Futurist Seeks CRC input

Tom Sine, Christian author and futurist, is writing a new book. He is concerned that churches and denominations are not being deliberate enough in planning for the various scenarios that he sees being played out in our society. Here is a list of some of the questions he is asking. Is your church wresting with these questions? If so, let's discuss how your church is addressing the questions and encourage active engagement around the questions that can serve as some models for Tom Sine.

Here are the questions from Tom Sine:

QUESTIONS TO ENABLE CRC LEADERS TO CREATE INNOVATIVE RESPONSES TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CONTEXTS 2020 TO 2025

1. What are some examples of church leaders forecasting changes in their neighborhoods, in the near future, to help focus their local mission initiatives?
2. What are some innovative ways your congregation is creating to address these new opportunities?
3. What are some of the changing needs of your congregation in the next 5 years?
4. What are some new creative ways to work with your members to address these new opportunities?
5. What aging congregations, in your region, may need to shut down their church in the next 5 years?
6. What are some creative ways their property could be re-purposed {even if it isn't your congregation}. For example some church properties have been transformed into low income housing, co-working space, or using some of the land for a community garden.
7. I find that many leaders are not aware that our young people, in gen Y and Z, are facing much higher costs than any prior generations to launch their lives. Average school debt is well over $40,000. However a remarkable number of students are graduating with $80,000 to over $100,000 debt (even from state universities). Add to this that many young people on the coasts and other more expensive areas of the country, are also facing much higher housing costs than their parents generation did. In fact a growing number could hit a major financial crisis, early in their marriage, if they try to buy into a housing options that is beyond their means. What are creative options churches are encouraging to enable those starting out to reduce their school debt and explore other housing options? For example:
   1. Buying a duplex with another couple to reduce costs and create community
   2. Joining or building a collaborative community
   3. Construct a tiny starter house to reduce debt and free up time for family and church
   4. Encouraging members to provide unused rooms or space for those starting out
   5. Encouraging  and helping the paying off of school debt before purchasing a home

Share your experience and encourage others in providing Tom Sine with some models.