|
|
The 4% Problem
What if people are more ready for the gospel than our churches are ready to share it?
In a recent survey of senior pastors, Barna found that just 4% believe their church is very effective at reaching people who don’t attend church. Only 14% say the same about discipleship and spiritual formation.
David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, says younger generations are deeply anxious about the future: war, financial insecurity, loneliness, and whether their lives will amount to anything. Yet amid that uncertainty, many are asking spiritual questions and looking for a faith that can hold the weight of their lives.
Kinnaman sees an opening for the church. When the world feels unstable, people may become more open to the gospel. As Jesus told his disciples, the fields are ripe for harvest.
But are our churches ready?
Kinnaman warns that too many congregations have become, in his words, “event management services.” Churches can plan excellent services and welcome curious visitors without offering the deeper teaching, spiritual formation, and meaningful relationships people need to grow. The danger isn’t simply that people won’t come. It’s that they might come and leave without ever becoming participants in the life of the gospel.
So how can your church prepare?
Practice evangelism. Kinnaman urges pastors to do more than encourage outreach from the pulpit. Have regular, meaningful conversations with people outside the church. Equip your congregation to share how Jesus has changed their lives.
Make room for deeper growth. Look at one ministry in your church. Does it offer a next step beyond attending? Add a teaching series, a shared prayer practice, or a clear pathway into discipleship.
Give younger leaders a voice. Kinnaman points to the Jesus Movement of the 1960s as a reminder that spiritual renewal can emerge from cultural upheaval. He encourages established leaders to pray for discernment and resist the temptation to fit younger generations into familiar models. Invite a younger leader to help shape a ministry or identify what your church may be missing.
We cannot manufacture revival. But we can prepare our churches to nurture the faith of those who come seeking Jesus.
|
|
Ministry Intel
What Any Church Can Do to Reach More Young Adults | Church Answers
In a study of more than 11,000 congregations, Faith Communities Today found that 16% had significant young adult participation, defined as at least 21% of attendees ages 18–34. Thom Rainer points to two practical places to start: help young adults find meaningful relationships in your church, and make sure your website gives newcomers the information they need. Churches with major technology use were more likely to have significant young adult participation than those with marginal use (24% vs. 10%).
Southern Baptist Support for Great Commission | Baptist Press
Southern Baptists gave a record $212.5 million to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Baptisms have also increased for five consecutive years, the first such streak in about 75 years, while 2025 saw almost 700 church plants—the most since 2016. In West Lafayette, Indiana, one new church planted to reach Purdue students celebrated 38 baptisms in a single service. Behind all of those numbers are people encountering the gospel. Make sure your congregation hears those stories, too.
Growth Toolkit
Lifeway’s assessment helps church leaders see what discipleship looks like in their congregation and choose a next step. Free.
Bible League’s evangelism and discipleship training teaches members to share their testimony and disciple new believers. Free for U.S. churches.
What would you like to see more of? Hit reply and let us know.
You're receiving this because you care about growing healthy churches. Forward this to a fellow pastor who could use some encouragement.