Inspired by Jeremy, I dug up an old Facebook tag. For those of you used to expecting distinguished and profound posts from me, you’ll be so disappointed… For those of you who know me, this will assure you that I am still not distinguished and profound. I intercepted a note in 5th or 6th grade [...]
An informal survey of the unchurched
Posted By Jeff on June 30th, 2008
I’ve got to point your attention to an excellent article that Mandy wrote for ignorantprotestant.com the other day. I was privileged to help her in a couple of areas, but it was really her brain-sweat that produced a wonderfully informative and provocative piece.
She interviewed a few unchurched families in our area. They were gracious enough to answer five questions. The results of the survey may surprise you in a few areas. Swing by IP and check out the article.
One of the things that our leadership team at church has wrestled with as a result of the survey is whether small groups are harder for a “new person” to attend than what we previously thought. Our church is organized around small group ministry, and we all believed that most people in our area who did not go to church would be more apt to come to a fun, informal gathering in one of our homes than they would a church service.
However, nearly all of those who responded indicated that small groups and a large evangelism-type crusade were the events they would be least likely to attend. I would imagine that perhaps when they heard the term “small group” in the question, that they envisioned being trapped or cornered in a home with some Bible beaters. That’s obviously not how our small groups function. Rather, they are much like dinner parties (sometimes without the dinner, but always with the party!). They’re laid-back, laughter-filled, encouraging gatherings of friends and families who simply are trying to live the life Jesus asked us to.
I’d be interested in following your thoughts and comments on the survey over at IP. I manage that site as well, so feel free to leave a comment there as well.
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June 30th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Great article and an interesting survey.
I’m curious to know what defines someone as “unchurched”?
Are these people that have NEVER been to church?
Michaels last blog post..The vote
July 1st, 2008 at 10:12 am
Wow Jeff! I don’t know Mandy but that was a great article. I’m always fascinated by what people who would consider themselves spiritually confused really think about church, Christians, and God. Great stuff.
Jim Parkers last blog post..Building Materials
July 1st, 2008 at 11:06 am
Glad to see the link up. :)
Michael – the “unchruched” folks were actually majority Christian. Many had attentded church in the past, or even grew up in church. It seemed that most were just simply having a hard time finding a church in which they fit in, or were burned by past experiences and had “given up” on church in general. In all honesty, some possibly simply have a hard time feeling the pressure to make changes in their lives and in a sense fled from those uncomfortable feelings. (something I’ve done in my own head if not physically)
This was a really fun article to write and made me deal with some of my own church issues. Jeff is a fantastic editor, if you guys didn’t know. He gives himself far too little credit here!
Mandys last blog post..Sorry to Keep You Hanging
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Thanks Mandy, I also wondered if their Faith had any relevance to their answers.
I didn’t know if there was a timeline which defined someone as “unchurched” or if they had simply not ever been to a church.
Interesting survey and a well written article!
Michaels last blog post..The vote
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:07 am
Michael,
Thanks for the interaction. “Unchurched” is such a vague word and can be applied to folks in many different situations. I think most churches genuinely want to reach everyone that is unchurched, whatever that means.
However, real ministry takes place when folks are reached that do not have a personal love relationship with Jesus Christ – regardless of whether they’re not attending church or are regulars. I hope that the intent of this research helps people understand that attending “church” is not the goal – submitting oneself to one’s Creator through a faith-filled, humble, love relationship with Jesus Christ is.