Key Challenges for 21st Century Christianity

Key Challenges for 21st Century Christianity
by
June 11, 2025

I often find myself thinking about the future of Christianity in America. What will the church landscape look like five, ten, or twenty years from now? In mainline Christianity, denominational decline and statistics have been depressing for quite a while. Many churches are aging rapidly and having a hard time reaching the younger generations. If your nursery is empty and your children’s ministry is struggling, that is not a good sign. If attending your church is boring or painful, that is not a good sign. Energy and hospitality are key! People want to be inspired, not scolded. Some churches are thriving and bucking this trend. Recent research suggests that many younger people are turning back to faith for meaning. What have growing churches discovered that needs to be shared with the larger culture?

Here are some key observations that represent opportunities for growth and change. First, authenticity always matters. Younger generations can sniff out phoniness and superficiality. There has been too much, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Jesus’ followers must act Christian. Churches and church leaders must be honest and transparent about their own flaws and shortcomings. I once heard a seminary graduate say that the church is at its best when it is honest about its shortcomings. Pride can affect any institution because it is comprised of human beings.

Second, experiencing God’s presence is much more important than just knowing about God. Harvard theologian Harvey Cox says that we are now living in the “Age of the Spirit.” Beliefs, orthodoxy, and creeds don’t really matter if you don’t experience the transforming presence and grace of God in your own life. Real faith transforms both mind and heart. Christ can challenge and change any of us at any stage of life.

Third, mission, outreach, and community impact are essential. Young people want to know that the church is willing and ready to serve in the community and make a difference. This means getting outside the walls of the church. Too many churches are insulated and self-focused. Christ calls us to missional living out in the world. There is a lot of hurt, pain, and poverty that needs to be addressed locally and globally.

Fourth, those who intentionally create conflict and division in the Christian community need to be confronted. Churches have always been very slow and hesitant to do this. Certain people can create drama and conflict behind the scenes, and they need to be called out. Allowing bad behavior to persist only does damage to the health of a community.

Fifth, certain political and social issues must go unresolved. Many churches try to sort themselves politically, but the church should be a place where partisan politics is secondary to the gospel. We should recognize with integrity that there will not be unanimity on certain political and social topics. How long do denominations want to keep dividing? This does not mean selling out or abandoning scripture. Energy spent fighting over these things has done significant collateral damage and would be better channeled into love, service, and compassion. Christians must learn to set an example on how to have civil dialogue on tough issues, knowing that there will always be disagreement. Christianity needs more unity and less polarization.

Sixth, Judgment must give way to grace. The church should be a place where everybody is welcome because nobody is perfect. We all sin and have our flaws. It’s difficult for people to begin healing and rebuilding their lives if they feel judged and excluded. Many people going through a divorce or separation often stay away from the church when the church should be the first place that helps them recover and get life back on track. Judgment only makes personal pain worse. Jesus said not to judge and to take the log out of our own eye first.

Seventh, small groups remain essential for connection and community. Of course, churches cannot mandate this, but small groups (and Sunday School classes) are where growth, formation, and relationships happen. The larger a church gets, the more important small groups are. Nobody can be a Christian in isolation. It is a religion that happens in community. Love God, love neighbor. We find strength and encouragement from others who are dealing with the same problems and challenges in life. Loneliness is becoming a clear challenge in this digital age. Many wonder if they have any friends who care. When small groups are done well, this void gets filled.

Each of these challenges, if taken seriously, will allow Christianity and the church to thrive for generations to come.

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