Churchless: Understanding Today's Unchurched and How to Connect with Them

This book falls for the same problem that I see in a lot of books by pastors. That is, instead of saying it in a 5 minute video or in a blogpost, the author states and restates his opinion over and over again until it amasses to the appearance of a book. The result is a "book" that takes forever to get to the point and drones on about it once it gets there, because it really has nothing to talk about. And what the point turns out to be is something you could have easily deduced by reading the back of the book, or just simply thinking. The point the book takes so many pages to hammer home is an idea that you may already consider common knowledge. It's like: "No sh*t Sherlock. Couldn't you have wasted my time getting to your elementary point with less pages?"

I'm only part way through this book but I can say without hesitation if you're a leader in your congregation, this book needs be in your list. The authors don't presume to tell you how to fix the problems found in the modern Christian Church. What they do do is give you more tools for your bag of tricks. Information about those we're trying to reach and some clues as to why they don't want to hear us. It's not a hard read and could easily be covered in a few relaxed evenings. Each chapter closes with discussion pages which are useful for group discussion among your leadership. Barna also offers a free video where the author's discuss the book and what they found.Walt Kelly's line from Pogo “We have met the enemy and he is us.” perfectly describes most of the problems Christianity faces today, Barna helps to frame that truth.

I gifted this to a church leader friend whose congregation is dying over the years. The suggestions in the text are worthy noting and implementing to revitalize any congregation.

Churchless is an essential resource for every Christian who cares about people who need Jesus. Almost half of the people in the USA are churchless, but there are important differences between churchless people who have never set foot in a church and churchless people who wandered away from a previous church connection. Those two groups do not have the same outlook on life or the same attitudes toward God, the Bible and churches in general. The statistics are reported both graphically and verbally. The accompanying analysis is deep and thoughtful. This is a "must-have" for any Christian who hopes to share Jesus with unchurched people.

At the time this seemed to provide some answers and it still gives insight into a problem that is not well discussed in churches. The full answer probably involves the propagandizing of the youth through TV, movies, music and public schools as well as parents who are willing to let children "find the truth for themselves" which is exactly the wrong way to parent. Parents provide guidance on faith and values whether directly or indirectly. If they will not do it then others will.

Helpful insight grounded in research of the current American cultural context. A really great discussion opener for looking into where our churches today are headed, how we can meet people where they are at, and where we may be digging our heads in the sand. Solid Biblical theology, while honoring the Spirit's work in every time and place uniquely.

The Barna Group has a knack for interpreting statistical data and providing an accurate assessment of trends, pinpointing the focal point(s) of the issues at hand. This example provides an excellent look into the world of the unchurched and offers solutions that reach beyond merely strategy for 'winning' them; instead, it provides a much-needed focus on how our present mindset fails to connect with an ever-increasingly post-Christian world. I gave it four stars because I think there was a bit of information left out concerning the motivation of some Christians with regard to their practices, and the solutions presented were not as objective as the data; however this does not detract from the overall assessment and service as a medicine against the polemic mentality which we find plagues our current state of affairs. For someone who takes the Great Commission seriously, this is an excellent starting point of discussion.

The research background by the Barna group is very meticulously done, and I think it will be very helpful in reaching the "unchurched." We truly MUST have Christ's heart for all, and not just want to have impressive numbers of attendees or baptisms!

Great read for Christians concerning the demographics concerning how people view our churches and lifestyle today.

Excellent look at why many people don't attend church and how they can be reached.

I have made it half way through the book. I am reading it for a course I am taking in university, but it seems interesting and to have good incites so far.

Excellent and realistic