Good stewardship requires constant vigilance. The most effective church administrators know how to balance the finer details while also keeping an eye on the big picture. One of the major lessons learned by church leaders over the last few years is that things can change quickly and we have to be ready to pivot and make changes accordingly.
On the bright side, 2024 is a year full of potential. Church admins who are aware of the opportunities and pitfalls that lie ahead will be better prepared to lead, protect, and grow their ministries.
Let’s take a look at five unique challenges that church administrators will need to tackle this year.
1. Digital Engagement & Outreach
As society increases its reliance on technology, church administrators may be unsure how to most effectively connect with their community online. However, most growing churches have embraced at least a few digital tools—such as websites, church apps, and online giving—in order to go beyond physical or geographic limitations.
The best way to maintain a sense of community in the digital space is by investing in hybrid experiences (online and in person.) When done well, this approach can result in one of your church’s biggest victories for outreach and engagement.
2. Adapting to Changing Demographics
Many churches have found it challenging to meet the diverse needs of a changing congregation.
For example, focusing too much on reaching younger generations may alienate older church members, or offering expensive summer camps may cause lower-income families to feel left out.
Administrators should develop strategies to ensure that people of various ages, backgrounds, and cultures feel welcome and included in their mission.
3. Financial Sustainability
The last few years have shown that economic uncertainties impact the financial stability of churches. To ensure the sustainability of the church, administrators may have to explore new fundraising avenues and models, discover innovative ways to manage resources more efficiently, and reach out to professional financial advisors to develop strategies that adapt to changing economic landscapes.
4. Leadership Succession Planning
Did you know that there is a shortage of younger pastors? The average pastor is 52 years old, and only 16% of pastors are under 40 years old. The need for effective leadership succession planning becomes crucial as the current generation of experienced leaders retire and transition out of ministry.
Changes in church leadership are inevitable. This means church admins need to develop pastoral transition strategies that lay out the process in detail: communication, timeline, new leadership approval, and so on. It’s also crucial to identify and invest in new leaders ( both from within and outside of their church) to ensure continuity and smooth transitions.
5. Ongoing Health & Safety Concerns
In today’s world, there seems to be no end to changes in health and safety concerns. Some of these, such as those related to pandemics or other health crises, may pose challenges for in-person gatherings.
To avoid confusion and to protect the church, administrators should consider developing, implementing, and communicating effective safety measures while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. For practical tips, check out these risk management resources from Brotherhood Mutual.
Next Steps
These challenges reflect the evolving landscape that churches may encounter in 2024. Over 17,000 organizations partner with Subsplash’s unified engagement platform to better reach billions of people, engage them with the gospel, and grow their congregations. Connect with our team today to learn how your church can also benefit from these tools!
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