I’ve been reading a book called, “The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?” It’s an interesting book, seeking to analyze what the authors call the biggest religious shift in American history – which is the historic number of people leaving churches of all denominations. I’m still assessing their findings and analysis, but one thing I have appreciated is the surprisingly optimistic tone of the book. The authors believe there is ample opportunity to bring people back into the worshiping community of Christ. That optimism also is evident in the post below from Michael Graham, one of the authors of the book. Listen to what he says about our opportunity for evangelism. I think this is a compelling thought, and would be curious what you all think! He says;

“I want to make a case that evangelism has never been easier. Stay with me for a minute:

1. Late modernity is unlivable. Tech, politics, education, and materialism have all overpromised and underdelivered. There's rising anxiety, depression, loneliness, & suicidal thoughts.
2. Christians (especially in the West) are increasingly caricatured in ways that are disproportionate to reality. That isn't to say every caricature is unilaterally wrong - just disproportionate. There's a silver lining to caricature though...
3. The worse the caricature accords with reality theeasierit is to surprise other people. In other words, caricatures of Christians actually lower the threshold needed for us to surprise and make others curious.
4. We have a Gospel that is true, good, and beautiful. This is something that no other story, system, philosophy, or worldview has. When rightly understood the Gospel brings shalom to all four of our relationships: A. God B. Self C. Others D. Creation. Therefore, because late modernity isn't working, caricatures have lowered the bar, and the actual truth/goodness/beauty of the Gospel itself - the work of evangelism is getting easier and we will see more surprising converts.”