What will the church of the next century look like?

This is the $1.38 question which is on the minds, not only of the leaders of the church, but also the world. Though each generation asks this very important question, I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that the answer to this question for this generation is as once the most difficult in history and as plain as the noses on our faces. Why?

Well, for one thing, the world we live in is experiencing unprecedented change. Our world population changes, requiring only 1 decade to add another BILLION people.

Information changes - think about that slow, annoying desktop PC you bought 2 years ago which is now a paperweight, but was the fastest thing going when you bought it.

Technology changes - do you know that the world now has its first cyborg? Nanotechnology is allowing humans to be fitted with machines to provide new limbs, which can detect pressure and temperature and repair damaged organs. Nasa is crashing probes into comets and Burt Rhutan flew a ship into space twice in less than a month. The FDA has approved ubiquitous cloning of meat-producing animals.

Human emotions change - the overwhelming fear of nuclear holocost in the the 1950's was replaced by a hatred of the status quo in the 60's. Today, "social anxiety disorder" is listed as the greatest fear; people are afraid to be alone, which is pretty ironic on a planet that is rapidly running out of real estate.

Recently, our church conducted a survey through a recognized polling organization. This survey revealed some surprising things, but the most surprising was that the respondants, who intentionally were not a part of our church, said their most pressing desire was to "belong to something meaningful" or to "help others". Man is a very social animal, despite the odd hermit or Howard Hughes.

So, what does a church look like that ministers to the needs of people who see their world flying by them at breakneck speed, cannot manage the overflow of information which bombards them and are afraid of being alone, yet deep down want to help other people?

(Please see Acts 2:40-47)

In a nutshell, the real church will be full of sheep. The bible often refers to humans as sheep and in truth, we are more like them than we care to admit. Sheep can't handle much information, they are definitely afraid of being alone and are extremely social animals. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:14-16 )

The church of the next century may or may not have a building. It may be in the city, or in the country. It will be in every nation on earth, and perhaps every nation will be in it.

If my definition sounds like nothing new; you're right - because the church is nothing new. It is now nearly 2,000 years old. And while the church must be relevant to the culture around it, it will be if we remember that the church is not a building, but an ecclesia - a community of people who believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He has saved them from their sin. If we look at history; enormous buildings, huge budgets and a myriad of programs are a new phenomenon, borne out of the wealth and affluence of the 20th century.

Picture if you will, the scene in the George Lucas film, Star Wars: Episode II - attack of the clones, when Anakin Skywalker chases a would-be assassin into a club on a busy thoroughfare. The club is filled with creatures of every shape and size and the boulevard with neon signs and vehicles filling up every inch of available space. Inside the club, Anakin's Master; Obi-Wan kenobi is approached by a young creature trying to sell him something called "death sticks". Obi-Wan uses the force to pursuade this young person to give up selling illegal drugs and to change his life for the better. This is a pretty good picture of the church of the future - active, separate believers intervening in the lives of hurting people no matter where they find themselves. This model, established by Jesus many centuries ago, is a model which will only change when He returns to set up His eternal kingdom on earth.

So, my advice to you, (if you are worried about what the church will look like), is to not be put off by technology, or programs, or the lack thereof - but rather become a faithful sheep. As sheep, we must follow our shepherd, Jesus Christ who tells us that if we really do belong to Him, we will know His voice and follow it as He calls out to us. (John 10:4)