Welcome to some provoking discussion starters and foresight-based articles. Here you will find four scenarios of what churches could look like in 2020, tools to stimulate small group conversations about change and its potential impact, and an assortment of articles dealing with leadership, foresight, strategic planning, and organizational concerns for ministry leaders.
Written as four imaginary letters from church leaders in 2020, these scenarios offer different perspectives on the church of the future. They are not predictions, projections, nor prophecies but rather an attempt to provoke a realization that the future may not simply be more of the same. read more...
Provocations from the Future considers 15 changes external to the church that could provoke some kind of change within the faith community. Please note that forecasting the future differs from predicting the future in that it explores what could happen rather than declaring what will happen. Even if one does not agree, the forecast can still be useful to stimulate thinking that enlightens decision makers. read more...
This discussion starter consists of ten cards which are intended for use with the Creative Spaces activity. The purpose is to stimulate forward thinking about uses and design of various physical spaces. The ‘What if…?’ cards help to challenge current assumptions and explore new mental models in preparation for planning new or re-imagining existing facilities. read more...
Today’s leaders must be forward thinking. By projecting out 5-10 years to envision changes in the social/cultural/political landscape, technology, and environmental conditions, leaders can make better decisions in the present. read more...
God is the designer of the ultimate future. However, for some space of time known only to Him human beings possess freedom of choice and ability to act in ways that significantly impact our planet as well as future generations. Christian leaders should be alert to changing conditions and should explore what is yet beyond the horizon in order to garner respect in the face of ubiquitous change and offer confident guidance in these uncertain times. read more...
The religious landscape in America is growing more complex. According to a study released by The Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (Bader, et al, 2006) American religion appears monolithic on the face of it but in reality is amazingly complex and diverse. For example, a large percentage of Americans agree that God exists, but have many different opinions regarding what God is like and what He wants for the world. Closer to home for many of us, Evangelicalism in America is getting harder to pin down. read more...
Foresight is full-range thinking that views the past, present, and possible futures as interlocking systems. From the past we get hindsight, from looking into the future we get foresight, and in the present we get insight when we learn from hindsight and foresight. read more...
Does your church or faith-based organization need a bolder, more creative vision? Leading from the future, through foresight, is now widely recognized as both effective and essential. As practiced in strategic planning, foresight serves as a catalyst for courageous and innovative vision formulation. Without the mindset and the skills to participate in strategic foresight activities, Christian organizations and churches risk irrelevance to their communities in the not-too-distant future. read more...
What if churches could collaborate with community leaders, government entities, and corporations to make a recognizable difference in the quality of life for local citizens? What if the faith community was viewed, as in by-gone days, not as an obstacle to progress but as the center of activity for addressing social issues? read more...
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