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Christian Ministry Research Paper

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What are the Current Professional Trends in Christian Ministry?
Today’s church is facing new challenges that require new approaches in Christian Ministry. Pastors must be agile to successfully respond to the changing needs of their congregations. For example, large groups such as the baby boomers and millennials are driving trends that are stretching yesterday’s norms. Additionally, desegregation is increasing in our congregations aided by the baby boomers who sought to champion diversity and by millennials who regard it as normal (Rainer III). These influences are complex, and the research demonstrates that there are three major trends that require attention to maintain relevance. Therefore, the current professional influences in …show more content…

For instance, the church dropout rate among younger millennial adults is increasing because younger adults desire deeper, relevant teaching. Subsequently, wise pastors are developing groups that target specific outreaches and issues that interest younger people. Pastors are becoming coaches and setting up team ministries with a move towards equipping disciples to reach out to younger adults (Nelson). Another influence that adds to the number of small groups is the aging baby boomer population. The boomers do not identify as senior citizens nor do they embrace activities such as church trips to visit museums and other traditional senior activities (Rainer). Instead, they are becoming more receptive to the gospel (Rainer), and they seek Bible groups to learn more and to grow in Christ. Coincidentally, the diversity trend in congregations is influencing small group growth. Naturally, people who share the same ethnicity will desire to meet around common view, goals, and differing worship styles (Nelson). Additionally, online electronic offerings to congregations have exploded recently. The amount of Christian eBooks and on-demand videos available today is phenomenal. The services available provide accessibility and convenience, and churches have begun to offer library access for free. Clearly, the small group trend has a new life with a vast number of reasons for people to gather together, and pastors

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