Book Review:

The Unchurched Next Door

by Thom Rainer

I had an opportunity to pick up this book by Thom Rainer and it is a good one. Thom put together a team of researchers to find out from people if they would be open to attending church or hearing more about Jesus.  The researchers polled 306 non-believers in 50 states to see their openness to Christians.

Rainer was able to categorize those who were not Christians into 5 distinct categories, from those who are so receptive to the Gospel that all they needed was someone to ask them to follow Christ; to those who are so against Christ and the church that only an act of the Holy Spirit would change their conviction.  Understanding people's receptiveness to the Gospel changes the way that we speak to them, invite them to church and how we do both of those.

Rainer says that 80% of people polled would say "yes" to coming to church if they were invited by a friend or co-worker.  Though not all would be open to becoming a Christian many would give church a try if only invited.  Below is a chart Rainer put together in regard to how people would prefer to hear about church:

This book is definately a good read to get those evangelistic juices flowing and a book of hope as well to encourage us that people are receptive to the Gospel though it may not seem like it at times.  If you are interested in the read let me know and I will get you a copy.

aaron