Almost 25 years ago, we completed a research project that yielded the book “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched.” The study was a breakthrough in many ways, shattering long-held myths about how the unchurched felt about the church. What about now? Do the unchurched today have feelings similar to those of a generation ago? Thom and Sam reveal their new research.

• • The unchurched and churched believe local churches are generally good for their communities, with almost 6 out of 10 unchurched people agreeing or strongly agreeing.
  • The unchurched believe churches are still relevant but not trustworthy. A significant surprise emerged in the data: Non-attendees view the church as more relevant today than churchgoers! But the issue of trust was a different story. Attendees generally trust their churches (81%) and pastors (76%), while trust levels were lower among non-attendees with churches (30%) and pastors (35%).
  • The unchurched are open to friendships through church but are intimidated to visit because they don’t feel welcome. Over half of non-attendees believe the church would be a good place to make new friends, but they are intimidated to visit a church alone.
  • The unchurched don’t attend mainly because of indifference and not because of busyness or antagonism.
  • Churched people care more about worship style, programming, and denominational preferences than the unchurched. But the top reason churched people attend a particular church is because someone invited them. The church and unchurched alike attend a particular church primarily because someone invited them.

Resources:

• California Baptist University

• Upward Sports

• “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• Church Answers Central

• The Everything Church Resource Directory

• The Hope Initiative

• Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector

Episode Sponsors:

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Who is Upward Sports?

• Upward Sports is the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, dedicated to partnering with local churches to use sports outreach to reach the community.
• Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering.
• When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel.
• Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all.
• Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Consider adding sports ministry in 2025. If you have a gym, field space, or even access to a facility consider Upward Sports.
• Now is the time to consider using sports as your 2025 outreach ministry! Schedule a call to learn more about launching a first-class, organized, intentional league in the new year!
• Visit https://www.upward.org/ChurchAnswers/

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