Church leaders are navigating a season of rapid change. Technology is evolving. Cultural expectations are shifting. The way people discover, attend, and engage with churches is different than it was even a few years ago.
To better understand what is working right now, we asked leaders from organizations that serve and resource thousands of churches across the country.
Each leader was asked a simple question:
Q: What is one game-changing trend or strategy you are seeing work exceptionally well for churches right now?
Together, these perspectives reveal several patterns that pastors and ministry leaders should pay attention to in 2026.
Here are 9 church trends leaders believe are making a meaningful difference right now.
1. Your Sermon is the Seed, Not the Harvest: Build a Content Flywheel
Kenny Jahng, Founder & Chief Strategist at Big Click Syndicate at Big Click Syndicate says…
Imagine your sermon as a seed. It has the potential to sprout into many forms rather than a single harvest.
After you preach, use AI tools to transcribe the message, break it into bite‑sized pieces, and share those pieces across social media, email, podcasts, and small‑group discussions.
This approach turns the weekly sermon into a content flywheel that spins all week, nurturing people wherever they consume. It is strategic because you are maximizing one core asset across many channels. The upside is deeper engagement and stronger discipleship; the downside is the need for new processes and a content team to manage the flow.
The result is like planting a small garden instead of a single tree. You yield more fruit from the same seed, and your congregation grows in the process. Start small with an AI transcript and a few posts, then watch the momentum build.
Connect with Kenny: Website
2. The Great Unlocking: Unleashing Your Church’s Full Potential
Dan Pourbaix, Partner Experience Lead at Parable says…
A game-changing trend for ministries is a fundamental shift in how they view stewardship. For decades, many churches operated on a conservative model, prioritizing large savings, minimal risk, and a single purpose building optimized for their weekly gatherings. But with shifting economics and demographics, along with rising ministry costs and stagnant giving many churches are struggling to fund the mission that God has called them to. The trend that’s working exceptionally well is a return to a more active, biblical understanding of stewardship—one that focuses on cultivating a return on investment for the Kingdom. This concept, inspired by the Parable of the Talents, encourages churches to be more intentional with the time, talent, and treasure God has entrusted to them.
Churches are successfully applying this new mindset by leveraging their existing assets, especially their buildings. Instead of letting their facilities sit empty, they are transforming them into community resources. By hosting non-profits, local businesses, and community events, they are not only generating income to support their ministry but also welcoming new people who might never have otherwise walked through their doors. This approach creates a powerful synergy: a financial return that helps cover operational costs and a Kingdom return that expands their evangelistic impact.
The beauty of this trend is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every church has a unique combination of resources. Instead of trying to replicate what another ministry is doing, successful pastors are looking at the specific opportunities and resources within their own community. They are empowering their people to use the unique time, talent, and treasure God has given them to fulfill the church’s vision and mission, leading to a more impactful and financially healthy ministry.
Connect with Dan: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
3. Aligning Dollars With Vision: The Power of Pastor-Finance Partnerships
Bill Cox, Founder & CEO at Martus Solutions says…
One of the most powerful shifts we’re seeing is in how churches approach budgeting. Leadership is moving away from treating the budget as “just a spreadsheet” and instead using it as a ministry tool. Pastors and finance leaders are leaning into partnership, asking together: “How do our dollars best serve the mission God has given us?” By connecting every dollar with discipleship, outreach, and community impact, financial information becomes a story that inspires action. This kind of alignment doesn’t just strengthen stewardship; it builds trust, sparks generosity, fuels creativity, and frees ministry teams to dream bigger. Empowered ministry leaders have a first-hand view of what is needed in their area to support the mission! The result is healthier churches where resources and vision work hand-in-hand to expand Kingdom impact.
Connect with Bill: Website | LinkedIn
4. Leveraging Technology for Seamless Capital Campaigns and Consistent Giving
Craig Fatt, Director of Marketing at INJOY Stewardship Solutions says…
One of the most effective trends we’re seeing is the use of technology to streamline both capital campaigns and ongoing annual giving efforts. Churches are adopting digital platforms that make it easier for congregants to give consistently, whether through mobile apps, online donation portals, or automated giving options. These tools not only simplify the giving process but also enhance transparency by allowing pastors to provide real-time updates on campaign progress, helping foster a sense of involvement and trust within the congregation. By leveraging technology, churches are able to increase convenience for givers, leading to more frequent and higher donation amounts.
Furthermore, churches are using data analytics to track giving patterns, identify potential major donors, and customize their fundraising strategies. This data-driven approach enables church leaders to make informed decisions, target the right segments of their congregation, and create personalized giving experiences. When paired with clear messaging about the church’s mission and financial needs, technology has become a key driver of both successful capital campaigns and sustained giving, ensuring long-term ministry impact.
Connect with Craig: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
5. Pick Up the Phone: Your Church’s Best Kept Ministry Secret
Jack Zelinko, Director of Growth and Marketing at Text In Church says…
Churches are finding new ways to keep connection at the center of ministry. And the ones that are doing this particularly well are bringing old ways back… by answering their phones through an integrated calling system.
When someone reaches out to a church, it is often in a moment of need. They may be seeking prayer, guidance, or simply a voice to connect with. And sometimes, they can’t wait until your church doors are open for service. Being one of the few churches that truly answers the phone makes your church stand out.
By making a simple shift of treating phone ministry as a priority, churches are building deeper relationships, following up on needs quickly, and staying accessible all week long. The result is the people in their communities feel seen, heard, and cared for because their church is always within reach.
Connect with Jack: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
6. Why 24 Hours Could Make or Break a Guest’s Return (And What to Do About It)
Tyler Smith, Co-founder & CEO at Text In Church says…
In today’s world of disconnection and distraction, when someone visits a church for the first time, they are doing something incredibly brave. Whether they’re walking in because of a recent divorce, a big move, or just a desire for something more, that first visit is often a vulnerable moment. And the reality is, if the church does not follow up within 24 hours, the moment usually passes. That is why churches need to act fast and personally. A simple “thank you for coming” text or email the same day can make someone feel seen and valued. It is not about perfection. It is about presence.
But speed is just the beginning. What we’ve seen work best with thousands of churches using Text In Church is what we call the Boomerang Framework. It’s a six-week plan of intentional communication. Because most guests don’t come back on week two. Life gets busy, habits are hard to break, and church isn’t always at the forefront of someone’s mind who has a life pattern of not attending church. But when a church continues to reach out over six weeks with a mix of text messages, emails, phone calls, and maybe even a handwritten note, they stay top of mind in a kind, relational way. That second visit is everything. When someone returns a second time, they are far more likely to continue coming back on a weekly basis.
Churches that consistently and compassionately follow up are seeing their guest retention double. It is not magic, but it does feel like it sometimes. If your church is struggling to keep guests coming back, don’t overcomplicate it. Focus on the first 24 hours, then follow through for six weeks. That one shift could change everything.
Connect with Tyler: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook
7. Are you a Smart Ask?
Hal Mayer, Executive Coach at Coaching with Hal Mayer says…
People often ask questions just to gather information—especially in leadership. They want to know what someone’s doing, or whether they’re succeeding or failing. But one of the things we’re learning is that questions can do much more than that. In a coaching context, for example, I can use questions to explore what someone is interested in doing. I can then follow up with questions like, “If you were going to try that, what might it look like?” and eventually, “What’s your next step?” That process allows the person to begin forming their own strategy. I’m not handing them a blueprint. I’m not offering best practices or plugging them into my plan. My goal is to help them develop their own.
I’ve also found questions useful for assessing someone’s readiness. I remember when my son was about ten years old and wanted to build a fort in the backyard. He asked to use some 2x4s from my workshop. I said yes. Then he asked if he could use my skill saw—which meant plugging it in, putting his hands on it, and cutting wood. I said, “Sure, but let me come out and watch.” He pushed back: “Dad, I’ve seen you do it. I know what I’m doing. Just trust me.” I told him, “Let me hang around and see how it goes.” When we got outside, to my surprise, he put on goggles, plugged in the saw, tested it a couple of times, then placed the 2×4 on his leg and prepared to cut. I yelled—because staying involved helped avoid a disaster.
That’s the value of using questions to gauge readiness. Asking how someone plans to go about something can reveal a lot. I’ve discovered that good questions can unlock not just a person’s motivation, but also their direction. In my coaching, I don’t need to be the expert or the consultant. I can be the coach—the one who asks the right questions.
So, how are you using questions? Are they unlocking and motivating? Or are you just collecting information?
Connect with Hal: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
8. Increase engagement among volunteers in just 10 minutes per week!
Ali Hofmeyer, Managing Director at First Impressions says…
Church leaders in First Impressions Academy are implementing weekly Huddle Talks and Post-Service Debriefs as an effective way to increase engagement in their volunteer teams. Scripted out for every week in a calendar year, these Huddle Talks are just a quick 5-minute pre-service meet-up where volunteers and their leaders can connect and pray before they serve for the morning. Then, 5 minutes after service they meet again in a quick debrief, sharing wins, talking through any logistics that came up, and praying together to close out the day. Church leaders are sharing that their volunteers feel more supported, they are serving more regularly, and they are sharing ways they see God working in and through them. Huge wins for the unity and discipleship of these teams!
Connect with Ali: Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. You are not alone
Tim Cool, Founder and CEO at Smart Church Solutions says…
We have found that when churches are considering a change, especially to new technology, they come with a great deal of fear. Most times, it is the fear of the unknown…the fear of change…the fear of loss…the fear of things being different…fear of feeling “less than” because they don’t want to look “dump”…the fear of them not being as needed by their church. These are real fears and require a personal touch and genuine care.
What we have found, and changed our business model to accomplish, is to provide intentional onboarding with a live person doing the training…then being available to get them up and going. The idea of “self-serve” in workflow related software like eSPACE, is not effective or easily adopted by most people. They want an advocate…a coach. They want an ear with someone who really cares and is committed to help navigate the fears and processes as much as is possible.
This game-changing approach to sales and onboarding has been remarkable. We see higher adoption rates and lower churn with those who embrace the process.
Connect with Tim: Website | LinkedIn
