At the start of a new year, Carey Nieuwhof writes about emerging church trends that will “rule 2026.” Though primarily reflecting on a North American context, they are worth our consideration & thought. He also breaks down what’s at stake & what churches/pastors ought to do.
Here is a summary:
- Gen Z is leading the surge in church attendance
- Young men are coming to church … & women are leaving
- Evangelism is getting bolder & more direct
- Preaching is starting to shift from presentation to encounter
- Discipleship is now largely controlled by algorithm
- Senior pastors are aging out, & few are replacing them
- The Church has yet to brace for the coming AI revolution
