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Understanding your unchurched friends (Part 2)

We’re on a quest to understand our friends who do not go to church or embrace the Christian faith. We MUST do this before we seek to make ourselves understood! In “Part One” of this series we discussed the first five of fifteen observations (courtesy of Lee Stroble) about unchurched people. The next five… Observation…

We’re on a quest to understand our friends who do not go to church or embrace the Christian faith.

We MUST do this before we seek to make ourselves understood!

In “Part One” of this series we discussed the first five of fifteen observations (courtesy of Lee Stroble) about unchurched people.

The next five…

  • Observation #6 – Your unchurched friend doesn’t just ask, “Is Christianity true?” Often, he/she is asking, “Does Christianity work?”
  • Observation #7 – Your unchurched friend doesn’t just want to know something; he/she wants to experience it.
  • Observation #8 – Your unchurched friend doesn’t want to be somebody’s project, but he/she would like to be somebody’s friend.
  • Observation #9 – Your unchurched friend may distrust authority, but he/she is receptive to authentic biblical leadership. Strobel makes a GREAT point – “…the same shortcomings that have turned off Americans to major national institutions – deceit, greed, arrogance, self-promotion, and abuse of power – are also the antithesis of biblical leadership. And when [your unchurched friend] sees the opposite values being lived out in a church’s leadership, there’s a good chance he/she won’t paint those leaders with the same brush of disdain. Chances are that he/she will respond positively to those who are accountable and open in their financial dealings; moderate in their lifestyle; humble in their demeanor; modest about their achievements and who use their influence to serve people in need. In other words, leaders who follow Christ’s example.”
  • Observation #10 – Your unchurched friend is no longer loyal to denominations, but he/she is attracted to places where his/her needs will be met.

OK, let’s talk. What do you think about these observations?

Click on the blue letters that say “Comment” beneath this article and let us know what you think!

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Response to “Understanding your unchurched friends (Part 2)”

  1. Dan Berkebile

    Paul, the idea of not wanting to be a project, but rather have a friend is so true. Our pastor just spoke on the fact that only God the Father can draw a person to Jesus. We so many times think that it is our responsibility to draw them to Christ, but this is not true. We are to befriend the lost, and by us lifting up Christ in front of them by our Spirit filled lives God the Father will do the rest. This makes personal evangelism so much easier. All we are called to do is to develop a friendship.

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