Churn

"Churn" is the new word to describe the current state of religious faith in America. The word has great imagery. Here we are, with our various religious beliefs, swirling around in a giant fishbowl called America (or for you pessimists, pick whatever swirling bowl you prefer). The news is that we're apparently churning more than anyone thought.

A recent study of religious life in America by the Pew Research Forum has generated a lot of buzz and several major news articles over the past week (for more articles besides the Pew report itself you can search any major newspaper's site for Pew Forum and get an article or two). The study reveals, among other things, that Americans are changing religious affiliations at a surprisingly high rate (hence the "churn" image), and the largest winner of any religious group is "nothing in particular." There are--and inevitably will be more--people who will respond by rushing to decry the sad state of faith in America, and others who will as quickly celebrate the demise of religion. Both groups will be wrong. I think this study shows that America values faith more than it ever has in my lifetime, and is less content to accept party line answers than it ever has been. Both of these trends make right here and right now a great place and time to be a follower of Christ in America.

As much as anything, I think this snapshot of the nation tells us that a whole lot of people haven't made up their minds about religious faith. What could be better news for those of us who hope to introduce them to life in Christ? The "nothing in particular" group comprises about 12% of the population. That's about three times more people than all adherents to religions other than Christianity combined (including Islam and eastern religions, that have obviously not made significant inroads in the American population despite all the media hype). This number, along with all the others, is not static: it represents a group consisting of people coming and going, sometimes seeking and finding. Americans are looking around more than ever, which makes it easier than ever to engage people in matters of faith.

The study shows that Americans are relocating religiously, just like they are physically. Suspicion of religious institutions is at an all-time high (and often deservedly so). Abuses and failures by institutional leaders have devastated the churches and denominations they represent. Catholicism is only avoiding decline because immigration is offsetting decline. Protestants will soon be less than half of the population for the first time in our lives. Over a quarter of the population has changed religions, and the number goes up to 44% if it includes people changing to a different kind of Christian church. People are more than willing to try something new. More than that, they're generally convinced that the Christian God is real--but they're suspicious of the packaging.

We are positioned to make a difference for Christ at this moment in American history. People are hungry for faith and relationships, but skeptical of institutions. They believe in Jesus generally but don't know Him personally. They are "staging" in increasing numbers as "none of the above," but they're open to something refreshing if they can find it. And while we're hoping every church is successful in accomplishing Christ's mission, it's obvious that there is an important place for us to serve people who aren't connecting with the church of their childhood. I think we walk around convinced that most people around us aren't interested or have already made up their minds about religious faith. They haven't, and with every conversation that becomes more and more obvious. Our feelings are more about our own discomfort than reality.

There is nothing more exciting than helping someone in their spiritual journey, and all the indicators out there tell us that right now we are surrounded by people who are looking. Indicators also tell us that relying on institutions, professionals (whatever those are), and programs is not working, and may in fact be just what people in the "churn" are trying to avoid.

I am part of the churn. I am now leading a less institutional, non-denominational church, after growing up in a denominational, protestant church environment. Does the "churn" image represent you? How has your faith or its practice changed from your childhood? Are you still churning? How do you feel about jumping into the churn to serve people?