15 Creative Church Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2025

If you know me, you know I love trends. Whether it’s emerging tech, shifting culture, or the ever-changing political landscape, I’m always watching what’s coming next. My background in gamification and research on the merging of faith and technology uniquely qualifies me to forecast trends and help churches navigate what’s ahead. And let’s be real—the gospel is too important to stay behind in a world that’s making everything else go viral.

So here’s the question: How can churches—especially minority-based churches—stay relevant, impactful, and vibrant in 2025 and beyond? How can we keep the gospel viral while everything from TikTok dances to political chaos floods our timelines? Well, I’ve got you covered.

We’re not chasing trends just to look cool. We’re doing this because we’re called to meet people where they are. And in a world that’s changing faster than we can say “amen,” here are 15 key trends coming for churches that you need to know to stay ahead.

1. AI and Digital Tools Integration: AI is here, and it’s not going anywhere. Churches are using AI for sermon automation, virtual Bible studies, administrative tasks, and donor management. Tools like ChatGPT are being used to save time and connect with members more effectively.
Next Step: Use AI to transcribe Sunday sermons and turn them into blogs, newsletters, or social media posts.

2. Hybrid Worship and Online Presence: Forty-one percent of Black churchgoers prefer hybrid worship. Churches must continue investing in strong online platforms while keeping in-person worship alive and vibrant.
Next Step: Audit your church’s online services and improve areas like streaming quality, engagement in the chat, and follow-up for virtual attendees.

3. Youth and Next-Gen Leadership Development: Gen Z and Millennials need to see themselves in leadership. Churches that thrive will create innovative discipleship models, give youth opportunities to lead, and embrace creative, interactive worship styles.
Next Step: Host a leadership development event where youth and young adults plan and lead key portions of the service.

4. Community-Based Social Justice Work: Churches are reemerging as community pillars, tackling issues like poverty, education gaps, mental health, and housing. This dual focus on faith and justice will strengthen trust and relevance in local communities.
Next Step: Partner with a local organization to host a resource fair or workshop addressing a community need.

5. Mental Health and Holistic Ministry: Churches are recognizing the importance of emotional wellness. Offering faith-integrated counseling, group therapy, and mental health resources will be critical for supporting members holistically.
Next Step: Invite a licensed counselor to speak during a Sunday service and host a mental health Q&A afterward.

6. Sustainability and Financial Resilience: Churches are diversifying revenue streams to survive economic uncertainty. Entrepreneurial ventures, grants, and recurring donor programs are becoming essential.
Next Step: Explore one alternative funding source—whether it’s grants, a community-driven business, or a subscription-based donor program.

7. Fundraising and Data-Driven Stewardship: Churches are using integrated tools to analyze donor behavior, personalize outreach, and strengthen financial sustainability. Data helps churches make informed decisions and improve engagement.
Next Step: Use a church management system to segment your donor list and send targeted thank-you messages or updates.

8. Innovation in Worship and Creative Arts: Creativity is thriving. Spoken word, technology-driven worship spaces, interactive sermons, and immersive experiences are engaging new audiences and keeping worship fresh and meaningful.
Next Step: Introduce a new worship element—like spoken word, visuals, or creative altar calls—to highlight a sermon theme.

9. Cultural Representation and Empowerment: Minority-based churches are reflecting their identity in music, messaging, and storytelling. This cultural empowerment connects deeply with communities and amplifies the church’s unique voice.
Next Step: Plan a worship service or event that celebrates and highlights cultural traditions and testimonies.

10. Collaboration with Nonprofits and Businesses: Churches are partnering with nonprofits, corporate sponsors, and local businesses to amplify their outreach. This creates shared resources and greater impact in the community.
Next Step: Reach out to a local nonprofit and plan a joint outreach program for your neighborhood.

11. Engagement > Management with Tools: It’s not about managing people; it’s about connecting with them. Real-time engagement through tools like SMS reminders, surveys, and data-driven outreach will be the norm.
Next Step: Send a personalized text this week—something simple like “How can we pray for you?”

12. Push Notifications + SMS > Email: Emails are being ignored, but text reminders and push notifications are driving action. Churches that adopt these tools will improve attendance, outreach, and engagement.
Next Step: Use a text service to remind your congregation about Sunday’s message or a mid-week devotional.

13. Analog is Back (With Creativity): In a digital world, analog surprises people. Churches are reintroducing physical media like church newspapers, bulletins, testimony books, and photo journals that share powerful stories.
Next Step: Print a quarterly booklet highlighting key testimonies and ministry stories from your church.

14. Long-Form Content is Back: People want substance. Long-form content—staff stories, testimony videos, and full-service recaps—will outperform short, surface-level clips.
Next Step: Interview a staff member or volunteer and turn it into a blog post or video feature.

15. Generous Partnerships Between Churches: Denominations and individual churches are working together more than ever. Shared events, joint missions, and pooled resources are creating unity and greater impact.
Next Step: Partner with another church for a combined outreach or worship event.

The future isn’t waiting for us to catch up. As churches, we have to engage what’s next with wisdom, creativity, and faith. Whether you’re implementing AI tools, investing in mental health, or empowering young leaders, these 15 trends offer a roadmap to help your church thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Are you looking for next steps on this?

• Take my AI Masterclass to learn how to use these tools effectively for your church.

• Head over to JRLester.com and download my free AI Prompting Guide to get started.

The future is coming, and the gospel is still good news. Let’s make sure the church is ready for it.

What trend resonates most with you? Drop a comment below, and let’s keep building together!