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?

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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.
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Visit https://www.upward.org/ChurchAnswers/

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Susanne Wimmer, Clownin