Insights into the Un-Churched

Insights into the Un-Churched:
I am reading a book called, “Surprising Insights from the Un-Churched”. Below I will give some myths that Christians should know about the Un-Churched. The research is compelling. The reality is that somewhere between 80 to 90 percent of churchless Americans will never enter our churches. We have tried to make church touchy feely and seeker sensitive yet we are finding more and more people out of church than inside. This is alarming. How have we missed it?
The research in this book is compelling because it is research on the formerly un-churched. These are people who have no church background, but have made a commitment to faith in the year. Every other study on the un-churched is with those who have not become believers and who may never become believers. This study is worth noting because it is of people who have actually moved from un-churched to churched. Below are some myths the church has about the un-churched.
It is imperative that I discuss a few issues before I address these myths.
1. Understand that I do not apologize for using the word church. Jesus says, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it”. Church is a term that more Christians have a problem with than do the un-churched. I am tired of reading books that tell me that I cannot use certain terms because it confuses people. If the word church confuses people it is understandable. If you draw your definition from the looks of its followers then it might not be something you want to be a part of. It is time we as the church starting acting like the church. Enough said…
2. I think there must be a balance in your church of being sensitive to unbelievers and teaching truth with passion, power, correction, rebuke, etc… I admit this is a hard balance to figure out. I am certain however that you must call sin, sin. You preach the Gospel. It will offend. I am memorizing the ”sermon on the mount” and at times it seems that Jesus goes out of his way to offend. Sin is unacceptable to God and the church should stop making light of it. 2 Tim. 3:16-7 says, “All scripture is God breathed and useful in teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” What does it say scripture is useful for? Enough said…
Four Myths about the Un-churched that really stuck out to me: (There were nine total)
1. Myth # 1: The Un-Churched are Turned Off by Denominational Names.
· The researched showed that 81% of the formerly un-churched that were interviewed said that the name had no impact on the coming to that church. Some admitted that the name was a positive influence on them coming to church because they knew what to expect.
· When asked directly most all of those interviewed thought it strange that anyone would consider that to be an issue.
2. Myth # 2: The Un-Church Never Attend Church.
· Out of almost 400 interviewed only 100% had visited a church at least once the year before becoming a believer. That is amazing. That means that the un-church are interested in church or have something within them that makes them think it is ok to go to church. The book says, “In 1999, 12% of atheist and agnostics attended an Easter service. That is over 1 million people”.

Myth # 3: The Un-Churched cannot be reached by Direct Personal Evangelism

· 65% of those interviewed were led to a relationship with Jesus by someone else. The research showed that seeker sensitive services are not bringing people to Jesus at near the rate as one-on-one personal evangelism. Most of those interviewed received a visit from someone in the church.
· This is crucial. Many churches don’t visit people because they are afraid that people may not want a stranger coming to their house. Good excuse. Isn’t it good that our opinions don’t matter when they are wrong, because the research is clear? Visitations work and are extremely effective. We have bought the lie that personal visits to people don’t work.
Myth # 4: Do not Teach Deep and Complex Biblical Truth that may confuse the un-churched.
· “One important lesson we learned from the formerly un-churched is that we should never dilute biblical teaching for the sake for the un-churched. Jennifer, a Minnesota resident, expressed similar sentiments: ‘I have watched CNBC [a business cable network] for years, since I follow my investments closely. ‘She said. ‘I remember the first time I watched the program. They used language that contained some strange phrases…Sometimes they explained them and other times I had to go to the dictionary or the internet to learn, but I enjoyed the learning experience…I want meaty teaching. I can handle it”
· The research also showed that 91% of the un-churched said doctrine was important.
· In a later chapter on preaching I think Thom Rainer got it right when he explained that it was important to teach deep truth and application. Not one or the other. Good teachers of God’s Word can get you to the context and then apply it to your life.

Just think about it...