SURPRISING INSIGHTS from the UNCHURCHED and Proven Ways To Reach Them

SURPRISING INSIGHTS from the UNCHURCHED and Proven Ways To Reach Them
c2001 Zondervan pp275 price 29.95 Thoms S Rainer

Introduction.
The term "unchurched" is defined as " a formerly unchurched person who has not been in church, except sporadically, for at least ten years but has recently become active in a church". p.19 They have become Christians. 353 people were interviewed to compile the info. in this book. The project took six years. These people were found in churches representing seven denominations and 37 churches not connected with denominations. This was an American project. 350 church transfers were included in the survey to give some comparisons. Generally churches are more focused on and successful with church transfers than the unchurched.
PART ONE Listening To The Uncurched
Ch. 1 Shattered Myths About The Uncurched
America is unevangelized and unchurched. Only a small percentage of churches experience a vigorous growth of new converts. The unchurched cannot be classified, i.e. of a certain segment of society. The name of a church has little influence on the unchurched. The unchurched do attend church from time to time. Personal evangelism works and reaches the unchurched. The unchurched are not turned off by complex Biblical truth. The concept of Sunday School is not unattractive to the uncurched. Family relationships, especially wives, are more significant than marketplace relationships in influencing the unchurched. The unchurched respond to motivators other than personal needs.
Ch. 2. Pastors and Preaching are Critical
" the evidence that pastors have an enormous role in reaching the uncurched is overwhelming." p. 55. 97% of the uncurched surveyed agreed that the pastor and his preaching played a part in their coming to church. Some of the specifics mentioned about pastors that drew the unchurched were strong teaching, relevancy, conviction, authenticity, good communication, and leadership. The author concludes that good (academic) training is essential to effectiveness.
Ch.3. Relationships That Click
Relationships are definitely significant in unchurched people becoming part of the church. It is one of several keys to reaching the uncurched. Of various relationships, family relationships are the most important. And within the family the wife is the most important.
Ch. 4. Impressed By First Impressions
Consumerism is a reality of our culture and it is alive and well in churches. Second impressions make a greater impression than first impressions. "Quality attracts", Bob Russell Some of the first impressions that warrant attention are friendliness, facilities, and organization .
Ch. 5. Why They Returned and Stayed
Assimilation has been an ongoing challenge for churches. Reasons why people return and stayed are clear doctrinal teaching, high expectations of church adherents (members), involvement in small groups and Sunday School, a clear expression of the purpose of the church, and opportunities for ministry.
Ch. 6 Doctrine Really Matters
A brief account is given of Billy Graham’s struggle with the issue of Biblical inspiration. Interest in doctrine is higher among formerly unchurched than those who are longer term Christians. Not only is doctrine important but it is expected that churches be uncompromising on that doctrine. This involves strong conviction.
PART TWO Leaders Of Churches That Reach The Unchurched
Ch. 7 A Profile of the Unchurched Reaching Leaders
101 pastors of churches that reached unchurched were interviewed. The results were similar to those results from interviewing the 353 unchurched. Pastors gave credit to "unleashed laity". These pastors are long-term, averaging11.8 years. They are theologically conservative.
Ch. 8 What Makes the Leaders Tick?
A personal passion for the lost is key in such a leader. The leader is commited to excellence. The leaders who reach the unchurched shared "fifteen lessons". These lessons touched on many things that were also emphasized by the unchurched in their responses.
Ch. 9 Raising Leadership Issues,
Vision and a strong work ethic are key issues in successful leaders. Leadership development is most effective through mentors. Leaders learn from their own mistakes. Conferences are helpful. "Effective church leaders are more task driven and goal oriented". p.183.
Ch.10 An Honest Look at Their Personal Strengths and Weaknesses .Implimenting change is a sign of an effective leader. Twelve specific strengths and weaknesses are listed and discussed briefly. Being honest about weaknesses gives leaders authenticity and integrity.
Ch.11 Preaching That Connects With the Unchurched
Passion connects. Expository teaching is prefered by preachers. Any style can be effective. Mentors are a strong influence for effective preaching. To connect sermons need to be Biblical. Other valid factors are, being relevant, illustrative, etc.
Conclusion - To Become a Church For The Unchurched.
Fifteen characteristics are listed of churches that reach the unchurched. Strong leadership seems to be at the top of the list. Churches that reach the unchurched have pastors that are vision driven. Only four percent of American churches would be described as effective in reaching the unchurched. The author is optimistic about the future inspite of pessimistic statistics about churches that have plateaued.
There are five Appendixes including Questionaires. These include the questions used for the information in this book.
Comment hd
The people interviewed to gain material for this book are a very select group. All the stories are success stories. Some of the conclusions are opposed to conventional wisdom, i.e. popularly held opinions. Effective preaching keeps coming up as the most significant factor in nonchurched pople becoming churched. This book should be on every preacher’s bookshelf.(?) It is a very American book. Some of the conclusions are too predictable. I am not sure how valid the findings in this book would be in determining outreach strategy for a church. Perhaps I am struggling with the narrowness of the report and it’s conclusions.