"And the Year is ...2020!"

This was an article I wrote for a panel discussion back in 2007. We were imagining the trends and the changes that might be emerging around us. Ridiculous, at one level, because the future always surprises us when it does arrive! But it was a helpful exercise in learning to observe and interpret more carefully what is happening around you. I wonder what would you add or subtract to this list? I think if I were re-writing it now, almost eight years on, I'd add in something about:

- The 'inter-culturalisation' of the Aussie church.

- An increase in many challenging and varied shapes and expressions of Kingdom community.

- A healthier fusion of proclamation and action.

- The rise of a more contemplative mainstream spirituality.

- An increasing ability to engage diversity without abandoning one's own framework.

- The return to a form of  local parish community and neighbourhood.

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"And the Year is ...2020!"

OK! I admit it; I love Dr Who! I just love the idea that I can hop into the Tardis and instantly jump into the future ten thousand years or even a leisurely ten million years or so. ‘Trouble is that that’s easy compared with gazing a measly TEN years forward!

Last year, I was invited to be part of a panel discussion given the topic: “What will Church be like in 2020.” That’s a tough one! I’ll be getting close to retirement! Hopefully Collingwood will still be getting the ‘wobbles in September! The Olympics will be on! There will be a U.S. Presidential election. But what will be happening in our so-called ‘post-Christian’ western world? I wonder what we dream God will be doing? Here’s some of my wonderings: 

1. Twenty-Four Seven Discipleship 

The church of 2020 will have realized that powerful testimony comes from personal transformation! They will realize that our focus should not be about programs, but principles. As we live as disciples ‘obeying all I have commanded you’ so we incarnate the Gospel into our world. The church of 2020 will not focus on getting the vision and strategy right; and making the people fit into it. Rather they will understand that obedient consistent ‘holy’ living will mark a ‘culture’ that fascinates people to faith.

Generations Y and Z

The children and youth of today, known as Generation: Z (born mid to late 90's onwards) live in what is now called the post-Christian era. Their younger siblings, 'Generation Alpha' are beginning school!

Out of the 5-10% of Aussies who do church regularly, maybe less than a third are under 25s who have any meaningful connection to God’s community. Younger Aussies do not operate from a traditional Christian worldview. When they look at the ‘Church’ they too often don’t see a vital outward-focused, Godly, engaged relational community. Ironically, just at this strategic time in history, the Western Church finds itself in crisis. It is losing ground; it is often seen as out of touch; it is often  perceived as ‘institutional’ rather than ‘communal’, it is seen as ‘institutional’ rather than ‘missional’.

It is vital that we consider how to connect with Generation Z and their parents!

Who are ‘Generation: Z?’

1. -Generation Z are those people born from 1995 to the end of 2009.    
2. -They are the next generation after Generation Y (today’s teenage and twenty-somethings).    
3. -They are mostly the children of Generation X.    
4. -They are in their childhood although at the oldest edge they are approaching their teenage years.    
5. -They are today’s children and students, and tomorrow’s employees and leaders.    
6. -They are the world’s first 21st Century generation - the digital natives, the dot-com kids, Generation 'media.'    
7. -They are today’s emerging generation who resemble children of any era past, yet they personify our future.
8. -Their siblings, Generation Alpha are now entering primary school.