Ten Different Church Trends for 2022

The pandemic isn't over yet. Infection rates with the Omicron variant continue to be quite high, and the virus continues to establish itself and spread. This year's COVID is unique. Churches have definitely suffered from the impact of this virus, which has turned the world upside down. Indeed, a lot has changed.

Keeping that in mind, here is a list of 10 projected trends that may affect churches in 2022.

1. Attendance at worship will average 80% of pre-COVID levels.

Our basic prediction is that attendance won't fully recover in 2022. Many people will be reluctant to attend worship services as more COVID variants enter the world.

2. Churches will merge or be adopted in greater numbers than in any prior period.

More congregations than ever before want to adopt struggling churches, and there is a greater willingness among churches to adopt other congregations. Churches that would otherwise close their doors will now be able to remain open because of this movement. The multisite movement also seems destined to continue growing. When a healthy church adopts a struggling church, the healthier church becomes a multisite church.

3. Denominated structures will more closely resemble networks.

The vast majority of denominations recognize that top-down structures don't work in most situations. The denominations that are adapting often seek advice and ideas from their parishioners and leaders.

4. Ministry training will evolve into new forms.

Christian universities, churches, and Bible colleges will not disappear. Instead, new models will emerge quickly.

5. More emphasis will be placed on evangelism than in any previous period.

It is a generally positive trend. There are more churches being faithful to the Great Commission. Nevertheless, it is also a bit pragmatic given that other sources of growth such as cultural Christianity are rapidly declining.

6. A neighborhood church movement will emerge.

In our opinion, this movement has already started, and we will see clear signs of it in 2022. A neighborhood church is defined as a church that specializes in ministering to residents of a certain area, typically described as a neighborhood.

7. There will be more community focus than ever before.

In this renewed focus on community, neighborhood churches are a significant factor, but it is not the only factor. Lots of other things will contribute to a stronger community focus. Our hope is that this direction will continue.

8. Pastoral departures are expected to rise by 20%.

The Great Resignation is expected to affect pastors hard. Our team talks about it almost every day. Pastor shortages are certainly coming.

9. Micro-churches may turn into movements, but they face challenges.

The definition of a micro church is a congregation with 30 or fewer members. There was an upward trend in the growth of these churches until COVID. Now, people are hesitant to invite others into their homes. Only time will tell where the micro-church movement will head in the future.

10. Contributions to churches will decrease by 5%.

A lot of churches saw an increase or at least a level of giving in 2020 and 2021. It is a joy to be stewarded by many faithful believers who give generously. However, we also know the government injected a substantial amount of liquidity into the market. Church members received billions of dollars. Such a huge amount of government support is unlikely in the future. Recently, I spoke with a pastor who reported that his church's giving grew by 10% in each of the past two years. For exactly the same reasons outlined here, he decided not to budget for an increase in 2022.

Wrapping Up

A lot of these projected trends for the new year 2022 are good. But quite a few are not. Only time will tell how these trends will affect and change the face of churches in America. Meanwhile, it is important to stay true to the faith and read the Bible. To live in His grace and walk in His love. If you are looking for 

Bible teaching in Churches in Wichita Ks, Restoration Church offers these classes. We started out in January of 2012 with a dream to impact not only a city but the whole world. It is our mission to restore people to the right relationship with Christ while releasing them to live a life that God designed for them.

Looking for information about the Restoration Church, where to serve, or who to contact? You can start a conversation in the Welcome Centre before or after a service. It would be our pleasure to meet you! You can also reach out to us through the contact information provided on our website.