The Unchurched

The majority of adults in America were raised in a church environment. Yet, the younger you are, the less likely being raised in the church is a reality. This is especially the case for Millennials.

Those who were raised up in it know that within the church there is a particular sub-culture. Someone that grew up hearing the church lingo, seeing the church sights, smelling the church scents, and experiencing the corporate church meetings understands this sub-culture even if they are not currently involved with the church. But, it is not at all familiar to those that have not been a part it all of their life – the unchurched.

Ever been in a situation where you felt like everyone knew exactly what to say, what to wear, and what to do…except for you? It’s uncomfortable. It’s intimidating. It’s not much fun. That is precisely how the people who did not grow up in church feel when visiting a church environment. It’s hard to know what is expected of you. It often feels like you stick out like a sore thumb.

But, how is this remedied without changing the entire sub-culture of the church? How can we reach those who are unchurched? The answer lies in Jesus Christ. He left heaven to come to earth. He was in the most glorious, beautiful, fun, fabulous, and peaceful place someone could ever be. He made a choice to become human. Jesus Christ grew up poor, gave up many rights, and reached out to people to serve them. Instead of expecting people to get in line and follow Him, He spent time seeking out, walking towards, and hanging out with people on their turf.

So literally, He went on their turf while on earth but figuratively, He went on their turf by becoming human and living in a broken world.

The church is not a facility. The church is a collective of individuals. It would be helpful to the unchurched if those that ARE the church pursued them. If the church’s posture toward the unchurched was to be inclusive and interact with them where they live, on their turf, it would be much more reflective of the God they serve.

Many individuals that are unchurched are looking for meaning and purpose in life. Everyone deserves to know the truth. The truth should be explained in simple terms and in a gracious manner. There is a way to present the truth to those unchurched, and it does not usually occur in a church gathering. It occurs and is lived out every day outside the walls of where the church meets. Remember, the church is not a facility. It happens in living rooms, coffee shops, parks, businesses, and restaurants. The church is a collective of individuals.

If you were not raised in a church environment, you might be searching for answers about life. Maybe you don’t know anyone that has been helpful to answering those questions. Would you like to have a conversation? Let’s talk!