Pastor Adam’s Topics for Study during Sabbatical:

1. Church Growth in Today’s World – “In Babylon”

As the world around us becomes increasingly pluralistic and complex, one commentator has described the challenge of church growth today as trying to grow “in Babylon,” reflecting the difficulty of thriving in a culture that often feels foreign or even hostile to the Christian faith. This period of study will focus on how churches can navigate the challenges of a post-Christendom society. The church must reimagine what growth looks like, adapting to new contexts while staying faithful to the Gospel message. This topic will include an exploration of cultural engagement, demographic shifts, and the spiritual needs of people living in a modern "Babylon."

2. Evangelism and Outreach for the Post-Modern Progressive Church

The way of Christ was challenging when He walked the earth and remains so today. Jesus calls His followers to rethink and unlearn much of what they’ve been taught, embracing new perspectives of love, justice, and transformation. Being unformed and reformed—to be transformed by the Spirit—is no easy task. This resonates deeply with many young people today, who often describe their faith journey as one of "deconstructing" the beliefs of their youth in order to find the true Christ and then "reconstructing" their faith in alignment with the Gospel.

This process can feel daunting and unsettling, especially in a world where white Christian Nationalism has taken root in much of the American church, fiercely rejecting the notion of deconstruction. But the more I study scripture, the clearer it becomes that Christ Himself modeled this kind of transformation. He rejected the rigid legalism of the religious elite, emphasizing instead the ethic of love and justice. This process of deconstructing harmful ideologies and reconstructing a faith based on Christ’s teachings is hard, yet essential work for the post-modern, progressive church. Through Christ, this transformation is possible, and studying how to guide others through it is crucial for effective evangelism and outreach.

3. Volunteerism Struggles in the Mainline/Old-Line Church and How to Combat the Issue

Volunteerism is a growing challenge within mainline and old-line denominations, where declining participation and aging congregations are leaving ministries without the hands and hearts they need to thrive. This topic will focus on identifying the reasons behind these struggles—whether they stem from a cultural shift, burnout, or disengagement—and exploring new strategies to reenergize congregants and inspire more active involvement. I will study how other churches have successfully rekindled a spirit of volunteerism, as well as innovative ways to engage younger generations who may seek new forms of commitment outside traditional structures.

4. Effective Blended Worship

Blended worship, which combines traditional and contemporary elements, is an increasingly important model for churches seeking to bring together diverse communities under one roof. Effective blended worship not only connects various generations but also opens up space for creative expression of faith. In this area of study, I plan to visit churches that are excelling in creating blended worship experiences and practicing unique evangelism and outreach. I hope to learn how to weave different worship styles together in ways that are meaningful, inclusive, and spiritually enriching, while also exploring how worship can serve as a catalyst for evangelism.