TheCorner on Barna report

TheCorner notes that the Barna group has a new report out which considers faith groupings in the US. Of note:

"...the numbers are staggering. An estimated 73 million adults are presently unchurched. When teens and children are added, the total swells to roughly 100 million Americans.

Let that sink in. In a period of dominance - some would say oppression - from one "brand" of Christianity (Evangelicalism) in America, communicated with a brand consistency that would make McDonald's envious - not one percentage uptick. In a time period that many referred to as the "Decade of Evangelism" - not one percentage uptick.

While Barna's methodology might not be as rigorous as could be, it's hard to argue with that trend directionally. What fascinates me even more are a few of his insights into the rationale for this:

The relative indifference of most churched Christians to unchurched people.
The emphasis on personal rather than communal faith journey.
The failure to listen to dissident voices and spiritual guidance to dig deeper in one’s faith."

Let me just point out once more for the record: I HATE the term "unchurched" and much prefer to speak of the "unheard."