These FUTURE CHURCH scenarios are stories developed to challenge assumptions and stimulate new ways of thinking about the present and the future. Written as four imaginary letters from church leaders in 2020, they provoke a realization that the future may not simply be more of the same.
God is the designer of
the ultimate future. However, for some space of time known only to Him
human beings possess freedom of choice and ability to act in ways that
significantly impact our planet as well as future generations.
Christian leaders should be alert to changing conditions and should explore what is yet beyond the horizon in order to garner respect in the face of ubiquitous change and offer confident guidance in these uncertain times.
Many of today’s church and faith-based organization leaders know they must be forward thinking to be effective. Foresight is the ability to anticipate what could happen before it happens and then identifying the arising opportunities for innovation.
Church leaders tend to be more past and present focused and not tuned to indicators of emergent realities.
Consequently, they find themselves unprepared for the impact that social and cultural changes are having or will have on the needs and habits of the people they serve.
