Surprising Insights

As a student, I am required to write papers based on reading assignments. I often turn those papers into blogs. I hope you enjoy this latest post on the book, "Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them."

Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them is a book based on research conducted by Thom S. Rainer on the attitudes and beliefs of unchurched people in America. The book offers excellent advice to churches on how they can reach out to unchurched people in an effort to help them feel welcomed in a church community.

Let me first say that I never liked the word “Unchurched.” In my opinion, the word has a negative implication and could come off as an insult. The word unchurched reminds me of the word uncivilized. And while those who know me know that I am attempting to be humorous, there is a seriousness that may need to be considered when addressing people as unchurch or unsaved. So what words should we use instead? Don’t ask me. I haven’t gotten that far.  

However, one of the things I did do was read this excellent book, which was very informative. One of the main points of this book is that unchurched people are not necessarily anti-religious. Many unchurched people have spiritual beliefs, but they have not found a church that resonates with their beliefs or that they feel comfortable attending. This means that churches need to focus on understanding the needs and perspectives of unchurched people in order to effectively reach out to them.

Another important point made in the book is that friendliness and a sense of belonging are vital factors for unchurched people. Unchurched people are more likely to attend a church where they feel welcomed and accepted, where people are friendly, and where they feel like they belong. Personal invitations from friends, family, and acquaintances are also a highly effective way to reach unchurched people.

The quality of music and preaching can also have a significant impact on whether unchurched people choose to attend a church. Unchurched people are more likely to attend a church if they enjoy the music and if they find the preaching engaging and relevant to their lives.

Additionally, the physical appearance of a church can affect attendance. The building, landscaping, and signage of a church can impact whether unchurched people choose to attend. Churches that offer high-quality programs for children are also more likely to attract unchurched families.

Getting back to the word unchurched… Before we take an attitude against people because they are unchurched or unsaved, let us first look at ourselves and consider that maybe they are unchurched and unsaved because we never invited them to church. Or, more importantly, we never gave them an invitation to Christ.

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