Churches have transformed in many ways over the past 34 years. What follows are the changes that I have personally witnessed.

Churches have become consumer oriented and user friendly. That means churches are driven by what people want and that they better serve the needs of their members. The traditional “three services a week with a youth meeting on Wednesday” is fading fast.

Ministries

Many churches have a men’s ministry, woman’s bible study, senior gatherings, divorce recovery, addiction groups, single parenting classes, etc. There is a place for every sub group with specialized teaching. Para-church organizations like AA, life skill courses or Crisis pregnancy centers were separate from churches. Now churches have similar programs within their doors.

Worship Music

Thirty four years ago the worship styles in today’s growing churches would have been considered heretical. I remember when it was difficult to find contemporary Christian music. Regular music shops didn’t carry it because it was too “religious.” Christian bookstores (i.e. Zondervan’s) avoided it because it was too “worldly.” Anyone else remember the Larry Norman’s Bootleg album? To quote him, “Why should the Devil have all the good music?”

Many churches hold both traditional and contemporary services with the difference being the worship music. The seasoned saints prefer the more traditional songs. They usually are more committed to tithing than their younger counterparts.

Casual Dress

If I would have shown up in t-shirt, shorts and sandals 34 years ago one of the deacons or Elders would have pulled me aside. He would have made sure I understood the need to have an attitude of reverence and respect in the house of God.

Today it is not uncommon for young people to wear ball caps (backwards) into the church service. Is that progress? In many ways it is.

Thirty four years ago the church said, “Come as you are,” when they really meant, “Come as you are as long as you look, act and dress like us.” You were welcome as long as you didn’t have tattoos, children out of wedlock, an addiction or torn clothes. Growing churches are the ones who truly mean it when they say, “Come as you are!” (Matt 11:28, I Samuel 16:7)

Non-traditional Spaces

Another area churches have changed in thirty four years is in the places they hold services.

The traditional brick and mortar buildings are fast being replaced with locations that did not normally hold worship services. It is not uncommon to see churches utilizing theaters, storefronts and school cafeterias.

A major difference is years ago churches used tenant locations temporarily until they could buy or build their traditional church building. A growing number of churches are thriving and financially healthy while content to have a long term lease. They have decided to place emphasis on being missional (Galatians 6:2) and committing resources to serving people in lieu of maintaining an expensive building.

My former church started a plant in a busy movie theater. I thought it would never work because people would not connect with it as a “church.” I was wrong. In less than two years they were regularly serving over 325 each service. Younger people and people new to church don’t necessarily connect their church home with a building. They connect with the body (I Corinthians 12:12).

Using the Internet

The biggest change I see in churches is their use of the internet.

The internet has had a huge impact on our culture and the church has been swept up like everything else. Churches that are not utilizing the internet will die a slow death. Churches connect with their members electronically. The most common ways are through receiving tithes and offerings, via live streaming services and posting announcements. My church does not even pass out a weekly bulletin. Everything is online.

Live streaming not only reaches church members unable to attend that week but can generate followers around the world. A popular pastor can have thousands of followers outside the doors of the church.

Most churches have a Facebook page. This is where photos of their church life and events are shared. Many pastors network on LinkedIn or have Twitter accounts. Messages used to be one directional from the pulpit to the congregation. Now almost instant feedback (positive and negative) is posted on social media platforms.

While the above references have focused on processes that have changed I have also noticed a disturbing trend that is accelerating. Maybe it has always been around but with the advent of social media it is more noticeable.

Getting Away from the Gospel

I am talking about churches that do not preach the whole gospel of Jesus. More specifically, the cost of discipleship.

Churches loudly proclaim the love and redemption offered by Jesus but the call to repentance is but a whisper. I call it “Jesus Lite.” All the benefits salvation offers but no change required.  Our politically correct culture tolerates everything. It has crept into the church just like in Corinth (I Corinthians 11). Churches tolerate open sin among its members and even among the pastorate.

Let me clarify since I know many will think I am being harshly judgmental. I believe it is the job of the Holy Spirit to sanctify believers (Galatians 5:22-23). Every person is at a different maturity level in their Christian faith. At the same time, people who willingly place themselves under the leadership of Elders in the local church should be expected to be corrected when living in open sin or rebellion. This correction should be in love with the purpose of restoration (Galatians 6:1, I Corinthians 13:3-4).

I was recently visiting a church where a lady testified to answered prayer. God made it clear and provided a way for her to move in with her boyfriend. This lady was on staff at the church. My Bible speaks differently on the subject. Which brings me to my last observation.

Ignorant of What the Bible Teaches

You would think with Kindles, iPhones, podcasts, etc. Christians would be saturated with Scripture. Never before has so much help been available at little to no cost. A research report by Barna reported that 22% of Christians believe Jesus sinned while on earth. 80% of Christians believe, “God helps those who help themselves” is in the Bible. 31% of Christians believe one can earn heaven with good works.

I have reflected on the last 34 years. What does the future hold? These are exciting times to be a Christian. Fasten your seat belt.