Rise of the "Nones": A New Evangelism Challenge - Part 1 of 2

Early on in my ministry, I started working in highly “unchurched” areas. When I walked down the streets of Orange County, California, I was struck by how many people would admit their religious NON-affiliation — that they either used to be a Christian, grew up Christian or they didn’t go to church at all.

Since then all The Journey Church campuses I’ve planted have been in highly unchurched areas, like New York City, San Francisco and South Florida. And today about 90 percent of those we baptize come out of previously unaffiliated status.

But a new trend is emerging in other parts of the country — places that traditionally have been more religious are now starting to resemble New York and California. You’ve probably experienced this trend for yourself and seen evidence in your own community.

The religious landscape in America is changing.

And recent studies from Pew Research Center confirm this decline of Christianity and the increasing secularization of our society. The fastest growing “religious” group in America is now those who have NO religious affiliation whatsoever.

Join me next week for the second part to this series.

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.