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    Ed Stetzer on CNN: The Unchurched Would Enjoy Conversations About Spiritual Matters

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    Here’s the link to more on the research...

    Despite their negative opinions about the institutional church, most unchurched people are open to discussing spiritual matters with a friend. The research showed that 78 percent of those surveyed said they would be willing to listen to someone who wanted to talk about their Christian beliefs. The number rose to 89 percent among adults 18-29 years of age. Ed Stetzer, who headed the LifeWay Research Project had a chance to tell the world some of the results on CNN recently. Ed said, "Even though the unchurched have a confused view of God and a negative view of the church, they are overwhelmingly open to someone sharing about their Christian faith...We think religion is a topic that is off-limits in polite conversation, but unchurched people say they would enjoy conversations about spiritual matters."

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    1. Camey on Mon, January 28, 2008

      This reminds me of a conversation myself and Doug (who I am on staff with) had last week with an unchurched person who came in for assistance.


      The unchurched man said he wanted to come but had too many struggles to think he could come to church. That he needed to get his struggles out of the way first.


      One of the really cool things about working with Doug… he has a way of really talking with men. I shared with the man that Doug and I both have struggles and that is part of why we are in the church. That there is no perfect person any church. Only Jesus was perfect. Doug then told the man his testimony. The man had tears in his eyes. You could tell his heart was being softened about the church. For the record… Doug is on staff at our church but is a member and Bible study teacher at another church in town. That’s part of why I so enjoy working with Doug. It’s not just about one church… it is about Him.

    2. deaubry on Mon, January 28, 2008

      amen camey, it,s about him

    3. pm68 on Mon, January 28, 2008

      I totally agree and find this be very true, particularly if done in a non-confrontational way.  I think people are very receptive to spiritual conversations if done in a way that they does not make them feel like they’re being proselytized or judged.  People respond better if they feel they and their opinions are respected.  Remember, to respect someone does not mean that there will be total agreement.  But at least we can value each person we come in contact with for the worth that they possess as part of God’s creation.

    4. Peter Hamm on Mon, January 28, 2008

      I think they do enjoy spiritual conversations, but not sermonizing… Let’s be careful out there!

    5. Camey on Mon, January 28, 2008

      I have Spiritual conversations with unchurched individuals almost daily. Interestingly enough? At times it is the unchurched who really seem to want to have the Spiritual conversations as opposed to those who are churched.


      Sermonizing? Now that sounds like some thing I hear more from the churched Peter.. Not the unchurched.. Just my experiences perhaps.

    6. Jan on Mon, January 28, 2008

      I would heartily agree UNLESS you are the pastor or his wife, and then that title really scares them.


      It has been fun to be totally what wasn’t expected and then they start the conversation.


      I was in a show this last Christmas and every one of the cast members approached me (after I didn’t them) and told me their personal religous beliefs.  It was very interesting.


      We live in a small community so the “pw” label is on whether I want it or not.

    7. lymrzlek on Fri, February 29, 2008

      qmvukpms http://vjqtdzoe.com okowrkuu sowrfole nyhlpqha  zfftfjah

    8. Katrina on Sat, March 01, 2008

      Camey,


      I agree with your experience concerning churched/unchurched as it pertains to witnessing.  I am blown away at how many “Christians” do not want to have a conversation about their faith.  I love it when a Christian I do not know tries to share their faith with me.  It is exciting to see believers doing what we are called to do.  Self proclaimed Christians blow me off way more than unbelievers.


      One of the best questions to ask is “What do you believe happens after a person dies?”  You’ll be surprised at where it takes the conversation!

    9. CS on Sat, March 01, 2008

      Katrina and Camey:


      On the same note, how about who are the biggest protesters of public preaching or witnessing to people in public places?  How many times have people who would described themselves as Christians been the biggest voices in crowds objecting to things?



      CS

    10. Camey on Mon, March 03, 2008

      Katrina,


      I’ve definitely used that question numerous times before. One thing I have become aware of and personall convicted of in the last year or two is this…. we must be careful to not place such an emphasis on when “after” a person dies.  Abundant life/living is a part of the here/now as a Christ follower not just a then/when. And by abundant I’m not referring to money.


      Greatly appreciate you sharing your experiences.


      CS & Katrina,


      I haven’t said it before but welcome to MMI. You two have definitely stirred things up around here lately.

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