In my strategic management class, we recently did a case study on the Movie industry. Throughout it, I noticed many correlations with the church and how this could be a part of the generational trend in “experiencing” church. Here they are…
1) Rise in Technology
There has recently been a major transition in the movie industry from using the traditional (physical) film to digital distribution and projection. I’m sure most all of you are well aware of the rise in technology as far as movies are concerned, especially with the new 3D technology. The growth in technology is also reshaping the way we do church (perhaps both good and bad). Bibles have turned into iPads. Offering plates are now offered online. Encouragement cards are actually Facebook posts. “Pew warmers” are now able to be couch warmers. And, microphones are now megachurches.
2) Megachurches & Megaplexes
Speaking of megachurches… Did you know that single-screen theaters were the standard in the 1980’s? I didn’t because I wasn’t born yet. Now they have all been replaced by miniplexes, multiplexes, and megaplexes (which basically means a lot of screens). This has caused a decrease in the number of theaters but an increase in the number of screens. It is evident that this is certainly a trend in the church as megachurches have become more prevalent. Additionally, As the amount of people attending decline…so will the amount of churches.
3) The Transportation Effect
Probably the biggest reason why the above trend has occurred is due to the growing ease of transportation. Driving 30 minutes to a theatre is no longer an issue. Neither is commuting to a megachurch.
4) “Mega”-profitability Issues
Many analysts argue that the movie “industry has overbuilt and too many screens and theaters exist to make the business profitable.” In the bible-belt, I’ve often felt as though there are too many churches to be financially stable. Tulsa, Oklahoma has a church on every corner right next to QuickTrip. Sometimes I wish that different churches would consolidate their resources. However, this may not be best for the people.
5) Inability to Cut Operating Costs
Movie sales aren’t really generated from box-office receipts. In fact, many theaters are lucky to break even solely on ticket sales. There aren’t much costs that can be cut here. In comparison…the church..well it’s a non-profit. For many, particularly smaller churches, it is difficult to be able to cut that much out of operating expenses. But…that’s not to say its impossible.
6) Couch-Warmers
The movie industry is being threatened by growing markets in video streaming such as Netflix. Redbox has also had a big effect. People would rather wait for the movie to come out and stay at home than go see it on a big screen. We now have the availability to do this with church as well. You can find a sermon about anything on the internet. The problem with this is that we are missing the whole point of church.
7) Decline in Attendance
Attending movies must not be as fun as it used to be…that’s why ticket prices are rising. Fewer and fewer people go to a movie on Saturday night. Similarly, America is experiencing a decline in church attendance as well.
8) International Expansion
One of the movie industry’s best strategies right now is international expansion. While sales in America are struggling, other countries are actually experiencing growth. Most missionaries I’ve heard from would argue this same concept in the church. We don’t get to see this on the news…but I believe them. Church attendance may be declining in America, but elsewhere there are people truly advancing the kingdom…despite persecution.
9) How Do we Revamp the Experience?
This is the question every church and every theater is asking…how do we reach the next generation and fuel growth? I still don’t know the answer to that question but that doesn’t mean I’ve quit praying about it.
