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The pandemic of 2020 has given the church pause to reimagine church in a time of radical cultural change. Church as we know it will never be the same. The time is calling followers of Jesus to redefine measurables and the experience of doing church.

Here are seven practices that I believe will be essential for a vital renewed movement.

1. Cell Networks vs. Brittle Denominational Wineskins

The focus will move away from in-room worship and programs toward relational discipleship instead – returning to churches in the home that are then networked with other home churches.

2. Less Is More

-Focus and investment will be in people versus buildings.

-Simple versus complex structures will thrive.

-Bi-vocational ministry will prevail with a renewed commitment to the priesthood of all believers.

3. Online Worship is Here to Stay

-Online worship will shift from simply livestreaming to creating an intentional home experience.

-Building online communities will be essential.

4. Cultural Humility

-Vital churches will demonstrate an alternative way in a rabid divisive political climate.

-Committing to listen and understand people with differing views will be essential as Jesus followers recognize the image of God in every person.

5. Recognizing the Sacred in Creation

We must celebrate and care for God’s first incarnation.

 6. Focus on Kingdom Workers vs. Worshipers

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Mt. 9:37-38).

7. Intentional Diversity

… an intentional commitment to demonstrate the inclusive nature of God’s beloved community.

What won’t work? Biding our time expecting “church as usual” to return post-pandemic.

Mike Slaughter, pastor emeritus and global church ambassador for Ginghamsburg Church, served for nearly four decades as the lead pastor and chief dreamer of Ginghamsburg and the spiritual entrepreneur of ministry marketplace innovations. Mike is also the founder and chief strategist of Passionate Churches, LLC, which specializes in developing pastors, church staff and church lay leaders through coaching, training, consulting and facilitation services. Mike’s call to “afflict the comfortable” challenges Christians to wrestle with God and their God-destinies. Mike’s latest book Revolutionary Kingdom: following the Rebel Jesus is available on Amazon and Cokesbury.