February's Outreach Thought

Every month we are bringing you concrete tips and ideas around a particular outreach theme.

February's Outreach Thought: 43%

by Jason Taber, Pastor of Outreach

43%—that’s the number of unchurched Gen-Z Americans (18-25 years old) who have no prior connection to the church. It’s not that they grew up in church then walked away—they have never had a connection or relationship with a church. I read that several months ago and haven’t been able to shake it. I’ve been stuck on the thought: What does this mean for us as we try to share our faith with them? Here are two things that come to mind:

Don’t assume they’re hostile. Sometimes we think this—especially about younger people—and it can be an obstacle. More likely, they don’t know much about Christian faith or church. Start with an assumption that they’re basically open, and share your ideas as something you believe and you find helpful (not something they should necessarily believe or find helpful).

Adjust your starting point. If these young people have no connection to the Church, then they are (right now) no more likely to come to a worship service than you are to attend prayers at a mosque or read from The Book of Mormon. It’s that unfamiliar to them; it’s that disconnected from their life. This is a stark comparison that always helps me think about how to approach my unchurched friends.