Q: What is the United Church’s future?
A: I first heard the call to ministry when I was 17, half a lifetime ago. Now, at 34, I’m still one of the youngest ministers in our denomination. God willing, I intend to serve the United Church for many more decades. I also have nothing but optimism for the future of the United Church — if we are willing to change.
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The founders of the United Church gave up denominational identities, buildings, resources and power for the sake of the Gospel. They wanted to ensure that throughout Canada, there were faithful communities rooted in Jesus and serving our country.
In our time, God is asking us to do the same. What do we need to give up for others?
The Canada of 2025 looks much different than the Canada of 1925. Canadians are more diverse, less Christian and far more urban, and we face many crises — of climate, of sovereignty, of what AI will mean to our society and economy.
Canada is changing, but Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Our message remains good news, that Jesus loves us and our neighbours and calls us to do the same. Our methods and tools, however, must change as the world changes.
More on Broadview:
- 3 evergreen challenges in churches — and how to deal with them
- To survive, the United Church must let go of the past and welcome what’s next
- My church is running out of money. What should we do?
This means getting out of our bubbles and outside our buildings, setting aside what’s comfortable and instead asking what the people in our community need. As Moderator Rt. Rev. Carmen Lansdowne asks, “How do we design with them in mind?” We need to be passionate about reaching younger generations and connecting with Canada’s growing diversity.
If we’re willing to change, then there will be an incredible future for the United Church.
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Rev. Mitchell Anderson is the lead minister at St. Paul’s United in Saskatoon. Do you have a query for Question Box? Email mitchelljanderson@gmail.com.
This article first appeared in Broadview’s July/August 2025 issue with the title “Leaving Our Bubbles.”
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With gratitude,
Thanks Mitchell and Broadview for stimulating and publishing this important conversation.
As retired clergy who grew up in the United Church, I feel this concern needs to be addressed in every United Church faith community, and we need direction in how to address it. The church still operates on the model we learned many years ago. In order to move into the 21st century and thrive as a church, a new model is required, and so progresses leadership is needed. Although there will be many church members who rebel against change [because they will lose their power], the minority of church members who are supportive of change need to feel the support to do what’s needed. All leadership needs to be on the same page, understanding that God is in control and wants this change. Otherwise, many faith communities will need to close.
WILLING TO CHANGE ?? Hilarious or just tears as change is so tough & tougher as you get older approaching the end of our time here. Change is tough in a theology of death & heaven to attain as vs a theology of life, Spirit. Love, Acceptance- to be alive NOW, sensitive, outspoken, involved in the realities of today beside the living of Jesus; the Sadducees & Pharisees wanted Jesus DEAD as he demanded change to loving one another. What is the message that every community needs to hear ……………….. in our murderous world. ???Sadly, the churches are afraid of that message as it means change- profound change in practice & theological emphasis.
For goodness sake please don’t let the members of th congregation talk with one another INSIST that they sit quietly & listen- muted in the information age.