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May 13, 2004 9:08 AM
[Unchurch.Growth]
One of the guys I work with just handed me an article about the latest George Barna study - "Number of Unchurched Adults Has Nearly Doubled Since 1991." Very interesting read ... especially when, after laying out the facts of the who/what/when/where/why of those who do not come to church, the conclusion reached is ...
"Unchurched people are not just lazy or uninformed, they are wholly disinterested in church life - often passionately so. Stirring worship music won't attract them because worship isn't even on their radar screen. More comfortable pews cannot compete with the easy chair or the bed that already serve the unchurched person well. Church events cannot effectively compete with what the world has to offer. The only thing the Church can provide that no one else has is a life-changing, practical encounter - and on-going relationship - with the living God and with people transformed by similar encounters. Until such a connection is made, focusing on features, programs and benefits other than such a life-shaping encounter is more likely to lose ground than to gain it."
George Barna then chimes in ...
"Millions of young unchurched are more interested in truth, authenticity, experiences, relationships and spirituality than they are in laws, traditions, events, disciplines, institutions, and religion. The confluence of preconceived notions, past experiences and evolving lifestyles and values means that existing churches simply cannot reach millions of today's unchurched people. The rapidly swelling numbers of unchurched people may be forcing existing churches to reinvent their core spiritual practices while holding tightly to their core spiritual beliefs. It will take radically new settings and experiences to effectively introduce unchurched individuals to biblical principles and practices."
I'm reading through Wolfgang Simson's "Houses That Change the World" and finding it both challenging & affirming at the same time. Seems to be striking a chord in harmony with what God has been leading in my heart for over a year now. We literally are standing on the threshold of a new life and ministry combined into one in which we will walk side-by-side those who cannot or will not be reached by the American church in general. We will build relationships, permeate Christ in everything that we do, shatter stereotypes of what a Christian is supposed to look like or what the Church exists as, and watch God draw in His harvest. I only hope that the Church as it exists today for the most part (the traditional walled structure filled with people) will take note of the cries in the wilderness and signs that they see around them, such as this study. I do believe that God is building up His Bride in new and fresh ways, but I don't believe that His desire is to leave the status quo Christians behind in the wake of the storm. God has called us out of the 'church' to be the 'Church' and yet I thank Him for those who are still redeeming the here and now (such as Brian McClaren and Mark Riddle) and opening people's eyes to God's heart.
Posted by Kristo on May 13, 2004 at 09:08 AM | Permalink
Comments
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your worK of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 1Ths 1:2-6 (NKJV)
Posted by: Doug at May 18, 2004 6:35 AM
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