When you head out to Target to buy your favorite brand of cosmetics or a new pair of soccer shoes for your ten-year-old, you will see these people. They’re referred to as “nones.”
Not old ladies dressed in black and white and holding a rosary. Not those nuns. But “nones,” as in people who describe their religious affiliation as “none.”
Three out of ten people you see in Target will, statistically speaking, be “nones.” Take your own survey if you want, but I’m not sure how long Target management will let you stick around the store.
Instead, check out this insightful article from the Pew Research Center. It describes the rise of the “nones,” and answers eight common questions about them.
Why is this important? Because Jesus loves them. Jesus loves ten out of ten people in Target, as well as all over the world whether they agree with your religious affiliation or not. “God so loved the world” (John 3:16).
Why should you care? Because you love them, too.
So seek to understand why they’re not interested in religion. Is it possible that you, your church or your affiliation contributed to that in some way? Of course it is. As much as it is possible that they are totally confused or mistaken.
Then, do something.
Take some of the data in this article to a friend and brainstorm, “How can we reverse this trend?” Learn a few things from the article and approach an unchurched friend, a real, live “none,” and ask them about it. Don’t lecture but listen. Don’t try to fix them, but instead fix your own understanding and compassion.
Ask questions like:
“What made you start feeling this way?”
“How did you develop that approach about religion?”
“Why didn’t you like church when you tried it?”
“Tell me more about …”
Keep it light at this point. Maybe you witness your faith in Jesus, but be careful that they don’t sniff out a setup. Maybe you just listen to their story, learn with appreciation, and thank them for sharing.
PRAYER: God, thank you for my faith and my church. Help me to be more compassionate for those who aren’t interested in you or church. Let me learn more about their needs, and how I can help. Jesus, you’re good at this. Lead the way. Amen.
EVANGELISM ACTION: Take my recommendation above and talk to an unchurched friend.