The emerging evangelistic opportunity in a time of upheaval
Nov 15, 2023
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The hosts discuss the emerging trend of churches in Australia, the increase in baptisms and people turning to faith during the pandemic, the decline of faith in politics and institutions, challenges faced by millennials, and the potential return of Christianity as a political and cultural movement.
Increased conversions and baptisms are being witnessed in Australian churches, presenting an evangelistic opportunity in a secular society.
Trust in religious institutions, specifically local churches, is on the rise in Australia, offering a source of meaning and community amidst declining trust in other institutions.
Deep dives
Growing trend of unchurched Australians turning to faith
A significant trend has emerged in Australia, where unchurched individuals with no previous church background are increasingly showing up at churches and converting to faith. This phenomenon, which has gained momentum since the pandemic, is a notable shift in a secular society like Australia. Churches that have rarely witnessed anyone coming to faith for years are now experiencing multiple conversions and baptisms. The frequency of unchurched Australians seeking out church experiences has risen, signaling a potential evangelistic opportunity amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the world.
Declining trust in institutions and rising trust in religious institutions
Trust in institutions like the Australian government, mainstream media, and large corporations has drastically declined in recent years. This erosion of trust is consistent with a global trend observed in many Western countries. Surprisingly, however, religious institutions, particularly local churches, are experiencing a resurgence of trust in Australia. Around 21% of Australians now express faith in local churches, and 19% trust in the broader church community. This renewed trust reflects a search for meaning, values, and community amidst the loss of trust in other institutions. It presents an opportunity for religious institutions to engage with evolving beliefs and needs, offering a different narrative and source of trust to individuals seeking something beyond the current societal and political landscape.
The decline of the dominant secular narrative
The prevailing narrative of progress through secularism and liberalism is being challenged and eroded. Over the past decades, the belief that human efforts and technological advancements would lead to a better future has faced numerous obstacles, such as economic crises, terrorism, and environmental problems. Disillusionment with the promise of a better world has resulted in a loss of trust in the institutions promoting this narrative. As the existing story falters, people are searching for new answers, contemplating the legacy of the Judeo-Christian tradition and its potential to provide a sense of unity, values, and meaning in a world plagued by geopolitical tensions, ideological conflicts, and the spread of woke ideology.
The possibility of a resurgence in cultural Christianity
Amidst the decline of trust in institutions and the search for alternative narratives, there is a growing possibility of a resurgence in cultural Christianity. While the scale and numbers remain uncertain, it is plausible that more people, disillusioned and disheartened by the secular narrative, could embrace cultural Christianity as a form of identity and value system. This resurgence may not necessarily lead to widespread church attendance or religious devotion, but it could offer an entry point for renewed engagement with Christian beliefs and values. As individuals question the prevailing story and seek meaning and values, relational connections within local communities, such as encounters on trains, cafes, or schools, could become catalysts for conversations and explorations of faith.
