Ep. 15 - Church Scarcity: Dr. Myles Werntz
On a recent episode of The Last Service Podcast, host Matt McGee interviewed Dr. Myles Werntz, Associate Professor of Theology at Abilene Christian University, about the growing issue of scarcity in churches and how it's shaping ministry.
Key Points:
Scarcity is becoming increasingly common in churches, affecting areas like finances, attendance, and availability of trained ministers.
Dr. Werntz argues that scarcity, while challenging, can also bring unexpected benefits like increased focus, creativity, and empathy.
Churches have typically responded to scarcity in three ways:
Trying to "save" or build up reserves
Ignoring the problem
Deciding to close
The abundance many American churches experienced in the 20th century may have been an historical anomaly rather than the norm.
Rural churches and those outside the Western world have long dealt with scarcity and may offer valuable lessons.
Future ministers may need to be prepared for bi-vocational ministry as full-time paid positions become less common.
Dr. Werntz challenged the common notion that God's faithfulness is always linked to material abundance. He suggested that periods of scarcity might actually be opportunities for spiritual growth and refocusing on core priorities.
The conversation touched on sensitive topics like church closures and the decline of religious participation in the U.S. However, it also highlighted potential silver linings and ways churches might adapt to changing circumstances.
As resources become more limited, Dr. Werntz encouraged churches to look beyond their walls - both to other time periods in church history and to how churches function in different cultural contexts today. These examples may provide inspiration for how to thrive even with limited means.
This thought-provoking episode offers much for church leaders to consider as they navigate an era of increasing scarcity while remaining faithful to their mission.
