- The “stable church” is endangered — churches must either grow or decline; staying static is no longer viable.
- Millennials are becoming the core demographic, while Gen Z is reshaping expectations around authenticity, leadership, and worship.
- Discipleship now must include a digital component, not just in-person methods.
- AI adoption will become normative in growing churches—used for content, metrics, and outreach.
- A new style of megachurch pastor is emerging—less top-down, more consensus-based, health-focused, and attuned to younger generations.
Carey Nieuwhof recently shared his predictions on church trends for 2024. It’s worth a listen or watch.
Some of Carey’s insights struck a chord with me, particularly as I think through them with the lens of church tech and digital ministry.
Carey’s exploration of the seven key trends for churches in 2024 is not only insightful but also foundational for understanding the evolving landscape of church engagement and community building in a digital age.
Each trend has profound implications from a digital and tech perspective, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies in church tech and digital ministry. Here are my initial thoughts below on each of the 7 trends Carey walks through.
7 Church Tech & Digital Ministry Trend Implications for 2024
Trend 1: The Endangered Stable Church
Carey begins by highlighting the precarious position of what he calls the “stable church,” with only a minority remaining unaffected by growth or decline.
- Carey highlighted that only 12% of churches are currently stable, with the majority either growing or declining.
- He emphasized that the traditional model of ‘business as usual’ is no longer effective.
- Over half of American churches are facing decline, signaling a need for significant change.
- He argues that in today’s culture, churches are either progressing or regressing, leaving no room for stagnancy.
This trend signals a critical time for churches, emphasizing the urgency to adapt and innovate. In the context of church tech, this trend points to the necessity of leveraging digital tools to foster growth and engagement.
It’s no longer about maintaining the status quo; it’s about dynamic digital adaptation.
- Digital Presence: Churches must further establish a robust online presence, integrating social media, a user-friendly website, and digital outreach.
- Virtual Community Building: Developing online communities through social media groups, virtual small groups, and interactive platforms.
- Adaptive Content Delivery: Utilizing various digital formats like podcasts, live streams, and video sermons to reach diverse demographics.
Key Takeaway: Stop Thinking About Digital Presence As “Nice To Have” In 2024
In an era where the stable church is endangered, embracing digital transformation is crucial. Churches need to finally take digital seriously and invest in digital infrastructure, from engaging websites to interactive social media strategies. This digital shift isn’t just a survival tactic; it has to be central. Foundational. Start digitally first, not an add-on. it’s an opportunity to reach broader audiences, including those who might not step into a physical church building.
Trend 2: Millennials as Church Core
Carey points out the significant shift happening in church demographics, with Millennials now forming the core congregation.
This demographic change necessitates a rethink of how churches communicate and engage with their members. In terms of church tech, this means adopting platforms and communication styles that resonate with a younger, digitally savvy audience.
- Social Media Engagement: Utilizing platforms where Millennials are active, like Instagram and Tiktok, for church updates and spiritual content.
- Mobile-First Approach: Designing church websites and apps with a mobile-first approach, considering the majority of Millennials access information on their phones.
- Interactive Digital Experiences: Creating interactive digital experiences like online workshops or Q&A sessions with church leaders.
Key Takeaway: Require Leaders To Be Digitally Savvy; Digitally Appreciative Is NOT ENOUGH
Churches must tailor their digital strategies to engage Millennials effectively.
This includes not only the platforms they use but also the content they share. Churches should focus on creating authentic, relatable content that speaks to the values and concerns of this generation, such as social justice, community building, and personal growth.
Trend 3: Gen Z Reshaping the Church
According to Carey, Gen Z’s entrance into the church is reshaping its landscape. This generation seeks authenticity and a community-driven faith.
For church tech, this means creating genuine, transparent digital experiences and opportunities for meaningful online engagement.
- Authentic Content Creation: Sharing real-life stories and testimonials that resonate with Gen Z’s desire for authenticity. Not just telling people what to do to be faithful in their walk.
- Community-Centric Platforms: Developing online groups that facilitate community interaction, mentorship, and collaborative projects. Facebook Groups are great, but think texting groups, Instagram group chats, whatsapp chat groups, and other ways to really help people interact, not just lurk.
- Innovative Digital Outreach: Exploring new digital outreach methods like gaming platforms or virtual reality experiences.
Key Takeaway: Focus On People Not Publishing
Churches must focus on authenticity in their digital offerings to appeal to Gen Z. This involves more than just the content; it’s about creating a space where genuine interactions and community building can occur online. Churches should consider innovative digital platforms that facilitate these authentic experiences.
Trend 4: Discipleship Goes Digital
Carey points out the growing importance of digital tools in discipleship. This trend underscores the potential of digital platforms to facilitate spiritual growth and community. For church tech, it means leveraging technology to create engaging, accessible discipleship experiences.
- Online Learning Platforms: Utilizing online courses and digital resources for discipleship training.
- App-Based Discipleship Tools: Developing church apps and digital channels that deliver daily devotionals, prayer requests, and interactive Bible studies.
- Virtual Small Groups: Hosting virtual gatherings and discussion forums to foster community and spiritual growth.
Key Takeaway: Discipleship Doesn’t Happen In The Church Building
The move towards digital discipleship offers churches a unique opportunity to expand their reach and deepen their impact. By utilizing technology, churches can provide accessible, engaging discipleship tools that cater to a diverse, scattered and asynchronous audience. This digital approach to discipleship can complement traditional methods, letting people grow their faith in more places, more often, more consistently.
Trend 5: The Risks of Partisan Extremism
Carey warns of the dangers associated with partisan politics in church growth. From a tech and digital ministry perspective, this trend highlights the need for balanced and inclusive online content.
Churches must be mindful of the divisive potential of digital platforms and strive to promote unity and inclusivity.
- Inclusive Digital Content: Creating content that is welcoming and inclusive, avoiding divisive political rhetoric.
- Balanced Online Discussions: Facilitating balanced, respectful online discussions on social and moral issues.
- Digital Peacemaking: Using digital platforms to promote understanding, peace, and reconciliation.
Key Takeaway: Actively Work Against Algorithms That Amplify Polarization
The challenge for churches in the digital realm is to promote unity and inclusivity.
This involves not only avoiding partisan content but actively creating spaces for respectful, balanced discussions. Recognize the echo chamber digital platforms have built in as a default. Churches can use their digital convening opportunities to bridge divides and foster a sense of community and understanding among diverse groups. Education is key.
Trend 6: AI in Church Growth
The integration of AI in church growth, as noted by Carey, is an emerging trend. I certainly agree as our AI for Church Leaders Facebook Group continues to grow. This presents both opportunities and challenges for church tech. AI can enhance personalization in outreach and sermon preparation but also raises ethical and pastoral concerns.
- AI-Powered Personalization: Using AI to personalize ministry work and outreach efforts, like tailored email campaigns or sermon research support and topical recommendations.
- Ethical Use of AI: Navigating the ethical implications of AI use in church contexts, focusing on transparency and accountability. Every church should have a written AI policy in 2024.
- Pastoral Guidance on AI: Providing pastoral guidance on the role and impact of AI in personal and spiritual life.
Key Takeaway: Seriously Explore What AI Can Bring To Ministry in 2024
Churches must navigate the integration of AI with ethical integrity and pastoral sensitivity. This means not only leveraging AI for enhanced personalization and efficiency but also addressing the ethical and spiritual questions it raises. Churches have the opportunity to lead in demonstrating how AI can be used responsibly and for the greater good. This is one of the core reasons why we are building the training library and resource, AIforChurchLeaders.com, with educational training and live monthly workshops.
Trend 7: A New Generation of Mega Church Pastors
Finally, Carey observes a shift in mega church leadership towards a model prioritizing community and church health over size. In terms of church tech, this trend calls for technology that supports community building and supportin the health of the church, rather than just church growth metrics.
- Community-Building Technologies: Implementing technologies that foster interactions, community engagement and support, both online and offline. Not just consumption of content.
- Health Monitoring Tools: Using analytics tools to monitor church health indicators, such as member engagement, movement along assimilation pathways, serving opportunity participation, and well-being.
- Technology for Inclusivity: Ensuring technology is accessible and inclusive, catering to a diverse church community.
Key Takeaway: Define Healthy Church Metrics
The new leadership model in mega churches highlights the need for technology that prioritizes community building and church health. This requires a shift from purely growth-focused tech solutions to those that nurture deep, meaningful connections and the overall well-being of the church community.
Final Thoughts On Digital Ministry Trends For 2024
Carey’s insights into the overall 2024 church trends point a picture of church growth that should be increasingly intertwined with technology and digital innovation. As church leaders, it’s crucial to recognize these trends and adapt our tech and digital strategies accordingly. BTW, Carey has a downloadable guide that has several action steps to help make pivotal decisions around the 7 trends he talks abouts. You can get it here.
For most churches Social Media seems to be the “go to” solution for digital outreach but many of them are leaving real opportunity on the table by not taking advantage of the ads, especially the ads paid for by the Google Ad Grant.