The Church in 2020: What's Coming in the Next Decade?

Guest post by Sam S. Rainer III. Sam serves as president of Rainer Research and senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Murray, KY. A new year inevitably brings forecasts of what's to come in the next 365 days. A new decade invites even more prognostications. Next year the 2010 census will emphasize demographic shifts. When compared to other items often measured by statistics—like equity markets or energy prices—demographic changes occur slowly. But the census will spotlight changes that have been occurring gradually for years. These shifts will affect how the church does ministry. Let me share with you four of...