Word Count: 357 – Est Read Time: <2 Minutes
What’s Up:
The fastest-growing belief in the U.S. isn’t atheism or Christianity. It’s life after death … among people who don’t even claim a religion.
So What:
The so-called “Nones” aren’t as spiritually empty as you think. They believe in something beyond the grave – and that’s a door the church has left wide open.
The Point Is:
Start with Shared Beliefs
Ryan Burge’s research shows the majority of Nones now believe in life after death (and that number is growing). That’s not a gap, it’s a bridge. Instead of starting evangelism with what they don’t believe, try starting with what they do believe.
Spiritual Doesn’t Mean Churchy
Many of the Nones identify as spiritual but not religious. That’s an open door! Americans still crave the spiritual. What they don’t crave is institutional religion. Start with practices, not pews.
Belonging Before Believing
Today’s path to faith isn’t belief → behavior → belonging. It’s the reverse. First comes relationship. Then comes community. Then comes formation. Then comes faith.
Evangelism Starts with Us
The church isn’t a building or a brand. It’s people. Evangelism starts when you build authentic friendships. Not as a project. But as a person who loves Jesus … and people.
And … ?
Let’s be honest. For too long, the church has focused on proving others wrong instead of connecting over what might already be right. If the majority of the Nones believe in life after death, that’s not just interesting, that’s strategic. That’s an open door to talk about Jesus without arguing about everything else.
The path to baptism today doesn’t begin at the font or the baptistry. It begins with coffee. Or dinner. Or a shared story about what gives us hope in a hopeless world. When we lead with love, live with consistency, and invite others into our community, they start acting like Christians long before they believe like Christians. That’s when real transformation starts.
Action!
Take a walk this week with a neighbor you know is spiritual but not religious. Ask what they believe happens after death. Then you can share why Easter still matters.
Source: Ryan Burge, Substack article: https://substack.com/inbox/post/158861295
