We are called to go and make disciples, but it’s not always easy. It’s simple enough to welcome visitors who are new to the area but have always gone to church. But what about the unchurched? What about the people we know who have little or no background with Christianity? It’s hard to reach people when it seems like you don’t even speak the same language.
But it is possible to reach the unchurched and it starts by knowing about them and committing to meet them where they are. Here are eight stats that will help you do that better.
- Society is becoming increasingly unchurched. According to a Barna study, nearly 40 percent of Americans now qualify as post-Christian. This means that people are increasingly secular in their beliefs and actions. If these adults are post-Christian, they are then raising their children with the same mindset, which will only increase the secularization of America.
- Society is also increasingly ignoring the idea of church. The same study found that while personal invitation is the most effective way to reach people, fewer people are inviting their friends, neighbors, and co-workers to church. In addition, traditional advertising methods like TV, billboards, and direct mailings are increasingly less effective than they were 20 years ago.
- The Barna study also showed that the unchurched are skeptical of the Church’s role in society. Despite decades of opening hospitals, schools, universities and community centers, most Americans cannot describe Christianity’s contributions to the community. You cannot assume that your church’s influence in society is known or appreciated.
- Millennials are “spiritual but not religious.” One study showed that while 40 percent of millennials think that religion is important to their lives, 80 percent say they have spiritual beliefs. This may come from an upbringing that encouraged them to question authority and not simply accept what they were told. Individualism prevents many millennials from being open to the idea of organized religion.
- Cities in the South and Midwest are the most churched.
- San Francisco is the least churched city in the United States. Other highly unchurched cities are primarily located in the northeast and northwest sections of the country.
- Almost half of unchurched respondents in this LifeWay Research survey say they discuss religion freely when it’s brought up.
- More than half of the unchurched in the LifeWay survey said they would be likely to attend a church service if a friend or family member invited them.
We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus with those who don’t know him or who have decided to try life on their own. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we go and make disciples.
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