Some have found that small groups can provide this. Many people in and out of the church are biblically illiterate. Some see an increase in tension between laity and clergy over finances and issues of authority. Congregations facing financial challenges will consider changing their shape and ways of doing things. Staffing may be done by teams of full or part time people, and churches may form clusters or merge as is occurring in several places in our region.
Denominations struggle with issues of diversity and identity.
Large national bodies are giving way to local groups of cooperating Christians. Interest groups and networks exist across denominations. We recently increased the number of area ministers from three to five. This change has enabled us to increase our ability to customize our assistance. Finally, the role and status of clergy continues to change.