one of the shifts some church leaders are of the shifts some church leaders are of the shifts some church leaders are starting to embrace is moving beyond starting to embrace is moving beyond starting to embrace is moving beyond Sunday morning simply being about Sunday morning simply being about Sunday morning simply being about disseminating information or engaging a disseminating information or engaging a disseminating information or engaging a public performance to be the best public performance to be the best public performance to be the best preacher, you know, or worship leader preacher, you know, or worship leader preacher, you know, or worship leader around. Instead, what they're starting around. Instead, what they're starting around. Instead, what they're starting to see Sunday mornings as is a chance to to see Sunday mornings as is a chance to to see Sunday mornings as is a chance to facilitate an experience or encounter facilitate an experience or encounter facilitate an experience or encounter between people and God. And if you think

between people and God. And if you think between people and God. And if you think about it, I think that's the right move, about it, I think that's the right move, about it, I think that's the right move, right? In an age drowning in right? In an age drowning in right? In an age drowning in information, people are tired of showing information, people are tired of showing information, people are tired of showing up for church hoping to find God, but up for church hoping to find God, but up for church hoping to find God, but only finding us and our performance only finding us and our performance only finding us and our performance instead. And if you study what's instead. And if you study what's instead. And if you study what's happening with Gen Z, right, they're not happening with Gen Z, right, they're not happening with Gen Z, right, they're not showing up to church to go through the showing up to church to go through the showing up to church to go through the motions. They're passionate. They motions. They're passionate. They motions. They're passionate. They they've got a fullon embrace of a new they've got a fullon embrace of a new they've got a fullon embrace of a new faith that is emotional and intellectual faith that is emotional and intellectual faith that is emotional and intellectual and it's happening, right? The internet, and it's happening, right? The internet, and it's happening, right? The internet, if you think about, you know, your if you think about, you know, your if you think about, you know, your online ministry versus in person, the online ministry versus in person, the online ministry versus in person, the internet disseminates information and internet disseminates information and internet disseminates information and the church should facilitate an the church should facilitate an the church should facilitate an experience with the living God. Now, as experience with the living God. Now, as experience with the living God. Now, as basic as that sounds, I know you went to basic as that sounds, I know you went to basic as that sounds, I know you went to seminary, right? What it means is that seminary, right? What it means is that seminary, right? What it means is that maybe starting to approach worship a maybe starting to approach worship a maybe starting to approach worship a little more prayerfully, maybe little more prayerfully, maybe little more prayerfully, maybe anticipating that God might do something anticipating that God might do something anticipating that God might do something in people's hearts and minds that is in people's hearts and minds that is in people's hearts and minds that is bigger than what we do or intend to do. bigger than what we do or intend to do. bigger than what we do or intend to do. It means maybe intentionally inviting It means maybe intentionally inviting It means maybe intentionally inviting the Holy Spirit to be at work in us and the Holy Spirit to be at work in us and the Holy Spirit to be at work in us and in our services. not just programming it in our services. not just programming it in our services. not just programming it down and trying to get it done on time, down and trying to get it done on time, down and trying to get it done on time, but to actually really open up so that but to actually really open up so that but to actually really open up so that what happens online and what happens in what happens online and what happens in what happens online and what happens in the room feels different. Church trend the room feels different. Church trend the room feels different. Church trend number five, disciplehip is now largely number five, disciplehip is now largely number five, disciplehip is now largely controlled by algorithm and pastors are controlled by algorithm and pastors are controlled by algorithm and pastors are paying a huge price for this. As David paying a huge price for this. As David paying a huge price for this. As David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock have pointed Kinnaman and Mark Matlock have pointed Kinnaman and Mark Matlock have pointed out, most people today are discipled by out, most people today are discipled by out, most people today are discipled by algorithms more than they're discipled algorithms more than they're discipled algorithms more than they're discipled by their pastor or their local church.

by their pastor or their local church. by their pastor or their local church. Now, that was true a decade ago. What Now, that was true a decade ago. What Now, that was true a decade ago. What we're seeing right now, though, are the we're seeing right now, though, are the we're seeing right now, though, are the compound effects that are now compound effects that are now compound effects that are now unmistakable and also deeply painful to unmistakable and also deeply painful to unmistakable and also deeply painful to most church leaders. JD Greer really most church leaders. JD Greer really most church leaders. JD Greer really helped me see this in episode 770 of my helped me see this in episode 770 of my helped me see this in episode 770 of my leadership podcast. We were talking leadership podcast. We were talking leadership podcast. We were talking about, you know, any pastor you talk to about, you know, any pastor you talk to about, you know, any pastor you talk to these days say that no matter what they these days say that no matter what they these days say that no matter what they say publicly about a cultural issue, say publicly about a cultural issue, say publicly about a cultural issue, they never do it right. Right. It's they never do it right. Right. It's they never do it right. Right. It's increasingly impossible to say anything increasingly impossible to say anything increasingly impossible to say anything on key cultural or theological issues on key cultural or theological issues on key cultural or theological issues that doesn't generate a slew of negative that doesn't generate a slew of negative that doesn't generate a slew of negative responses online and in person, right? responses online and in person, right? responses online and in person, right? With people in your church, with people With people in your church, with people With people in your church, with people online. As the culture wars rage on, online. As the culture wars rage on, online. As the culture wars rage on, almost any move you make as a church is almost any move you make as a church is almost any move you make as a church is going to be labeled to something, right? going to be labeled to something, right? going to be labeled to something, right? You're too liberal as a pastor. You're You're too liberal as a pastor. You're You're too liberal as a pastor. You're too conservative. You're too partisan. too conservative. You're too partisan. too conservative. You're too partisan. You're not partisan enough. you will You're not partisan enough. you will You're not partisan enough. you will just honestly never get it right. So why just honestly never get it right. So why just honestly never get it right. So why is that? It's because everyone in your is that? It's because everyone in your is that? It's because everyone in your congregation is being discipled all week congregation is being discipled all week congregation is being discipled all week long by different algorithms. So if you long by different algorithms. So if you long by different algorithms. So if you were to actually, you know, peel the were to actually, you know, peel the were to actually, you know, peel the camera back, get a look at what's camera back, get a look at what's camera back, get a look at what's actually happening in your congregation, actually happening in your congregation, actually happening in your congregation, you would see that one person's you would see that one person's you would see that one person's Instagram feed is serving up Instagram feed is serving up Instagram feed is serving up ultrarightwing ultrarightwing ultrarightwing partisan commentary, right? While partisan commentary, right? While partisan commentary, right? While another's Tik Tok feed is feeding them another's Tik Tok feed is feeding them another's Tik Tok feed is feeding them progressive politics. And by the time progressive politics. And by the time progressive politics. And by the time your congregation arrives at church your congregation arrives at church your congregation arrives at church ready to be discipled, they have already ready to be discipled, they have already ready to be discipled, they have already spent 49 hours of screen time that week

spent 49 hours of screen time that week spent 49 hours of screen time that week on average being formed by algorithms. on average being formed by algorithms. on average being formed by algorithms. So think about that. 49 hours versus So think about that. 49 hours versus So think about that. 49 hours versus your 30 minute message and 2 hours of your 30 minute message and 2 hours of your 30 minute message and 2 hours of small group, right? You don't really small group, right? You don't really small group, right? You don't really stand a chance. So digital disciplehip stand a chance. So digital disciplehip stand a chance. So digital disciplehip is happening. It's just being led by an is happening. It's just being led by an is happening. It's just being led by an algorithm, not by the church. So what do algorithm, not by the church. So what do algorithm, not by the church. So what do you do? Well, the calling of the church you do? Well, the calling of the church you do? Well, the calling of the church is not to win the culture wars. It's to is not to win the culture wars. It's to is not to win the culture wars. It's to be the church, to preach Jesus be the church, to preach Jesus be the church, to preach Jesus crucified, risen, and reigning. And not crucified, risen, and reigning. And not crucified, risen, and reigning. And not to echo the latest talking points from to echo the latest talking points from to echo the latest talking points from whatever news outlet or algorithm people whatever news outlet or algorithm people whatever news outlet or algorithm people happen to be steeped in. If everyone in happen to be steeped in. If everyone in happen to be steeped in. If everyone in your church agrees with you all the your church agrees with you all the your church agrees with you all the time, chances are you're discipling an time, chances are you're discipling an time, chances are you're discipling an echo chamber, not a true church, right? echo chamber, not a true church, right? echo chamber, not a true church, right? Could you change your approach to grow Could you change your approach to grow Could you change your approach to grow your church by, you know, echoing a your church by, you know, echoing a your church by, you know, echoing a particular algorithm or extreme point of particular algorithm or extreme point of particular algorithm or extreme point of view? You know what? You could. And you view? You know what? You could. And you view? You know what? You could. And you sometimes see those churches growing. sometimes see those churches growing. sometimes see those churches growing. But if you do this, it won't be long But if you do this, it won't be long But if you do this, it won't be long until you realize that you've attracted until you realize that you've attracted until you realize that you've attracted a group of angry, factionalized people.

a group of angry, factionalized people. a group of angry, factionalized people. Because if people join you because of Because if people join you because of Because if people join you because of what they're against, it won't be long what they're against, it won't be long what they're against, it won't be long before they decide to turn against you. before they decide to turn against you. before they decide to turn against you. So my prediction is that over time the So my prediction is that over time the So my prediction is that over time the partisansship of the church is going to partisansship of the church is going to partisansship of the church is going to fall to the same fate that the fall to the same fate that the fall to the same fate that the progressive left of the mainline church progressive left of the mainline church progressive left of the mainline church did. So this right-wing swing we're did. So this right-wing swing we're did. So this right-wing swing we're seeing is already fractioning a little seeing is already fractioning a little seeing is already fractioning a little bit. I think that'll go the way of the bit. I think that'll go the way of the bit. I think that'll go the way of the progressiveness of the mainline church. progressiveness of the mainline church. progressiveness of the mainline church. And here's the the real issue. When you And here's the the real issue. When you And here's the the real issue. When you become indistinguishable from the become indistinguishable from the become indistinguishable from the culture, there is nothing left to culture, there is nothing left to culture, there is nothing left to convert people to. So, you know, Ryan convert people to. So, you know, Ryan convert people to. So, you know, Ryan Burg's research shows that 27% of people Burg's research shows that 27% of people Burg's research shows that 27% of people who now identify as evangelicals rarely who now identify as evangelicals rarely who now identify as evangelicals rarely if ever go to church. It's become a if ever go to church. It's become a if ever go to church. It's become a secular political term. So, if you're secular political term. So, if you're secular political term. So, if you're effectively preaching the gospel, the effectively preaching the gospel, the effectively preaching the gospel, the real gospel, right, here's what's going real gospel, right, here's what's going real gospel, right, here's what's going to happen. You're going to inevitably be to happen. You're going to inevitably be to happen. You're going to inevitably be accused of being too liberal, too accused of being too liberal, too accused of being too liberal, too conservative, too vocal, too right, too conservative, too vocal, too right, too conservative, too vocal, too right, too left, and the accusations left, and the accusations left, and the accusations will always shift. Paradoxically, and will always shift. Paradoxically, and will always shift. Paradoxically, and this is your encouragement, that may be this is your encouragement, that may be this is your encouragement, that may be a sign that you're preaching faithfully.

a sign that you're preaching faithfully. a sign that you're preaching faithfully. Keep going. The algorithm is wreaking Keep going. The algorithm is wreaking Keep going. The algorithm is wreaking havoc in our brains. Trend number six, havoc in our brains. Trend number six, havoc in our brains. Trend number six, senior pastors are aging out and young senior pastors are aging out and young senior pastors are aging out and young pastors are not replacing them. So, the pastors are not replacing them. So, the pastors are not replacing them. So, the average age of a senior pastor in average age of a senior pastor in average age of a senior pastor in America is around 58. And with that America is around 58. And with that America is around 58. And with that being the case, the church has got some being the case, the church has got some being the case, the church has got some serious work ahead of it, both in terms serious work ahead of it, both in terms serious work ahead of it, both in terms of raising up nextgen leaders and of raising up nextgen leaders and of raising up nextgen leaders and filling future vacancies. So think about filling future vacancies. So think about filling future vacancies. So think about this. In 1992, the average pastor was 44 this. In 1992, the average pastor was 44 this. In 1992, the average pastor was 44 years old. Only 6% were over the age of years old. Only 6% were over the age of years old. Only 6% were over the age of 65. Well, not anymore, right? Several 65. Well, not anymore, right? Several 65. Well, not anymore, right? Several factors are shaping this. First, the factors are shaping this. First, the factors are shaping this. First, the math alone suggests that the math alone suggests that the math alone suggests that the generational gap of young Christians generational gap of young Christians generational gap of young Christians heading into ministry won't be heading into ministry won't be heading into ministry won't be numerically large enough to fill the numerically large enough to fill the numerically large enough to fill the gap. So, that's a problem. Not enough gap. So, that's a problem. Not enough gap. So, that's a problem. Not enough young leaders. Second, many churches young leaders. Second, many churches young leaders. Second, many churches have been hit by inflation and rising have been hit by inflation and rising have been hit by inflation and rising costs. So, salaries have not really kept costs. So, salaries have not really kept costs. So, salaries have not really kept pace with what people expect to be paid pace with what people expect to be paid pace with what people expect to be paid today. The stereotype is that senior today. The stereotype is that senior today. The stereotype is that senior pastors are overpaid. The reality, pastors are overpaid. The reality, pastors are overpaid. The reality, honestly, is that many are underpaid.

honestly, is that many are underpaid. honestly, is that many are underpaid. other positions on church haven't kept other positions on church haven't kept other positions on church haven't kept up with what a living wage pays these up with what a living wage pays these up with what a living wage pays these days. So there's a little bit of a pay days. So there's a little bit of a pay days. So there's a little bit of a pay gap that would attract the next gap that would attract the next gap that would attract the next generation. And then finally, despite generation. And then finally, despite generation. And then finally, despite Gen Z leading the turnaround in the Gen Z leading the turnaround in the Gen Z leading the turnaround in the church today, the generation that is church today, the generation that is church today, the generation that is currently in leadership in the church currently in leadership in the church currently in leadership in the church doesn't seem to have a ton of confidence doesn't seem to have a ton of confidence doesn't seem to have a ton of confidence in younger leaders. In fact, Bara data in younger leaders. In fact, Bara data in younger leaders. In fact, Bara data shows 71% of leaders agree or somewhat shows 71% of leaders agree or somewhat shows 71% of leaders agree or somewhat agree that they are concerned with the agree that they are concerned with the agree that they are concerned with the quality of future Christian leaders. So, quality of future Christian leaders. So, quality of future Christian leaders. So, it's not hard to imagine how difficult it's not hard to imagine how difficult it's not hard to imagine how difficult senior pastor and senior staff searches senior pastor and senior staff searches senior pastor and senior staff searches are going to get over the next few are going to get over the next few are going to get over the next few years, right? Small churches might go years, right? Small churches might go years, right? Small churches might go without leadership or pool resources without leadership or pool resources without leadership or pool resources with other small congregations. with other small congregations. with other small congregations. Bivocational ministry could actually Bivocational ministry could actually Bivocational ministry could actually continue to grow. But if you're one of continue to grow. But if you're one of continue to grow. But if you're one of the hundreds of thousands of churches the hundreds of thousands of churches the hundreds of thousands of churches that'll be looking for a new pastor in that'll be looking for a new pastor in that'll be looking for a new pastor in the next decade, the time to start the next decade, the time to start the next decade, the time to start planning for succession is now. Now, planning for succession is now. Now, planning for succession is now. Now, mostly that's going to involve mostly that's going to involve mostly that's going to involve developing leaders from within and developing leaders from within and developing leaders from within and hiring them to fill pastoral vacancies.

hiring them to fill pastoral vacancies. hiring them to fill pastoral vacancies. A lot of churches need to adjust pay as A lot of churches need to adjust pay as A lot of churches need to adjust pay as well. One of the best ways to correct well. One of the best ways to correct well. One of the best ways to correct this is to rationalize your current this is to rationalize your current this is to rationalize your current staff. If you've got 10 or 15 staff or staff. If you've got 10 or 15 staff or staff. If you've got 10 or 15 staff or 100 staff, you know, think about this. 100 staff, you know, think about this. 100 staff, you know, think about this. Who are the A players, the B players, Who are the A players, the B players, Who are the A players, the B players, and the C players? Keep the A players, and the C players? Keep the A players, and the C players? Keep the A players, transition out the B and C players. Then transition out the B and C players. Then transition out the B and C players. Then you'll have more salary room to attract you'll have more salary room to attract you'll have more salary room to attract the next generation. You're also going the next generation. You're also going the next generation. You're also going to have a better team. Okay, a few to have a better team. Okay, a few to have a better team. Okay, a few highly competent, motivated, and called highly competent, motivated, and called highly competent, motivated, and called staff will lead the church much better staff will lead the church much better staff will lead the church much better than twice the number of average or than twice the number of average or than twice the number of average or below average team members. And finally, below average team members. And finally, below average team members. And finally, church leaders can start challenging church leaders can start challenging church leaders can start challenging middle school and high school students middle school and high school students middle school and high school students to pray about a call into ministry and to pray about a call into ministry and to pray about a call into ministry and maybe identify their pastoral gifting maybe identify their pastoral gifting maybe identify their pastoral gifting and their apostolic gifting and say, and their apostolic gifting and say, and their apostolic gifting and say, "Hey, maybe you should consider "Hey, maybe you should consider "Hey, maybe you should consider ministry." Finally, church trend number ministry." Finally, church trend number ministry." Finally, church trend number seven, the church has yet to brace for seven, the church has yet to brace for seven, the church has yet to brace for the coming AI revolution. So, it's hard the coming AI revolution. So, it's hard the coming AI revolution. So, it's hard to say exactly when artificial to say exactly when artificial to say exactly when artificial intelligence will become the dominant intelligence will become the dominant intelligence will become the dominant story, not just in technology, which it story, not just in technology, which it story, not just in technology, which it already is, but in society as a whole, already is, but in society as a whole, already is, but in society as a whole, but it's probably going to happen sooner but it's probably going to happen sooner but it's probably going to happen sooner rather than later.

rather than later. rather than later. Not only will AI be the biggest Not only will AI be the biggest Not only will AI be the biggest revolution humanity has ever seen, it'll revolution humanity has ever seen, it'll revolution humanity has ever seen, it'll be the biggest disruption we've ever be the biggest disruption we've ever be the biggest disruption we've ever experienced in our lifetimes and perhaps experienced in our lifetimes and perhaps experienced in our lifetimes and perhaps in human history. And while this is an in human history. And while this is an in human history. And while this is an incomplete list of the challenges the incomplete list of the challenges the incomplete list of the challenges the rise of AI is going to pose to rise of AI is going to pose to rise of AI is going to pose to civilization and I don't use that term civilization and I don't use that term civilization and I don't use that term lightly, here are a few things that we lightly, here are a few things that we lightly, here are a few things that we should all be watching for in 2026. should all be watching for in 2026. should all be watching for in 2026. You've already seen the first seeds of You've already seen the first seeds of You've already seen the first seeds of each disruption happen. But I think each disruption happen. But I think each disruption happen. But I think what's going to happen is that uh you what's going to happen is that uh you what's going to happen is that uh you know in the future we're going to see know in the future we're going to see know in the future we're going to see 10x to a,000x the impact of what we're 10x to a,000x the impact of what we're 10x to a,000x the impact of what we're now seeing. So disruption number one, a now seeing. So disruption number one, a now seeing. So disruption number one, a white collar job bloodbath. Many CEOs white collar job bloodbath. Many CEOs white collar job bloodbath. Many CEOs are already announcing layoffs in are already announcing layoffs in are already announcing layoffs in whitecollar firms because of their whitecollar firms because of their whitecollar firms because of their adoption of AI. The same kind of adoption of AI. The same kind of adoption of AI. The same kind of disruption that came to farming in the disruption that came to farming in the disruption that came to farming in the 1980s and manufacturing in the 90s and 1980s and manufacturing in the 90s and 1980s and manufacturing in the 90s and the 2000s is about to hit professions the 2000s is about to hit professions the 2000s is about to hit professions like law, accounting, banking, and even like law, accounting, banking, and even like law, accounting, banking, and even engineering. Number two, mental health engineering. Number two, mental health engineering. Number two, mental health challenges will increase as AI challenges will increase as AI challenges will increase as AI companionship surges. So, currently the companionship surges. So, currently the companionship surges. So, currently the number one use of AI is companionship number one use of AI is companionship number one use of AI is companionship and therapy. Do you know 72% of teens and therapy. Do you know 72% of teens and therapy. Do you know 72% of teens use AI companions and 31% of them say use AI companions and 31% of them say use AI companions and 31% of them say they prefer their AI companions to real they prefer their AI companions to real they prefer their AI companions to real human beings? They're better than human beings? They're better than human beings? They're better than relationships that they have with their relationships that they have with their relationships that they have with their parents and friends.

parents and friends. parents and friends. That's concerning, right? We've seen That's concerning, right? We've seen That's concerning, right? We've seen tragic teen suicides already that have tragic teen suicides already that have tragic teen suicides already that have resulted from relationships that teens resulted from relationships that teens resulted from relationships that teens created with AI, but expect those sadly created with AI, but expect those sadly created with AI, but expect those sadly to spike over the course of 2026. And to spike over the course of 2026. And to spike over the course of 2026. And then disruption number three, deep fakes then disruption number three, deep fakes then disruption number three, deep fakes are going to erode the line between are going to erode the line between are going to erode the line between truth and fiction. So, we already live truth and fiction. So, we already live truth and fiction. So, we already live in a post-truth culture, but the rise of in a post-truth culture, but the rise of in a post-truth culture, but the rise of AI generated deep fakes that are AI generated deep fakes that are AI generated deep fakes that are honestly imperceptible from reality are honestly imperceptible from reality are honestly imperceptible from reality are going to fill our feeds more and more. going to fill our feeds more and more. going to fill our feeds more and more. I'm actually working on a new book I'm actually working on a new book I'm actually working on a new book called AI in the Future Church: How to called AI in the Future Church: How to called AI in the Future Church: How to Lead in a World You Barely Recognize. Lead in a World You Barely Recognize. Lead in a World You Barely Recognize. It's going to be released later in 2026. It's going to be released later in 2026. It's going to be released later in 2026. I'm going to go into a lot more detail, I'm going to go into a lot more detail, I'm going to go into a lot more detail, but imagine a scenario in which 25% of but imagine a scenario in which 25% of but imagine a scenario in which 25% of your congregation is unemployed. So, as your congregation is unemployed. So, as your congregation is unemployed. So, as hard as it is to talk about, imagine a hard as it is to talk about, imagine a hard as it is to talk about, imagine a scenario in which 25% of your scenario in which 25% of your scenario in which 25% of your congregation is unemployed and they congregation is unemployed and they congregation is unemployed and they happen to be your best givers who once happen to be your best givers who once happen to be your best givers who once held the most lucrative jobs, right? Not held the most lucrative jobs, right? Not held the most lucrative jobs, right? Not only are they unemployed, but imagine a only are they unemployed, but imagine a only are they unemployed, but imagine a scenario in which they're unemployable scenario in which they're unemployable scenario in which they're unemployable because their industry is wiped out. And because their industry is wiped out. And because their industry is wiped out. And what happens when the mental health what happens when the mental health what happens when the mental health crisis that arises from AI makes the crisis that arises from AI makes the crisis that arises from AI makes the mental health crisis caused by social mental health crisis caused by social mental health crisis caused by social media look like the kitty pool?

media look like the kitty pool? media look like the kitty pool? What happens when your congregation, What happens when your congregation, What happens when your congregation, already discipled and twisted by an already discipled and twisted by an already discipled and twisted by an algorithm, can no longer tell the algorithm, can no longer tell the algorithm, can no longer tell the difference between truth and fiction and difference between truth and fiction and difference between truth and fiction and maybe no longer care. Right? It's maybe no longer care. Right? It's maybe no longer care. Right? It's important for church leaders to be important for church leaders to be important for church leaders to be spiritually, mentally, and theologically spiritually, mentally, and theologically spiritually, mentally, and theologically prepared to pastor people in a highly prepared to pastor people in a highly prepared to pastor people in a highly disruptive era. So start now. If you disruptive era. So start now. If you disruptive era. So start now. If you want some good news, and we need some want some good news, and we need some want some good news, and we need some good news after that, I believe the good news after that, I believe the good news after that, I believe the church is perfectly positioned to church is perfectly positioned to church is perfectly positioned to minister to a world fundamentally minister to a world fundamentally minister to a world fundamentally disrupted by AI. Why? Not because we're disrupted by AI. Why? Not because we're disrupted by AI. Why? Not because we're super tech-savvy or have the best super tech-savvy or have the best super tech-savvy or have the best prompts, but because as the world prompts, but because as the world prompts, but because as the world becomes more artificial, the church becomes more artificial, the church becomes more artificial, the church becomes more human. That's what we becomes more human. That's what we becomes more human. That's what we should do. And I believe the church's should do. And I believe the church's should do. And I believe the church's future direction is human connection. future direction is human connection. future direction is human connection. So, these are the church trends that I'm So, these are the church trends that I'm So, these are the church trends that I'm keeping my eye on in 2026. I hope and keeping my eye on in 2026. I hope and keeping my eye on in 2026. I hope and pray that they help you and your team pray that they help you and your team pray that they help you and your team thrive as you respond to the thrive as you respond to the thrive as you respond to the organizational, cultural, and personal organizational, cultural, and personal organizational, cultural, and personal challenges you face. We're in a very challenges you face. We're in a very challenges you face. We're in a very unique moment as a church, one that unique moment as a church, one that unique moment as a church, one that leaders have prayed for for years in leaders have prayed for for years in leaders have prayed for for years in terms of the seeds of revival we're terms of the seeds of revival we're terms of the seeds of revival we're seeing. But if we leverage it well, we seeing. But if we leverage it well, we seeing. But if we leverage it well, we could see the mission of the church could see the mission of the church could see the mission of the church realized at a level we haven't seen in realized at a level we haven't seen in realized at a level we haven't seen in our lifetimes. Yes, the overall trends our lifetimes. Yes, the overall trends our lifetimes. Yes, the overall trends can still be discouraging, but that can still be discouraging, but that can still be discouraging, but that means you've got work to do, and that means you've got work to do, and that means you've got work to do, and that means we can do this together. So, let's means we can do this together. So, let's means we can do this together. So, let's work and pray toward a better gospel work and pray toward a better gospel work and pray toward a better gospel soaked future together. And don't forget soaked future together. And don't forget soaked future together. And don't forget to head over to 2026 churchtrends.com to to head over to 2026 churchtrends.com to to head over to 2026 churchtrends.com to download the entire leader guide with

download the entire leader guide with download the entire leader guide with discussion questions for your team. On discussion questions for your team. On discussion questions for your team. On the next episode, I'm going to sit down the next episode, I'm going to sit down the next episode, I'm going to sit down with David Kinnaman. We've also got Luke with David Kinnaman. We've also got Luke with David Kinnaman. We've also got Luke Lef Fever and Daniel Mloud, Ruland KD, Lef Fever and Daniel Mloud, Ruland KD, Lef Fever and Daniel Mloud, Ruland KD, and some John Mark Comr in the mix. And and some John Mark Comr in the mix. And and some John Mark Comr in the mix. And man, we have got an incredible podcast man, we have got an incredible podcast man, we have got an incredible podcast lineup uh independent of Church Trends lineup uh independent of Church Trends lineup uh independent of Church Trends lined up for you in 2026. Again, best lined up for you in 2026. Again, best lined up for you in 2026. Again, best thing you can do is just follow or thing you can do is just follow or thing you can do is just follow or subscribe wherever you're watching, subscribe wherever you're watching, subscribe wherever you're watching, wherever you're listening. And Spotify wherever you're listening. And Spotify wherever you're listening. And Spotify does this cool thing now where if you're does this cool thing now where if you're does this cool thing now where if you're listening to an episode, uh you can listening to an episode, uh you can listening to an episode, uh you can actually just tap on it and it'll switch actually just tap on it and it'll switch actually just tap on it and it'll switch to video. I I have this conversation all to video. I I have this conversation all to video. I I have this conversation all the time with people. It's like, do you the time with people. It's like, do you the time with people. It's like, do you watch podcasts? Do you listen to watch podcasts? Do you listen to watch podcasts? Do you listen to podcast? And the answer is now if you podcast? And the answer is now if you podcast? And the answer is now if you follow on Spotify, you can do both follow on Spotify, you can do both follow on Spotify, you can do both seamlessly. So, you never lose your seamlessly. So, you never lose your seamlessly. So, you never lose your place. You don't start, you know, place. You don't start, you know, place. You don't start, you know, watching video and then have to switch watching video and then have to switch watching video and then have to switch to audio and where was I and did I hear to audio and where was I and did I hear to audio and where was I and did I hear that? So that's kind of cool. Anyway, that? So that's kind of cool. Anyway, that? So that's kind of cool. Anyway, that's just nerding me nerding out. Also that's just nerding me nerding out. Also that's just nerding me nerding out. Also coming up, Beyond the Church trends coming up, Beyond the Church trends coming up, Beyond the Church trends series, John Christ, Henry Cloud, Craig series, John Christ, Henry Cloud, Craig series, John Christ, Henry Cloud, Craig Gelle, Beth Moore, Carl Lent, and a Gelle, Beth Moore, Carl Lent, and a Gelle, Beth Moore, Carl Lent, and a whole lot more. Thanks so much for whole lot more. Thanks so much for whole lot more. Thanks so much for listening. If this conversation was listening. If this conversation was listening. If this conversation was helpful, leave a review or comment helpful, leave a review or comment helpful, leave a review or comment wherever you're listening, and don't wherever you're listening, and don't wherever you're listening, and don't forget to share it with a friend and forget to share it with a friend and forget to share it with a friend and your team.