Encouraging Research Finds That People Are Open to the Gospel

So how can we reach out to the unchurched?

Well, these survey results confirmed that people aren’t likely just to drop in at our churches, looking for answers to the meaning of life. Our culture has conditioned people to think that the Bible can’t be trusted and that it isn’t relevant for our day. So instead of seeking answers to life’s questions in the Bible or in church, they are looking to the world for answers.

But two things stood out to me from the survey results.

1. Over half of people said they would likely come to church if a friend or family member invited them. Over half—that’s exciting! We need to be inviting our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers to church with us. Another great idea is to invite them to visit the Ark Encounter in Northern Kentucky. It’s fascinating to believers and unbelievers alike and has a strong gospel message. It’s sure to spark great conversations about God’s Word and the gospel. In fact, many Ark visitors have told us that their non-Christian friends wouldn’t go to a church or church program, but wanted to go with them to see the Ark. Also, some people told us that these non-Christian friends actually asked to visit the Ark attraction with them. There’s no doubt that such a renowned themed attraction can reach non-Christians in a way the local church struggles to do in most instances.
2. A mere 11% of Americans said they’d switch the subject if religion came up during a conversation. This means 9 out of 10 people would be willing to talk with you about God’s Word and maybe even about the gospel. This makes sense, as Romans 1 teaches us that God has made it evident to everyone that He exists. I’m reminded of the Scripture, “Also He has put eternity in their hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

So strike up conversations with people! Use what’s going on in the world today as a springboard for the gospel. We live in uncertain times with senseless violence increasing every day. Why is this? Well, we live in a broken world marred by the Curse (Genesis 3). This provides a perfect starting point to guide people to the one who came to bring peace, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

People might not be coming to church, but we can go to them with the message they desperately need to hear.

People might not be coming to church, but we can go to them with the message they desperately need to hear. This is just part of obeying the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

This is one reason we built the Ark Encounter. We want people to see people be changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Detailed research conducted by America’s Research Group shows that many unbelievers will come to visit the Ark, and this is certainly happening. They will see that the Bible’s history can be trusted and that the gospel, based on that history, is also trustworthy. It’s an evangelistic outreach!

Visitors to the Ark are telling us that it is opening the way for them to talk to their non-Christian friends and family members about spiritual matters, God’s Word, and the gospel. Learn more or plan your visit at ArkEncounter.com.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.