NEW Surprising Insights from the Unchurched (Releasing New Research)

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:

• • Are you preparing the leaders in your church for the future? Are you considering pursuing YOUR degree? Let California Baptist University help you live your purpose and achieve your goals!
  • CBU offers a full breadth of courses through its online degree programs. Whether you’re looking to start your degree, finish your degree, or prepare others, CBU’s degree programs provide a flexible, online learning environment for everyone. Classes start every eight weeks; begin any time.
  • An online degree can:
    • Help you gain a better understanding of your life’s purpose;
    • Symbolize competence and integrity in your career; and
    • Provide you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
  • Your team may benefit from a degree in business, leadership, finance, communications or Christian studies. There are dozens of online CBU programs available to you!
  • Are you looking for a degree to prepare your team for active leadership roles in the church or your organization? Consider the online Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries, which develops servant leaders with the tools for understanding and communicating biblical truths.
  • Financial aid is available, and thanks to CBU donors, online undergraduate degrees in Christian Ministries and Christian Studies may qualify for additional scholarship, making earning your degree more affordable.
  • Visit https://calbaptist.edu to learn more.

 

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/

The post NEW Surprising Insights from the Unchurched (Releasing New Research) appeared first on Church Answers.