the boutique church

the baby boomers, many from the early days of the jesus movement, helped found, establish, build, fund, etc the recent phenomenon known as the mega-church movement wherein churches in this country have grown numerically much larger than previously thought possible. the results are a variety of large, multi-thousand member churches which are doing great things in their respective communities. i've had the honor at serviing with several churches that fit this description and can and will testify to the effectiveness of these churches.
the question that arrises is, what is next?
for the baby boomers and the next generation down.
will they stay involved with these large churches or do those churches primarily minister best to single adutls (who can connect with other single adults) couples with children, (who can find great children and teen programs for their kids), single parents (who find incredible personal support as well as the aforementioned great programs for their children) and multi-generational families who live in close proximity and can attend church together, grandparents, parents, children, etc.
what of the empty nester couples who no longer need the exemplary children and teen programs? will they continue involvement with the mega-church or look for something different.
i think many will seek something different.
the mega-church is similar to the big box stores where a consumer is able to find everything desired under one roof, and at affordable prices. i think empty nester couples are going to begin looking for boutique churches; smaller fellowships with incredibly creative, diverse music, inspiring messages and worthwhile opportunities to support and serve others, but without the mad dash from theme park size parking lots.
for those of you ministering at small churches, your time is coming and perhaps has already arrived. but you will need to offer creative, high quality music and messages.
mega-churches will continue, because they offer something small churches cannot, and there are still huge numbers of people who need and want the mega-church experience.
one does not cancel the other. god is at work in churches large and small.
it is time, though for small churches to begin improving their quality and be ready for the rush of empty nesters who will begin walking through your doors. most of them are already christians, already tithers, and already willing to volunteer time, but you need to be ready because if you're not, they will move down the street until they find a boutique church that is ready.