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The Daily Catalyst

The Spiritually Curious Aren’t Coming to Your Church … Here’s How to Change That

The Spiritually Curious Aren’t Coming to Your Church

Word Count: 368 – Est Reading Time: <2 Minutes

What’s Up:
Most spiritually curious people under 40 want to talk about faith, they just don’t want to talk to us.

So What:
The church used to enjoy a cultural advantage. But today, evangelism doesn’t start on common ground. If you want to reach people, you’ll have to start from scratch.

The Point Is:

The Meta-Story Is Gone
Once upon a time, everyone knew the basics of the Christian story. Not anymore. That shared foundation has disappeared, especially among the under-40 crowd.

Church Isn’t a Draw
They’re not looking for hymns, organs, or even fog machines. Worship isn’t their entry point – and let’s be honest, a TED Talk is more relevant to them than most sermons.

They Are Spiritually Curious
Two-thirds of young adults say they’d like a spiritual conversation with someone non-judgmental. Only a third have anyone they trust for that.

There Are Better On-Ramps
The Alpha Course, recovery-based churches, and authentic relationships offer real connection points. But you have to be intentional. The harvest is still plentiful.

And … ?

Hey Pastor – Here’s the reality: the Meta-Story is dead. (And no, that has nothing to do with Facebook.) I’m talking about the Judeo-Christian worldview that once shaped our culture. That story has been replaced, or at best, forgotten. If you haven’t read Tom Holland’s Dominion, put it on your list. It unpacks just how much of our global ethical framework is rooted in Christianity … even when the culture pretends it’s moved beyond it.

Today, we’re living in a post-Christian, post-story world. That’s not a complaint: that’s a reality. That’s YOUR reality. And it means your church’s worship service is no longer the magnet it once was. If your evangelism strategy is “Come to church and hear the gospel,” you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Most people just aren’t going to show up. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in Jesus. They are. Deeply. They just don’t trust the church to be the one to introduce them. That’s where Alpha, recovery models, and real-life disciples come in. Start there. Because they’re ready. They’re waiting. They’re watching.

Action! Order the Discipleship Blueprint and equip your church to reach the spiritually curious: https://go.effectivechurch.com/lm-qdmb