Why Evangelicals Aren’t Afraid of Being Outnumbered by Nones

February 15, 2024

With nearly 3 in 10 Americans saying that they don’t belong to any religious tradition, the “nones” now outnumber and single religious group in the country. Christianity Today reports that some evangelical protestants see that as an opportunity, rather than a defeat.

According to a Pew Research Center study, the ongoing retreat from church affiliation and attendance is connected to secular disbelief as well as negative perceptions of Christian institutions and leaders.

Evangelical leaders acknowledge the factors that are leading people into the ranks of the “nones” but also maintain that the exodus is providing believers with a chance to get back to the core of their faith and message.

Most of those who identify as a religious “none” say they aren’t agnostic or atheists. 83% of the religious nones surveyed said they believe in God and 59% say that spirituality is an important part of their lives.

Mark Teasdale is an evangelism professor at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. He says the trend reflects an overall decline in institutional trust throughout the country. Teasdale states:

“They want to look beyond themselves, but they’re suspicious of organizations, including the church. The problem is that it leaves them lonely and without a sense of purpose because they cut themselves off from community…That leads to anxiety, and there’s no real sense for how to solve that.”

Christianity Today reports that many evangelicals remain hopeful that even if more people are lost and seeking, that the church still has the answer.

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