Ten shifts New England churches are making

The metrics of the church scorecard are changing at a fast and furious rate during the pandemic. In the past few months, we have seen drastic shifts in our New England churches as they adapt to their new normal of functioning. Although there are struggles, most churches are showing clear signs of perseverance, persistence, and engagement. Here are ten positive changes our BCNE Church Growth Team has seen in the last few months.

1. Churches are becoming more resilient.

We see more churches adjusting and taking negative hits, but they are bouncing back with great attitudes, renewal and focus.

2. Churches are becoming more responsive.

The awareness of the church's surroundings is growing, allowing the church to speak into its community’s brokenness.

3. Churches are Kingdom-focused.

Churches have adopted what is best for the Kingdom of God and not just their campus and self-interest. They are realigning to God's will and ways to see a larger impact.

4. Churches are changing.

Churches realize what is primary and what is fluff. They have made drastic shifts from being stuck on aesthetics and a battle of preferences to what is going to work best for a gathering.

5. Churches are giving back to their communities.

We have seen churches engage in more outreach and evangelism to meet the needs in their communities. Churches are being reminded that they can be the pulse and thermostats in desperate times, even for people who do not attend church.

6. Churches are using more technology.

Churches that were against going online are now online. Churches that did not understand Zoom, social media or cameras have now been brought up to speed in technologies, allowing them to meet, reach and disciple more people.

7. Churches are becoming more resourceful.

An overarching theme is that churches are doing more with less. They may not have the budgets, but the people in their seats are stepping and out to make sure Jesus is first and they can reach the people around them.

8. Churches are going back to basics.

Many churches have realized the things they held onto for so long do not matter and may have even caused them to become stuck in a rut. Instead more churches are focused on the fundamentals of the early church: prayer, meeting house to house, the breaking of bread and preaching the Gospel. 

9. Churches are showing signs of course correction.

Churches that formerly measured success by buildings, budgets and people in seats are now looking at reproducing through micro groups and micro churches. Two of our New England churches made the 100 top reproducing churches in Outreach magazine.

10. Churches are showing signs of revitalization and renewal.

Churches are getting the tools and support they need from the BCNE staff and fellow churches. Many are involved in cohorts, phone calls and webinars pointing them to resources that bring renewal.

There is so much more to learn as we weather the pandemic together, but it is clear that God is moving and that we are stronger and better together. No matter what our circumstances are, let’s keep focusing on the Lord and making his last command our first concern.

Gary Mortiz serves as the church revitalization director at the Baptist Convention of New England.