The Unknown Connection Most Unchurched Have with the Church

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Rainer on Leadership

Thom Rainer

100 episodes

1 day ago

Rainer on Leadership is your online home for leadership lessons for the local church. This twice-weekly podcast provides practical training on important issues for church leaders and pastors. For more information, visit ChurchAnswers.com.

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The Unknown Connection Most Unchurched Have with the Church

Rainer on Leadership

24 minutes 3 seconds

4 weeks ago

The Unknown Connection Most Unchurched Have with the Church

https://youtu.be/0Nbsjv1VtCw

Most unchurched people have some past connection to church—often from childhood. Our research found that 63% of the unchurched used to attend regularly. Their current indifference isn’t based on ignorance; it’s often rooted in real, past experiences. This means our efforts to reach them aren't starting from zero. In this episode, Thom and Sam unpack what it means to engage the "dechurched"—those who’ve drifted away—and why this group might be more receptive than you think.

* Assume familiarity, not hostility, when engaging the unchurched.
* Past church experiences—good or bad—shape current attitudes.
* Holiday services are key re-entry points for many dechurched people.
* Reaching the unchurched begins by rebuilding broken or neglected bridges.

Resources:

* Life Application Study Bible

* Church Connect

* Tyndale House Publishers

* Upward Sports

* Upward Sports: Pickleball

* “The Anxious Generation Goes to Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)

* Good News Neighbors Toolkit

* Invite Your One

* Church Answers Platinum Membership

* FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

* The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

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Crafted by dedicated scholars and pastors, the Life Application Study Bible is filled with thousands of study resources that increase understanding so you can experience Scripture’s life-changing power. For readers from nine to ninety and beyond, the Life Application Study Bible is designed to help you find true heart transformation.

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