Home David Mays Updated: January, 2008

Changing Church Dynamics and Missions

Changing Financial Perceptions

● The cost of doing church is increasing and the missions budget is pinched.

● Younger and larger churches set aside smaller percentages for the "missions budget."

● The missions budget gets tapped for a widening range of needs.

● Church leaders spend more for internal missions mobilization and travel.

Changing Church Operation

● Congregations meet fewer times per week than in the past.

● Missions leadership is moving from lay volunteers to church staff.

● Leaders focus more on help for this life and less on salvation for eternal life.

● There is little opportunity for public exposure to missionaries and missions.

● Biblical education on missions and the Great Commission is minimal.

Changing Understanding of Missions

● "Missions" is giving way to "mission," which is both here and there.

● Missional churches expect everyone to be involved in mission, often via community projects and mission trips.

● Church plants view themselves as a 'mission' to their community.

● The scope of missions has broadened to include almost any ministry that helps people, including ministry to and for Christians in our community.

Changing Methods of Missions

● Churches are sending many more short-term mission teams.

● Churches are concentrating their energies on fewer missionaries and fields.

● Churches are favoring a project and results orientation over long term commitment.

● Missions is increasingly oriented toward compassion ministries.

● Missions is increasingly church-directed and partnership oriented.

Changing Church People

● People are busier and have less time available.

● People tend to follow the culture more than the Scripture.

● People are more globally aware.

● Many young people have a great desire for authenticity and intimacy with God.

● Enterprising individuals step out and make a difference in the world.

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David Mays, January 2008. www.davidmays.org