Which Christians Actually Evangelize? Study Says Millennials Most, Middle Class Least

Among 'born-again' Christians, Barna finds divide between theory and practice differs by demographic.

Despite worries that millennials have given up on Christianity, or that they're too focused on social justice campaigns, young adults are sharing their faith the most frequently. By contrast, evangelism is fading fastest among the middle class.

At least, according to a new survey from Barna Group. "Is Evangelism Going Out of Style?" explores habits among "born-again" Christians who believe in evangelism—but may or may not actually do it. (See infographics below.)

"When asked if they have a personal responsibility to share their faith with others, 73% of born again Christians said yes," Barna states. "When this conviction is put into practice, however, the numbers shift downward. Only half (52%) of born again Christians say they actually did share the Gospel at least once this past year to someone with different beliefs, in the hope that they might accept Jesus Christ as their Savior."

Based on Barna's definitions of religious groups, evangelicals are most likely to believe evangelism is their personal responsibility (100%), but also have the highest rate of failure to follow through (31% did not evangelize in the past year). By contrast, Catholics are the least likely to believe evangelism is their personal responsibility (34%), but have the highest success rate (33% did evangelize in the past year).

Surprisingly, millennials are the one generation of "born-again" Christians where "the practice of evangelism is notably on the rise." Despite being known as the "social justice" generation—alleged to be trading spiritual causes for physical ones—evangelism among millennials increased nine percent in recent years, according to Barna. Other generations either stayed the same or declined in their evangelism practices. Keep reading

Catholics who do try to convert others to their faith, do have a reputation of being dogged in their efforts, which may account for their success rate. Conversion to Catholicism also involves a number of steps: Those wishing to become Catholics must be catechized, baptized or re-baptized, and confirmed or received into the Catholic Church. This requires an investment of one's time and one's self. Many "born-again" Christians, however, do not recognize the importance of investing in long-term relationships with non-Christians and think in terms of quickly leading them to make "a decision for Christ." They are apt to lose interest if those they are evangelizing do not respond positively right away. They have not learned to discern the "spiritual address" of those they are evangelizing and to relate to them accordingly. They also do not recognize the need to disciple new Christians and to support and encourage them in their new faith.