Spreading the Gospel in a Post-Christian Culture
Transform Minnesota is committed to helping the Church of the future navigate change. One change we have seen occurring in the United States is a post-Christian culture shift. This change has implications for reaching a growing number of religiously unaffiliated Americans – especially from younger generations – with the Gospel.
Understanding the Culture Shift
There is a growing cultural divide between the Church and the secular world. The fastest growing religious group in the U.S. is the religiously unaffiliated. The number of these religious “nones” has grown by more than 30 million people over the last 10 years. This change is most pronounced among the Millennial and Gen Z generations.
Religious “nones” are growing colder to organized Christianity and are unlikely to ever enter a church. Many young people have left the Church, citing hypocrisy between stated beliefs and actual practice. They also see the Church as inactive, failing to address needs and issues that are most relevant to their lives.
Adjusting our Approach to Evangelism
Rather than using an outside-in approach, we must shift to an inside-out focus by bringing Jesus to the people.
Methods of evangelism which focus on proclaiming the Gospel and bringing people to church are no longer the best way to reach younger generations. Rather than this outside-in approach, we must shift to an inside-out focus by bringing Jesus to the people.
Many young religious “nones” are spiritually curious and are open to hearing more about Jesus. They are looking for people who demonstrate their faith and fully integrate it into their life. They want to build authentic relationships with people who will listen to their difficult questions without judgment.
Looking Forward
Transform Minnesota is committed to engaging in this critical conversation. Last year we hosted a webinar series titled “Gen Z and the Church” which you can view on our website. We are also partnering with Steiger International for Jesus in the Secular World workshops in the Twin Cities and Rochester.
We look forward to continued learning and dialogue with pastors and ministry leaders, including a workshop in 2023 with Steiger International: Spiritual Conversations for the Non-Religious.
