Skip to content
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
The Baptist Paper
The Baptist Paper
  • SBC 2025
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your state news
  • Classifieds
  • SBC 2025
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your state news
  • Classifieds

What the unchurched thinks about church (9 discoveries)

Almost every church wants to reach their community for Jesus. A great thing to do then? Discover what the people in your community thinks about you.
  • August 28, 2023
  • Mark MacDonald
  • Church Life, Featured, Latest News
boy batting baseball near catcher beside gray fence
(Unsplash photo)

What the unchurched thinks about church (9 discoveries)

Almost every church wants to reach their community for Jesus. A great thing to do then? Discover what the people in your community think about you. That perception of what you’re known for allows you to understand how much you need to change their minds. Or it may allow you to better serve them.

Over the years, as a church consultant, I’ve conducted listening groups for church clients. We normally talk to various demographic groups of church members, but we also request that the church organizes a group of neighbors who live nearby who choose to not attend any church.

Often, it’s a difficult group to assemble for a church, but it’s been fascinating to help understand the perception of a church. Here’s what I’ve learned about what the unchurched thinks about church:

1. Going to college often stops many from attending a church. Even if they’re regular church attenders when starting college, many stop going during their college years (according to them they “couldn’t find a local church like their home church” and parents aren’t there to encourage them to go).

2. Kids could bring them back. Twenty-somethings go to college; then after college, concentrate on job searching and dating. All while ignoring church. In their 30s they get married and have kids. Then, finally, they start having a desire to return to church to “raise kids like they were raised.”

3. Parents don’t always think about going to church with their kids. Therefore, kids’ programs are critical (Sunday School, Trail Life USA, Awana, VBS, etc.). Not just on Sunday.

4. The unchurched will visit if there’s a reason. Create one! Make it community-friendly and beneficial to THEM. Think what they’re trying to accomplish or fix and offer them solutions.

5. Attending is different from visiting. Many say they don’t attend a church but actually “visit” occasionally. Stop asking them to “attend” (feels long-term) and ask them to visit instead.

6. Most know they “should” go (often because their parents wish they did) but still choose not to. Many were raised in the church but have simply lost the “habit of going.” They just need a reason!

7. They’re aware of churches in the area but don’t know much about yours. Don’t assume anyone knows what you’re offering. They don’t (unless you tell them)! Ensure your website content is good!

8. Sunday may not be the best day for them. Sunday is perceived as a “family day” and time to sleep in. Add kids’ sports programming and Sunday’s an even more difficult day to ask them to give up.

9. Church is often perceived as “white-hair.” Most communities’ average age is mid-30s (who have kids). They want to see themselves in communication materials (and not just older people). Make sure you’re showing younger families on your website and have a suite of ministries available for them.

Think your community is different? Why not ask them! Remember, each time a church member or leader talks to a community member, you have the potential to discover what the unchurched thinks about church.


EDITOR’S NOTE — Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author, church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com and Executive Director of Center for Church Communication. His book “Be Known for Something” is available at BeKnownBook.com.

Share with others:

Facebook
X/Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Latest News

  • Churches targeted in Russian-occupied Ukraine
    Churches targeted in Russian-occupied Ukraine
    June 13, 2025/
    0 Comments
  • Christian musician’s admission shines light on ‘double life’
    Christian musician’s admission shines light on ‘double life’
    June 13, 2025/
    0 Comments
  • Israel launches attack on Iran; Iran retaliates with drone strikes
    Israel launches attack on Iran; Iran retaliates with drone strikes
    June 13, 2025/
    0 Comments

Sign up for the Highlights

Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month.
Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

Related Posts

Churches targeted in Russian-occupied Ukraine

Authorities in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region of Ukraine raided an unregistered Baptist church during a Pentecost Sunday worship service, an Oslo-based news service focused on international human rights and religious freedom reported.

Christian musician’s admission shines light on ‘double life’

Days after an investigation revealed allegations of sexual assault against Christian musician Michael Tait, the former Newsboys frontman publicly admitted to abusing cocaine and alcohol and touching men “in an unwanted sensual way.”

Israel launches attack on Iran; Iran retaliates with drone strikes

Israel launched a punishing military operation, which began late Thursday evening (June 12), against Iran.

First person: What can we expect in eternity?

For some, discussions about eternity are no more than wishful thinking. Others imagine our forever abode as unappealing and boring.

Want to receive news highlights throughout the week? Sign up here!

Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

About

  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us
  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us

Explore

  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy
  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
The Baptist Paper
Address:
3310 Independence Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
Copyright © 2025 TAB Media Group
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ

Email:
news@thebaptistpaper.org

About

  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Photo Galleries
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church
  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Photo Galleries
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church

Explore

  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news

Subscribe

  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate

Log Out?

Lost your password?

Log In

Lost your password?

Log in

Become a part of our community!
Forgot your password? Get help
Privacy/Terms of Use

Reset password

Recover your password
A password reset link will be e-mailed to you.
Privacy/Terms of Use
Back to
Login
×
Close Panel