Protection of the earth is a goal of more and more people and the challenge to provide adequate resources to the exploding world-wide population continues. Religious Realities Pluralism in religious life means that fundamentalism has grown world-wide. People in the United States indicate they are interested in spiritual things, but not necessarily organized religion. Members of mainline churches are aging. Some churches are experimenting with how to meet the different expectations of younger members.
Parishioners desire a feeling of community.
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.