Do You Know What Non-Christians Want from a Faith Conversation?

New Poll reveals startling findings.

Read this quote slowly and thoughtfully: “However willing they may be, Christians’ ability to witness for Christ may be impeded by the simple fact that they don’t have meaningful relational connections with non-Christians, or the conversational skills necessary to talk meaningfully about faith.” (Conclusion to a Barna Research Report, February 19, 2019)

As you pray and seek to be a faithful gospel witness for the Lord, note some of the findings by Barna Research: Nearly all non-Christians (identify with a faith other than Christianity or no faith at all) and lapsed Christians (identify as Christian but have not attended church within the past month) have a friend or family member who practices and prioritizes Christianity—but these believers may not be their ideal conversation partners when it comes to faith. More than six in 10 non-Christians and lapsed Christians (62%) say they would be open to talking about faith matters with someone who listens without judgment—the top quality they value—but only one-third (34%) sees this trait in the Christians they know personally. Non-Christians' and lapsed Christians' hopes of talking with Christians who do not force conclusions (50% vs. 26%), demonstrate an interest in other people’s stories (29% vs. 17%), and are good at asking questions (27% vs. 16%), appear to go unfulfilled. Read Barna’s brief report here and ask yourself the following questions:Am I a good listener without judgment? Do I tend to force a conclusion when discussing the truthfulness of Christianity or the gospel message? Do I allow others to draw their own conclusions? Am I confident about sharing my own perspective on faith? Do I demonstrate an interest in other people’s stories or lives?

Sharing and listening with you,
Pastor Jeff

P.S. Since Easter is just around the corner (April 20-21), take note of the following research from Lifeway Research:

• 51% say a personal invitation from a friend or neighbor from the church would be effective in getting them to visit. (slide 32 in theresearch document)

• 55% say that a personal invitation from a family member would be effective in getting them to visit. (slide 34 in the research document)

Stay alert to the audience God brings into your life and be ready to customize God’s life-saving message to their particular worldview.
 
Remember, God’s gospel is a trans-cultural, multi-worldview message of truth and grace for anyone and everyone!