There are three topics you typically avoid in polite company: Religion, politics and age (as in… how old you are). So, let’s dive into all three.
Spoiler alert: This article will primarily focus on three trends I think are most affecting the multisite church nowadays – specifically immigration and its impact on evangelicalism, the influx of young adults and their partnership in co-creating a transcendent vision for the Sunday morning service as well as how the church is evolving with digital engagement. I’ll also share what Liquid is doing to try to adapt to these trends knowing that one size definitely does not fit all. My primary goal is not to be exhaustive with these trends, but to point out how the landscape of the church is ever-evolving, shaped by shifting cultural dynamics, demographic changes, and a renewed quest for spiritual authenticity. Don’t worry, I’ll still find a way to weave in some politics. Buckle up. It’s gonna be a fun ride.
First, one of the most remarkable trends we have seen at Liquid over the course of the last few years is the significant increase in diversity within our congregation. At present, 50 percent of our attendees are diverse. The breakdown is primarily Hispanic (27 percent), Asian (12 percent) and Black (11 percent). The remaining 50 percent is White. Our church is multi-ethnic, but also multi-generational (five generations worship together side-by-side).
The Bible underscores the importance of diversity in the body of Christ. In Revelation 7:9, we see a vision of heaven where “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” This vision of a diverse multitude worshiping together is a powerful reminder that the church on earth should reflect the inclusivity of the Kingdom of heaven.
But, as we all know, immigration is a hot topic on both sides of the political spectrum in the 2024 election. Regardless of what side you fall on that issue, a major demographic shift is underway. According to the U.S. Census Bureau “by 2060, the Hispanic population in the United States is expected to grow from 60 million to over 111 million.” Let that sink in.
As a Hispanic myself, I can attest to how hard it is to capture a group that spans different positions across generations, backgrounds, and theological beliefs. But, for the church willing to take risks and experiment, the opportunity for growth is incredible.
We’ve all seen the 2021 Gallup poll that revealed that church membership in the U.S. fell below 50 percent for the first time, and some people think Christianity is dying in America. I believe that the church’s ability to adapt to the record number of immigrants coming to the U.S. will be a major determining factor in how Christianity in America can thrive into the future.
Think about it this way: If the U.S. has more immigrants than any other country and Latino evangelicals are the fastest growing number of evangelicals in the U.S. (with more frequent church attendance, prayer, and Bible study than white protestants as reported by The Atlantic in 2021), then the opportunity for growth is unparalleled.
That’s why Liquid is currently implementing several practical strategies to continue to serve our diverse congregation. That includes hosting services in Spanish in 2025 – using AI to translate our messages – and intentionally continuing to recruit diverse leadership.
We believe the church should be able to engage effectively with a globalized world, and be relevant and accessible to a broader audience.
This leads me to the second trend. In an age characterized by rapid technological advancements and a constant stream of information, there is a deep yearning for experiences that connect individuals to something greater than themselves.
This is especially true where Gen Z is concerned. This next generation sees themselves as creators, having grown up immersed in YouTube and online platforms where they simultaneously learn from experts while sharing their own content.
It’s no surprise, then, to see why there’s a generational hunger around creating a transcendent vision that reminds them the story of God is far greater than anyone’s lifetime.
At Liquid, we work hard to incorporate these transcendent practices into our services in various ways. We may sing the doxology on a Sunday morning, a practice that links the contemporary church to its historical roots. The idea that believers across the world have been singing the doxology for hundreds of years highlights that we worship a God who exists outside of human concepts of time.
The idea of transcendence – that God is not confined by physical space, time, or the laws that govern the universe… that he is eternal, sovereign and omnipresent – is also fueling our desire to continue to embrace digital discipleship. This is the third and final trend.
Recognizing the importance of meeting people where they are, Liquid has successfully utilized digital platforms to enhance spiritual growth and community engagement.
We see digital as the ability to transcend geographical limitations. We believe both in person and online attendance can both grow at the same time. And for the past two years at Liquid, we’ve seen that to be the case!
For example, we hosted a 21-day Marriage Cohort and 900 people signed up to be a part of it while also hosting in-person services that tackled relationship advice through the lens of scripture. Another successful digital initiative we led was a “Read the Gospels” program, where we read from two of the four Gospels every day during Lent, and people could listen to us via our app. More than 10,000 people engaged with us during that time period digitally while more than 11,000 came to our in-person Easter services! A small group that meets in Oregon watches church online and, last year, a father and son from that group joined us on a clean water trip in Zambia. Did you catch that? A church in New Jersey, an online small group in Oregon both bringing clean water to a country in Africa!
As the church continues to adapt to a digital age, our posture is one of both/and (both digital and physical) rather than one or the other.
Now, we’ve covered some miles in this article, so let’s finish back at the beginning.
My thesis is this: No matter what you believe about immigration, digital church vs. in-person services or even about the next generation, the future of the church is exciting.
It’s one of diversity, transcendence, and youthful vitality… much like the nature of the Kingdom of God.
I hope you’re inspired to do some of what is outlined here. I think you may be pleasantly surprised.
