How do those who do not go to church view both Christians and the church? Check out the video below, which is based on research from Lifeway Research:
On the other hand, Lifeway says that “78 percent of those surveyed said they would be willing to listen to someone who wanted to talk about their Christian beliefs. The number rose to 89 percent among adults 18-29 years of age” (click here for full article).
In summary, the unchurched have an extremely negative view of the church and Christians, but on the other hand are extremely open to talking with Christians about their beliefs. They are down with Jesus but not those hypocritical Christians. This research makes it clear that churches can no longer expect the unchurched to walk into its building with clever marketing. Rather, the journey to bring people to Jesus and to commune with his bride (the church) is through personal and individual conversations.
I pray that this plant in the Twin Cities will seek to cultivate MANY conversations with the unchurched in local coffee houses and other community hang-outs, and that these conversations will lead people to not only follow Jesus but also love his church. After all, if you love Christ you will love the church.
- Bryan
[HT: Ed Stetzer]
