This week’s guest post was written by Ed Stetzer, President of LifeWay Research. Mr Stetzer explores our youth’s perception of church and how their openness to hearing the Gospel goes largely unanswered.

There’s an idea that Christianity in America is dying. No serious researcher—not one—thinks that. However, I still am surprised that some people think this.

Facts are our friends, in this and in every situation, and what do the facts really show about the situation?

The Unchurched Are Open

A few years ago, LifeWay Research did some significant research on the faith of young adults to see where they stood. Here are a few stats from that study:

• 73% of unchurched 20- to 29-year old Americans consider themselves “spiritual” because they want to know more about “God or a higher supreme being.”
• 89% of unchurched young adults say they would listen to what someone believes about Christianity.
• 63% of young adults said they would attend church if it presented truth to them in an understandable way “that relates to my life now.”
• 58% of 20-somethings would be more likely to attend if people at the church “cared for them as a person.”

77% of those young people who self-identify as unchurched think that believing in Jesus makes a positive difference in a person’s life, yet they seem to be staying away from church.

Why?

A lot of it has to do with their perception of church.

The overwhelming majority believe the church is full of hypocrites (67% of young unchurched). A significant group, approximately 39%, believe their lifestyle wouldn’t be accepted at most Christian churches. Finally, about 90% of young unchurched think they can have a good relationship with God without the church.

It is a mistake to say that young adults now are as connected to church as previous generations—they aren’t. But, it is a bigger mistake to think they are not open to spiritual things—because they are.

Click here to read the full article.

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Nelson

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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.