For years, we have dismissed the potential for a significant move of God in neighborhood churches. At Church Answers, we believe they are primed for a comeback. They are numerous, and they are located in the heart of places with lots of people. Sam discusses the return of neighborhood churches and how this movement is just beginning. 

• • The history of decline in neighborhood churches

• • The emerging opportunity with the decline of the megachurch

• • Myths of the neighborhood church

• • Why the historical stigma can become the future advantage

• • Fostering and adoption will be a key part of this movement

• • What must change before a movement becomes mainstream: Expectations of growth and an outward focus

• • The potential scale of the neighborhood church comeback

Resources:

• California Baptist University Pre-College Credit

• “The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church” by Sam Rainer

• “When the People Pray” by Thom S. Rainer

• Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector

• Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.

Episode Sponsor:

Eligible high schoolers can earn college credit online, the first class is free (not including books and course materials), and they get a significant discount ($166 per credit vs. $613 per credit) for every subsequent class. They can choose from more than 30 available courses. Here are just a few additional details not included on the flier:

• • This program is open to third-culture kids, homeschool students, private and public school students, etc.
  • Students can start during any eight-week session – summer, fall, spring, each semester has two sessions as indicated on the flier
  • The first-class free offer is limited. I do not yet know for how long, but we should market it as temporary for now.
  • Many students have successfully completed courses during their normal school year. Classes are asynchronous, so they can access course materials at their convenience.
  • Sometimes universities have similar programs and they make classes specific for high school students – HS students sitting with other HS students. In our program, participants sit in on real college courses, with actual college student peers. They get the real deal through our experience.

The post An Unexpected Comeback: The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church appeared first on Church Answers.