This is the final chapter in Part One, which deals with results from the survey of 353 formally unchurched persons. True to the title of the book, the counter-intuitive finding is that doctrine really matters to the unchurched.
The highest scoring factor influencing choice of church was theological beliefs or doctrine. Interestingly, this factor was slightly more important for the formerly unchurched (91%) than for the control group of transfer churched (89%).
Four headings in the chapter caught my attention:
Looking for absolutes: the qualitative comments from the survey indicated that the unchurched were looking for absolute values in a world filled with uncertainty and the proliferation of relativism. They picked it up not just from the sermons, but also in publications where the church’s doctrinal position was clearly set out.
Sensing certitude: certitude is the conviction of belief, which was also attractive and convincing. One remarked, ‘there are a lot of wishy-washy churches out there’, and another said of the pastor, ‘this guy really believes this stuff’.
Pastor, doctrine and certitude: Pastors who were unafraid to deal with difficult doctrinal issues also stood out in the remarks. Their clarity and conviction was refreshing, and carried across not just in the pulpit but across a range of contexts like a welcomers’ gathering and Bible study class.
Speaking the truth in love: Above all the grace, warmth and love communicated by not just the pastor, but the entire congregation as they held on their doctrinal clarity, was attractive and convincing.
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