In Search of the Unchurched: Why People Don't Join Your Congregation

Like the rest of Alban Institute's "Once and Future Church Series," "In Search of the Unchurched" looks at the future of mainline Protestant churches and tries to see what they will have to do to survive. Klaas builds the book around transitions that have taken place in our society that has led the majority of people to being unchurched, even if they state that faith is important to them and that they pray regularly. Klaas sees most congregations as still focused on a church built in and for a churched society. Then churches were not missionary outposts, but could orgainze to care for their members. But now, with so many unchurched people, the church's world view has to change to build a church that will help people find a relationship with God. He calls this "Great Commission outreach." This is not a book that gives the reader the steps of how to fix the church. Rather it gives the reader a clear understanding of the changes that have taken place in the church. Before any change can take place within the church, the church must understand its problems and begin with a complete change of attitude about what the church is to be about. In studying this book with leaders in my congregation, we have begun a process that may allow us to bring rebirth to our congregation.