Forecasting Christian Congregations in 2050 - With Rev. Dr. Chris Holder

What does the future hold for Christian congregations and pastoral formation? A stimulating conversation with Reverend Dr. Chris Holder, a catalytic church planner and lead pastor at Bethel Lutheran, paints a vivid picture of this future. We explore Unite Leadership Collective's vision of equipping the priesthood of all believers and discuss unconventional routes for formation, the merits of the cohort model, and how individual ministry context shapes this process.

Chris  shares his journey to ministry, the daunting task of church planting in urban areas, and the ever-evolving challenge of identifying target audiences in rapidly changing neighborhoods. Chris also provides his vision for Christian congregations by 2050, revealing a future of smaller, multicultural churches with less political power, and discusses his experiences with Bethel Church in Dallas and the importance of theological hospitality.

Finally, we delve into the future of church collaboration and ministry, examining the ripple effects of the mega church movement and the rise of the bivocational ministry model. We also discuss the financial pressures on congregations and how Chris is working with the Luther House to nurture local bivocational leaders. We conclude with an important conversation about soul care for pastors and church leaders, highlighting the power of silence and solitude, the need for a more open dialogue about emotions, and the role confession and absolution play in spiritual formation. Join us for this insightful discussion.

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