Preston Ulmer — Good-Faith Conversations with Those Who Doubt
Nov 18, 2021
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Preston Ulmer, founder of the Doubters’ Club, is passionate about fostering friendship between Christians and atheists. He shares insights on creating empathetic dialogues that encourage understanding and connection amid differing beliefs. Ulmer discusses the need for churches to adapt to cultural shifts and engage meaningfully with skeptics through initiatives like his Doubters’ Club. He emphasizes practical strategies for nurturing faith conversations, moving beyond traditional conversion tactics to build authentic relationships.
Preston Ulmer emphasizes the importance of empathy and active listening in facilitating meaningful conversations between Christians and non-Christians.
The church must understand and support individuals questioning their faith, allowing them a judgment-free space to explore their beliefs.
Deep dives
The Birth of The Doubters Club
The Doubters Club originated from the idea of creating a safe space for open dialogue between Christians and non-Christians. In Denver, the founder Preston Ulmer encountered an atheist who expressed a desire for a judgment-free environment to discuss beliefs and questions freely. This inspired Ulmer to form a club where individuals could engage in respectful conversations, challenging each other's views while building trust and friendship. The club's structure allows participants to vote on discussion topics, fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Engaging in meaningful conversations across differing beliefs poses a significant challenge due to people's attachment to being right and their personal narratives. Ulmer highlights that discussions often fail because individuals prioritize winning arguments over understanding each other’s stories. This dynamic leads to frustration on both sides, as those with differing views feel unheard while those with firmly held beliefs struggle to discuss sensitive topics. By recognizing the importance of empathy and active listening, individuals can foster deeper connections and navigate conversations with greater ease.
Responding to the Deconstruction Movement
The deconstruction movement has led many individuals to question their faith, often resulting from experiences of hypocrisy and disillusionment with religious institutions. Ulmer shares his personal journey of faith questioning and emphasizes the need for churches to understand the specific concerns of those deconstructing their beliefs. This requires churches to engage openly and walk alongside individuals without judgment, allowing them the freedom to explore their faith authentically. By addressing these underlying issues, churches can build trust and foster genuine relationships with those struggling with their beliefs.
Building Intentional Relationships
To foster meaningful connections with non-believers, individuals must intentionally seek out relationships beyond their comfort zones. This involves frequenting places outside of strictly Christian environments and engaging with community members in casual settings. By asking questions and showing genuine interest in others' stories, individuals can establish rapport and create opportunities for deeper discussions. Ulmer advocates for a proactive approach where Christians consciously integrate themselves into diverse social settings, allowing for authentic relationships that facilitate faith-sharing opportunities.
Preston Ulmer is the founder and director of the Doubters’ Club, an organization that teaches Christians and atheists to model friendship and pursue truth together.****
Additionally, he serves as the director of network development for the Church Multiplication Network (CMN), the church planting arm of the Assemblies of God.
Before joining CMN, he served in ministry for years as a youth pastor, young adult pastor and church planter. Preston has two master’s degrees, one in religion and one in divinity. His experience and education led him and his family to plant a church in Denver, CO, where he also founded the Doubters’ Club.
Preston’s book, The Doubters’ Club: Good-Faith Conversations with Skeptics, Atheists, and the Spiritually Wounded, released from NavPress in September 2021.