What Pastors Need to Know About ‘Nones’

The death of Christianity in America has been announced many times—the infamous Time magazine cover, the New Atheist movement, the Pew Foundation study on the rise of “religious nones”—and yet historic Christianity continues to thrive.

Despite controversy over the term “evangelical,” the recent outpouring of respect, op-ed pieces, and reflection on the life and ministry of Billy Graham suggests a certain staying power. After all, evangelical faith stretches back beyond the politicized shores of America to the British Isles, where London served as an evangelical hub well into the 19th century.

Nevertheless, the recent rise of “religious nones” in the U.S. does signal something important for church planters and anyone concerned about the mission of God. The Pew study tells us those who are unaffiliated with any religion now account for 22.8 percent of America’s population, a number that has essentially tripled over the past 15 years. This trend follows what has already been happening in places such as the UK and Europe.

This raises important questions for evangelism, preaching, discipleship, and church planting. Read More