Christians Aren’t Talking About Their Faith Anymore

New research has found that the number New research has found that the number of Christians whose friends don't know of Christians whose friends don't know of Christians whose friends don't know that they're Christian has more than that they're Christian has more than that they're Christian has more than doubled since 2013. The easy explanation doubled since 2013. The easy explanation doubled since 2013. The easy explanation is that no one wants to hear about faith is that no one wants to hear about faith is that no one wants to hear about faith anymore. But the research tells a anymore. But the research tells a anymore. But the research tells a stranger story. It appears from the data stranger story. It appears from the data stranger story. It appears from the data that people outside the faith are that people outside the faith are that people outside the faith are [music] actually more willing to talk [music] actually more willing to talk [music] actually more willing to talk about it than we are. So today we're about it than we are. So today we're about it than we are. So today we're digging into why Christians have stopped digging into why Christians have stopped digging into why Christians have stopped talking about their faith and then a few talking about their faith and then a few talking about their faith and then a few simple exercises to help you start again simple exercises to help you start again simple exercises to help you start again without it being awkward, pushy, or without it being awkward, pushy, or without it being awkward, pushy, or turning every friendship into a project. turning every friendship into a project. turning every friendship into a project. Let's dive in. Let's dive in. Let's dive in. Well, hey there and welcome to the Well, hey there and welcome to the Well, hey there and welcome to the ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Sheerer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Sheerer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Sheerer, your host. I'm joined as always by my co-host. We call him Pastor always by my co-host. We call him Pastor always by my co-host. We call him Pastor Procalitiz. It's Alexander Mills. Procalitiz. It's Alexander Mills. Procalitiz. It's Alexander Mills. >> Hello. Hello. >> Hello. Hello. >> Hello. Hello. >> Or at least we used to call him Pastor >> Or at least we used to call him Pastor >> Or at least we used to call him Pastor [laughter] Procalitiz. [laughter] Procalitiz. [laughter] Procalitiz. >> Not anymore. >> Not anymore. >> Not anymore. >> Not anymore. Because him and many others >> Not anymore. Because him and many others >> Not anymore. Because him and many others like him are no longer sharing their like him are no longer sharing their like him are no longer sharing their faith. I'm not here to comment on his faith. I'm not here to comment on his faith. I'm not here to comment on his specific evangelism efforts, but we are specific evangelism efforts, but we are specific evangelism efforts, but we are here to comment on a report from Lifeway here to comment on a report from Lifeway here to comment on a report from Lifeway surveying more than 2,000 US Protestants surveying more than 2,000 US Protestants surveying more than 2,000 US Protestants and non-denominational churchgoers from and non-denominational churchgoers from and non-denominational churchgoers from March of 2025. The people that were in March of 2025. The people that were in March of 2025. The people that were in this survey were those that attended this survey were those that attended this survey were those that attended religious services at least monthly.

religious services at least monthly. religious services at least monthly. Those were not included. Those were not included. Those were not included. >> Catholics, Orthodox Christians, >> Catholics, Orthodox Christians, >> Catholics, Orthodox Christians, infrequent attenders, infrequent attenders, infrequent attenders, or just anyone who identifies as a or just anyone who identifies as a or just anyone who identifies as a Christian. This is like a thoroughly Christian. This is like a thoroughly Christian. This is like a thoroughly evang western evangelical kind of data evang western evangelical kind of data evang western evangelical kind of data set here set here set here >> of the people that are actually going to >> of the people that are actually going to >> of the people that are actually going to church. And this is all part of lifeway church. And this is all part of lifeway church. And this is all part of lifeway state of disciplehip study which at this state of disciplehip study which at this state of disciplehip study which at this point you might question you've done point you might question you've done point you might question you've done three or four episodes in a row or in three or four episodes in a row or in three or four episodes in a row or in the last little while on this. Are you the last little while on this. Are you the last little while on this. Are you getting paid by Lifeway? getting paid by Lifeway? getting paid by Lifeway? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> No. [laughter] >> No. [laughter] >> No. [laughter] >> Big money from Lifeway. >> Big money from Lifeway. >> Big money from Lifeway. >> It's such a big It's such a big study >> It's such a big It's such a big study >> It's such a big It's such a big study that every time I'm like shuffled into a that every time I'm like shuffled into a that every time I'm like shuffled into a new part I'm like that would make a good new part I'm like that would make a good new part I'm like that would make a good episode. So, what we don't want to do in episode. So, what we don't want to do in episode. So, what we don't want to do in this specific episode is talk all about this specific episode is talk all about this specific episode is talk all about how and why this is happening and then how and why this is happening and then how and why this is happening and then not present anything useful that we not present anything useful that we not present anything useful that we think could be constructive for think could be constructive for think could be constructive for improving this for you. And I think improving this for you. And I think improving this for you. And I think there are two sides to this. One, there are two sides to this. One, there are two sides to this. One, >> if you're working and serving in a >> if you're working and serving in a >> if you're working and serving in a church, how can your church equip the church, how can your church equip the church, how can your church equip the people in your congregation to excel at people in your congregation to excel at people in your congregation to excel at this or improve in this? And if you're this or improve in this? And if you're this or improve in this? And if you're listening individually, because we all listening individually, because we all listening individually, because we all have some accountability to taking this have some accountability to taking this have some accountability to taking this just for ourselves, it's like, okay, how just for ourselves, it's like, okay, how just for ourselves, it's like, okay, how could I improve in this area?

could I improve in this area? could I improve in this area? >> Let's start with the big headline. >> Let's start with the big headline. >> Let's start with the big headline. Christian silence is increasing. 30% say Christian silence is increasing. 30% say Christian silence is increasing. 30% say many people who know them would not know many people who know them would not know many people who know them would not know that they are a Christian. So again, that they are a Christian. So again, that they are a Christian. So again, this is people in Protestant or this is people in Protestant or this is people in Protestant or non-denominational non-denominational non-denominational in America going to church at least once in America going to church at least once in America going to church at least once a month. M so like [clears throat] a month. M so like [clears throat] a month. M so like [clears throat] regular churchgoers and a third of the regular churchgoers and a third of the regular churchgoers and a third of the people in their lives they believe this people in their lives they believe this people in their lives they believe this is our belief about ourselves is our belief about ourselves is our belief about ourselves >> and yeah this is self-reporting so the >> and yeah this is self-reporting so the >> and yeah this is self-reporting so the numbers are probably even maybe a little numbers are probably even maybe a little numbers are probably even maybe a little in this case maybe it's higher in this case maybe it's higher in this case maybe it's higher >> sure yeah maybe people are being >> sure yeah maybe people are being >> sure yeah maybe people are being conservative conservative conservative >> a third of the people in my life >> a third of the people in my life >> a third of the people in my life probably wouldn't know that I'm a probably wouldn't know that I'm a probably wouldn't know that I'm a Christian Christian Christian >> well that's an interesting point now >> well that's an interesting point now >> well that's an interesting point now what was it well in 2013 what was it well in 2013 what was it well in 2013 >> that was 14% and in 2019 it was 20%. >> that was 14% and in 2019 it was 20%. >> that was 14% and in 2019 it was 20%. Wow. Wow. Wow. >> So that is, I would say, pretty dramatic >> So that is, I would say, pretty dramatic >> So that is, I would say, pretty dramatic rise in just about 13 years. It's rise in just about 13 years. It's rise in just about 13 years. It's doubled, more than doubled. doubled, more than doubled. doubled, more than doubled. >> 17% explicitly say that they are >> 17% explicitly say that they are >> 17% explicitly say that they are hesitant to tell non-Christians. The hesitant to tell non-Christians. The hesitant to tell non-Christians. The share whose faith is invisible is almost share whose faith is invisible is almost share whose faith is invisible is almost twice as large as the share who admits twice as large as the share who admits twice as large as the share who admits being hesitant.

being hesitant. being hesitant. And so I think that there are probably And so I think that there are probably And so I think that there are probably an just so many different factors at an just so many different factors at an just so many different factors at play here. But my guess is that a big play here. But my guess is that a big play here. But my guess is that a big part of it for many people is that part of it for many people is that part of it for many people is that they're confident people don't want to they're confident people don't want to they're confident people don't want to hear about this. It has become a third hear about this. It has become a third hear about this. It has become a third rail issue maybe in more ways than rail issue maybe in more ways than rail issue maybe in more ways than before because now it's a third rail before because now it's a third rail before because now it's a third rail issue intertwined to a third rail issue issue intertwined to a third rail issue issue intertwined to a third rail issue because politics and the Christian faith because politics and the Christian faith because politics and the Christian faith have become have become have become >> for many on the outside >> married together. >> married together. >> Yeah. And so like maybe the only thing >> Yeah. And so like maybe the only thing >> Yeah. And so like maybe the only thing that can make it worse is if you had to that can make it worse is if you had to that can make it worse is if you had to say, "By the way, I'm a Christian, which say, "By the way, I'm a Christian, which say, "By the way, I'm a Christian, which makes you think I probably voted this makes you think I probably voted this makes you think I probably voted this way and here's my salary." Maybe we way and here's my salary." Maybe we way and here's my salary." Maybe we could just like share that at the could just like share that at the could just like share that at the [laughter] same time as well. And maybe [laughter] same time as well. And maybe [laughter] same time as well. And maybe just here are my blood markers. You just here are my blood markers. You just here are my blood markers. You know, I got the blood work done. You can know, I got the blood work done. You can know, I got the blood work done. You can see that as well. see that as well. see that as well. >> Yeah, there's so much to be said for >> Yeah, there's so much to be said for >> Yeah, there's so much to be said for maybe suggesting like what the root maybe suggesting like what the root maybe suggesting like what the root causes of these data points are. why the causes of these data points are. why the causes of these data points are. why the average Christian in America is saying average Christian in America is saying average Christian in America is saying like, "Yeah, you know, there's quite a like, "Yeah, you know, there's quite a like, "Yeah, you know, there's quite a big percentage of people in my life who big percentage of people in my life who big percentage of people in my life who probably don't know I'm a Christian or probably don't know I'm a Christian or probably don't know I'm a Christian or like I'm not comfortable sharing that like I'm not comfortable sharing that like I'm not comfortable sharing that I'm a Christian." Um, it'd be I'm a Christian." Um, it'd be I'm a Christian." Um, it'd be interesting to see a similar data set interesting to see a similar data set interesting to see a similar data set pulled from a country like Northern pulled from a country like Northern pulled from a country like Northern Ireland or China or somewhere in the Ireland or China or somewhere in the Ireland or China or somewhere in the global south, like just to see the the global south, like just to see the the global south, like just to see the the way that Christians respond in different way that Christians respond in different way that Christians respond in different cultural contexts. And we talk a lot cultural contexts. And we talk a lot cultural contexts. And we talk a lot about the West. We talk a lot about about the West. We talk a lot about about the West. We talk a lot about America because well a a lot of the the America because well a a lot of the the America because well a a lot of the the data is available but b that's like most data is available but b that's like most data is available but b that's like most of the folks that we're talking to in of the folks that we're talking to in of the folks that we're talking to in our audience and so it it's worth noting

our audience and so it it's worth noting our audience and so it it's worth noting and like saying explicitly that it's and like saying explicitly that it's and like saying explicitly that it's it's very clear that life and culture it's very clear that life and culture it's very clear that life and culture and politics in the west are just very and politics in the west are just very and politics in the west are just very polarized at the moment. they seem to be polarized at the moment. they seem to be polarized at the moment. they seem to be increas I if you look back you know we increas I if you look back you know we increas I if you look back you know we cited what the number was in 2013 2019 cited what the number was in 2013 2019 cited what the number was in 2013 2019 and now we can see how that increases and now we can see how that increases and now we can see how that increases maybe in step with like just the feeling maybe in step with like just the feeling maybe in step with like just the feeling of polarization in the west and of polarization in the west and of polarization in the west and especially politically in America you've especially politically in America you've especially politically in America you've got this kind of dual party system where got this kind of dual party system where got this kind of dual party system where it's like it's blue versus red it's one it's like it's blue versus red it's one it's like it's blue versus red it's one versus the other and one of those versus the other and one of those versus the other and one of those parties is like from the on their parties is like from the on their parties is like from the on their platform explicitly Christian so like platform explicitly Christian so like platform explicitly Christian so like you said you get this intermingling or you said you get this intermingling or you said you get this intermingling or entangling of faith and polic politics entangling of faith and polic politics entangling of faith and polic politics and downstream of that maybe it's not and downstream of that maybe it's not and downstream of that maybe it's not that I'm ashamed to share about my faith that I'm ashamed to share about my faith that I'm ashamed to share about my faith or I'm scared for one reason or another. or I'm scared for one reason or another. or I'm scared for one reason or another. You're not scared of persecution in You're not scared of persecution in You're not scared of persecution in America in the same way that someone in America in the same way that someone in America in the same way that someone in South Korea is, but maybe there's a South Korea is, but maybe there's a South Korea is, but maybe there's a political hesitancy that's coming into political hesitancy that's coming into political hesitancy that's coming into play here knowing that well I know how play here knowing that well I know how play here knowing that well I know how that person voted or I know what they that person voted or I know what they that person voted or I know what they post on Instagram or on on Twitter X and post on Instagram or on on Twitter X and post on Instagram or on on Twitter X and if I were to bring my faith to the table if I were to bring my faith to the table if I were to bring my faith to the table here maybe our relationship or our here maybe our relationship or our here maybe our relationship or our communication could break down. Yeah, communication could break down. Yeah, communication could break down. Yeah, absolutely. Another interesting piece of absolutely. Another interesting piece of absolutely. Another interesting piece of the study was that the silence is not the study was that the silence is not the study was that the silence is not only between only between only between Christians and people outside the faith, Christians and people outside the faith, Christians and people outside the faith, but it also exists from Christian to but it also exists from Christian to but it also exists from Christian to Christian.

Christian. Christian. >> Yeah. So, what it also noted was 42% say >> Yeah. So, what it also noted was 42% say >> Yeah. So, what it also noted was 42% say spiritual matters don't normally arise spiritual matters don't normally arise spiritual matters don't normally arise in the daily conversations with other in the daily conversations with other in the daily conversations with other Christians. That has also increased from Christians. That has also increased from Christians. That has also increased from the 2013 and 2019 benchmarks, up from the 2013 and 2019 benchmarks, up from the 2013 and 2019 benchmarks, up from 29% in 2013 to 42 in 2026. So, we're not 29% in 2013 to 42 in 2026. So, we're not 29% in 2013 to 42 in 2026. So, we're not just avoiding conversations about faith just avoiding conversations about faith just avoiding conversations about faith with with with skeptics, let's say, but with with with skeptics, let's say, but with with with skeptics, let's say, but we're also just not discussing them in we're also just not discussing them in we're also just not discussing them in what we would presume are safe what we would presume are safe what we would presume are safe relationships either. And so, what does relationships either. And so, what does relationships either. And so, what does that say? Like that say? Like that say? Like is that reflective of this is that reflective of this is that reflective of this compartmentalization of our faith and compartmentalization of our faith and compartmentalization of our faith and the fact that maybe we're not letting the fact that maybe we're not letting the fact that maybe we're not letting Jesus take control of our entire lives, Jesus take control of our entire lives, Jesus take control of our entire lives, but that we kind of keep him and faith but that we kind of keep him and faith but that we kind of keep him and faith in this box and there's like there's in this box and there's like there's in this box and there's like there's there's there's Sunday Brady and then there's there's Sunday Brady and then there's there's Sunday Brady and then there's, you know, uh Monday Brady and there's, you know, uh Monday Brady and there's, you know, uh Monday Brady and then there's family Brady and then then there's family Brady and then then there's family Brady and then there's friend Brady and then there's there's friend Brady and then there's there's friend Brady and then there's undefeated 1 and 0 fantasy football undefeated 1 and 0 fantasy football undefeated 1 and 0 fantasy football Brady. like you're listening to this I'm Brady. like you're listening to this I'm Brady. like you're listening to this I'm surely one in one at this point but surely one in one at this point but surely one in one at this point but right now you know and maybe that right now you know and maybe that right now you know and maybe that compartmentalization compartmentalization compartmentalization is what creates this because I wouldn't is what creates this because I wouldn't is what creates this because I wouldn't think on Monday at my job let's say with think on Monday at my job let's say with think on Monday at my job let's say with people that are not in the faith I'm not people that are not in the faith I'm not people that are not in the faith I'm not going to bring this up and maybe even going to bring this up and maybe even going to bring this up and maybe even with my fellow Christian friends it's with my fellow Christian friends it's with my fellow Christian friends it's like ah you know what like right now like ah you know what like right now like ah you know what like right now we're having a dinner party like this we're having a dinner party like this we're having a dinner party like this isn't the time to talk about like how isn't the time to talk about like how isn't the time to talk about like how did I see God show up in my life this did I see God show up in my life this did I see God show up in my life this week but that seems bad yeah I

this is where like my my I feel my this is where like my my I feel my pastoral sense kind of tingling. You pastoral sense kind of tingling. You pastoral sense kind of tingling. You know, you can talk about that that first know, you can talk about that that first know, you can talk about that that first set of of data points and and you know set of of data points and and you know set of of data points and and you know how how Christians share their faith how how Christians share their faith how how Christians share their faith with maybe like you said skeptics or with maybe like you said skeptics or with maybe like you said skeptics or non-Christians, but now we're talking non-Christians, but now we're talking non-Christians, but now we're talking about people in the family of God. And about people in the family of God. And about people in the family of God. And the numbers creeping higher, 42% say the numbers creeping higher, 42% say the numbers creeping higher, 42% say that like spiritual matters don't arise that like spiritual matters don't arise that like spiritual matters don't arise in conversation with fellow Christians. in conversation with fellow Christians. in conversation with fellow Christians. And I think for anyone who's leading in And I think for anyone who's leading in And I think for anyone who's leading in a church, our disciplehip a church, our disciplehip a church, our disciplehip [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] senses should be tingling a little bit senses should be tingling a little bit senses should be tingling a little bit here. And I think it's worth kind of here. And I think it's worth kind of here. And I think it's worth kind of talking through this and maybe in your talking through this and maybe in your talking through this and maybe in your community and deciphering, trying to get community and deciphering, trying to get community and deciphering, trying to get to maybe the why. We're we're making to maybe the why. We're we're making to maybe the why. We're we're making some suggestions here about maybe why uh some suggestions here about maybe why uh some suggestions here about maybe why uh Christians aren't talking. I think I Christians aren't talking. I think I Christians aren't talking. I think I think you're right on with the think you're right on with the think you're right on with the compartmentalization of our lives and compartmentalization of our lives and compartmentalization of our lives and just living in an age where cultural just living in an age where cultural just living in an age where cultural Christianity is kind of like the Christianity is kind of like the Christianity is kind of like the dominant um position in the West. And so dominant um position in the West. And so dominant um position in the West. And so maybe it just we're just assuming that maybe it just we're just assuming that maybe it just we're just assuming that that we're all kind of riding the same that we're all kind of riding the same that we're all kind of riding the same tide or it's easy to just go to church tide or it's easy to just go to church tide or it's easy to just go to church on Sunday and and just return next on Sunday and and just return next on Sunday and and just return next Sunday and not really get deeply Sunday and not really get deeply Sunday and not really get deeply integrated in Christian life. But so you integrated in Christian life. But so you integrated in Christian life. But so you can talk about the wise. I think for can talk about the wise. I think for can talk about the wise. I think for those of us who are leading faith those of us who are leading faith those of us who are leading faith communities in any respect, not just communities in any respect, not just communities in any respect, not just senior leaders, but anyone who's senior leaders, but anyone who's senior leaders, but anyone who's listening to the show who has maybe listening to the show who has maybe listening to the show who has maybe you're just not just maybe you're the you're just not just maybe you're the you're just not just maybe you're the comm's person, you have a lot of comm's person, you have a lot of comm's person, you have a lot of responsibility on on social like what responsibility on on social like what responsibility on on social like what you choose to post, what you choose to you choose to post, what you choose to you choose to post, what you choose to communicate. Um I think our our senses communicate. Um I think our our senses communicate. Um I think our our senses should be tingling here and we should be should be tingling here and we should be should be tingling here and we should be exploring like okay there could be many exploring like okay there could be many exploring like okay there could be many reasons why but what is our reasons why but what is our reasons why but what is our responsibility to teach people in our

responsibility to teach people in our responsibility to teach people in our community lead them into being community lead them into being community lead them into being comfortable having these conversations. comfortable having these conversations. comfortable having these conversations. Um you just brought up a hypothetical uh Um you just brought up a hypothetical uh Um you just brought up a hypothetical uh uh there saying like oh you know maybe uh there saying like oh you know maybe uh there saying like oh you know maybe I'm not comfortable asking my friend I'm not comfortable asking my friend I'm not comfortable asking my friend like what what did you say like where like what what did you say like where like what what did you say like where they've seen God work in their life they've seen God work in their life they've seen God work in their life lately. And I think that's a perfect lately. And I think that's a perfect lately. And I think that's a perfect example because someone came to me example because someone came to me example because someone came to me recently and they were struggling with recently and they were struggling with recently and they were struggling with one of their close friends. Their close one of their close friends. Their close one of their close friends. Their close friend um had grown up in the church and friend um had grown up in the church and friend um had grown up in the church and this person has this sense that their this person has this sense that their this person has this sense that their friend is not falling away from the friend is not falling away from the friend is not falling away from the faith but just like they're unsure where faith but just like they're unsure where faith but just like they're unsure where they are in their faith with with Jesus they are in their faith with with Jesus they are in their faith with with Jesus and and they were asking me like how can and and they were asking me like how can and and they were asking me like how can I talk to them about this? Like can I I talk to them about this? Like can I I talk to them about this? Like can I just should I just come out of the gate just should I just come out of the gate just should I just come out of the gate and say like and say like and say like >> so what's your relationship with the >> so what's your relationship with the >> so what's your relationship with the Lord like? And I suggested a a question, Lord like? And I suggested a a question, Lord like? And I suggested a a question, a probing question similar to what you a probing question similar to what you a probing question similar to what you just said, which is like, oh, the next just said, which is like, oh, the next just said, which is like, oh, the next time you're together, maybe start with time you're together, maybe start with time you're together, maybe start with something like, hey, you know, we're something like, hey, you know, we're something like, hey, you know, we're parenting and in kind of the same stage, parenting and in kind of the same stage, parenting and in kind of the same stage, like where have you seen God or like met like where have you seen God or like met like where have you seen God or like met God lately in in your parenting God lately in in your parenting God lately in in your parenting relationship? You're at home with a relationship? You're at home with a relationship? You're at home with a little one. Like, where are you little one. Like, where are you little one. Like, where are you encountering God? And then you open the encountering God? And then you open the encountering God? And then you open the door for them to respond and say, "Oh, door for them to respond and say, "Oh, door for them to respond and say, "Oh, these are all the ways." And then you these are all the ways." And then you these are all the ways." And then you get your answer to the question, oh, get your answer to the question, oh, get your answer to the question, oh, this person like is does have a robust this person like is does have a robust this person like is does have a robust faith going on. Or they say like, "Hey, faith going on. Or they say like, "Hey, faith going on. Or they say like, "Hey, it's interesting you asked that because it's interesting you asked that because it's interesting you asked that because like I felt really disconnected from God like I felt really disconnected from God like I felt really disconnected from God lately and now you get lately and now you get lately and now you get >> and then you bring out your scorecard >> and then you bring out your scorecard >> and then you bring out your scorecard and you go, I know you missed church on and you go, I know you missed church on and you go, I know you missed church on this day and this day and this day, this day and this day and this day, this day and this day and this day, >> but simple simple um maybe even just >> but simple simple um maybe even just >> but simple simple um maybe even just leading our congregations with skills

leading our congregations with skills leading our congregations with skills like that, acknowledging this, saying like that, acknowledging this, saying like that, acknowledging this, saying like, "Hey, this is uh this is a way to like, "Hey, this is uh this is a way to like, "Hey, this is uh this is a way to have a conversation about faith that have a conversation about faith that have a conversation about faith that doesn't feel like you're putting someone doesn't feel like you're putting someone doesn't feel like you're putting someone on trial." Um, those are great on trial." Um, those are great on trial." Um, those are great conversations, great topics to have in conversations, great topics to have in conversations, great topics to have in mind when you're talking about what mind when you're talking about what mind when you're talking about what small groups you're going to do this small groups you're going to do this small groups you're going to do this semester or what the next sermon series semester or what the next sermon series semester or what the next sermon series is going to be about. Um, and and that's is going to be about. Um, and and that's is going to be about. Um, and and that's why we love bringing this data to the why we love bringing this data to the why we love bringing this data to the surface on this show is because it often surface on this show is because it often surface on this show is because it often reveals something that's going on reveals something that's going on reveals something that's going on culturally that we can now see in kind culturally that we can now see in kind culturally that we can now see in kind of represented in numbers and put our of represented in numbers and put our of represented in numbers and put our finger on and that can help us guide how finger on and that can help us guide how finger on and that can help us guide how we're going to lead our spiritual we're going to lead our spiritual we're going to lead our spiritual communities. You're describing this communities. You're describing this communities. You're describing this conversation that your friend had with conversation that your friend had with conversation that your friend had with this other person and how they came to this other person and how they came to this other person and how they came to you because they were uncertain about you because they were uncertain about you because they were uncertain about how to approach it. And that vein of how to approach it. And that vein of how to approach it. And that vein of uncertainty was very striking in the uncertainty was very striking in the uncertainty was very striking in the reporting that was done by Lifeway. 31% reporting that was done by Lifeway. 31% reporting that was done by Lifeway. 31% were uncertain whether they should be were uncertain whether they should be were uncertain whether they should be intentionally building Christ intentionally building Christ intentionally building Christ friendships with non-Christians. 28% friendships with non-Christians. 28% friendships with non-Christians. 28% were uncertain whether they even had were uncertain whether they even had were uncertain whether they even had significant outside relationships for significant outside relationships for significant outside relationships for evangelism. like if that was acceptable.

evangelism. like if that was acceptable. evangelism. like if that was acceptable. 25% were uncertain whether they should 25% were uncertain whether they should 25% were uncertain whether they should be seeking daily opportunities. 27% were be seeking daily opportunities. 27% were be seeking daily opportunities. 27% were uncertain whether they were eager to uncertain whether they were eager to uncertain whether they were eager to speak speak with people unlike speak speak with people unlike speak speak with people unlike themselves. like the like the shape of themselves. like the like the shape of themselves. like the like the shape of all that was people filling out these all that was people filling out these all that was people filling out these reports being like yeah I don't huh I reports being like yeah I don't huh I reports being like yeah I don't huh I don't really know and huh okay I mean I don't really know and huh okay I mean I don't really know and huh okay I mean I get and I think that that uncertainty get and I think that that uncertainty get and I think that that uncertainty speaks to this shapelessness speaks to this shapelessness speaks to this shapelessness of what we think is acceptable and what of what we think is acceptable and what of what we think is acceptable and what we think is effective and what we think we think is effective and what we think we think is effective and what we think is useful and maybe we have a very is useful and maybe we have a very is useful and maybe we have a very specific idea in mind of what we think specific idea in mind of what we think specific idea in mind of what we think evangelism or procilitizing or int evangelism or procilitizing or int evangelism or procilitizing or int intentional friendships are meant to intentional friendships are meant to intentional friendships are meant to look like or or what they've look like or or what they've look like or or what they've historically looked like, what they historically looked like, what they historically looked like, what they looked like, how we were taught them looked like, how we were taught them looked like, how we were taught them when we were younger and how we were when we were younger and how we were when we were younger and how we were like, "Well, that that doesn't seem like, "Well, that that doesn't seem like, "Well, that that doesn't seem great." I remember my youth pastor, he great." I remember my youth pastor, he great." I remember my youth pastor, he did not recommend missionary dating. did not recommend missionary dating. did not recommend missionary dating. >> And I said, "Let me give it a try >> And I said, "Let me give it a try >> And I said, "Let me give it a try nonetheless." nonetheless." nonetheless." >> Like maybe there are specific versions >> Like maybe there are specific versions >> Like maybe there are specific versions of this that you're like, you know what, of this that you're like, you know what, of this that you're like, you know what, I know I don't like that.

I know I don't like that. I know I don't like that. >> And then there's this empty void of, >> And then there's this empty void of, >> And then there's this empty void of, well, what do I like? well, what do I like? well, what do I like? >> Yeah. Like surely there's there's >> Yeah. Like surely there's there's >> Yeah. Like surely there's there's probably a pendulum swinging effect probably a pendulum swinging effect probably a pendulum swinging effect going on where a lot of us who grew up going on where a lot of us who grew up going on where a lot of us who grew up in evangelical churches in the west in evangelical churches in the west in evangelical churches in the west maybe experienced some of the evangel maybe experienced some of the evangel maybe experienced some of the evangel evangelism tactics that no longer evangelism tactics that no longer evangelism tactics that no longer resonate with us. Like for example, I resonate with us. Like for example, I resonate with us. Like for example, I don't know, handing out tracks on the don't know, handing out tracks on the don't know, handing out tracks on the street corner or using the megaphone on street corner or using the megaphone on street corner or using the megaphone on the street corner, what have you. Maybe the street corner, what have you. Maybe the street corner, what have you. Maybe these tactics that we deemed um were these tactics that we deemed um were these tactics that we deemed um were kind of not very fruitful at best or kind of not very fruitful at best or kind of not very fruitful at best or harmful at worst and we haven't been harmful at worst and we haven't been harmful at worst and we haven't been instructed instructed instructed um towards what a a holistic or what an um towards what a a holistic or what an um towards what a a holistic or what an effective method um a helpful method of effective method um a helpful method of effective method um a helpful method of evangelism can look like. And so now evangelism can look like. And so now evangelism can look like. And so now we're just left uncertain knowing that we're just left uncertain knowing that we're just left uncertain knowing that like okay I know it's not that like okay I know it's not that like okay I know it's not that >> but I don't know what it is. And so I'm >> but I don't know what it is. And so I'm >> but I don't know what it is. And so I'm just going to I'll go to church and I'll just going to I'll go to church and I'll just going to I'll go to church and I'll do my best my my level best to like live do my best my my level best to like live do my best my my level best to like live a good Christian life when I go to work a good Christian life when I go to work a good Christian life when I go to work and play and parent and all those and play and parent and all those and play and parent and all those things, but as far as like sharing things, but as far as like sharing things, but as far as like sharing proactively sharing about my inner life, proactively sharing about my inner life, proactively sharing about my inner life, I maybe I just don't I'm not confident I maybe I just don't I'm not confident I maybe I just don't I'm not confident that I know how to do that.

that I know how to do that. that I know how to do that. >> Yeah. So where do we go from here? Final >> Yeah. So where do we go from here? Final >> Yeah. So where do we go from here? Final bit of reporting that we wanted to bit of reporting that we wanted to bit of reporting that we wanted to highlight and surface was that people highlight and surface was that people highlight and surface was that people might be a little bit more open to this might be a little bit more open to this might be a little bit more open to this than you may assume. And this is from an than you may assume. And this is from an than you may assume. And this is from an earlier lifeway study of the general earlier lifeway study of the general earlier lifeway study of the general population. So this is different and population. So this is different and population. So this is different and it's from a different year. So it it's from a different year. So it it's from a different year. So it doesn't mean that there's perfect doesn't mean that there's perfect doesn't mean that there's perfect overlap here. But I think there are some overlap here. But I think there are some overlap here. But I think there are some useful things that we can infer useful things that we can infer useful things that we can infer nonetheless. 66% were at least open to nonetheless. 66% were at least open to nonetheless. 66% were at least open to discussing faith with a friend. 51% were discussing faith with a friend. 51% were discussing faith with a friend. 51% were curious about why some people are so curious about why some people are so curious about why some people are so deeply devoted to their faith. So deeply devoted to their faith. So deeply devoted to their faith. So there's uncertainty on the Christian there's uncertainty on the Christian there's uncertainty on the Christian side, but it appears that there's a side, but it appears that there's a side, but it appears that there's a decent amount of openness on the other decent amount of openness on the other decent amount of openness on the other side. So how do we bridge these two side. So how do we bridge these two side. So how do we bridge these two things? We did a recent episode of things? We did a recent episode of things? We did a recent episode of Church Chaos on the Brady Sheerer Church Chaos on the Brady Sheerer Church Chaos on the Brady Sheerer YouTube channel with a church called YouTube channel with a church called YouTube channel with a church called Summerside. In fact, it should have went Summerside. In fact, it should have went Summerside. In fact, it should have went live yesterday. And the Church Chaos live yesterday. And the Church Chaos live yesterday. And the Church Chaos Show is where we go in person to Show is where we go in person to Show is where we go in person to churches and we do these workshops with churches and we do these workshops with churches and we do these workshops with them to help them with communications. them to help them with communications. them to help them with communications. And because communications is this And because communications is this And because communications is this invisible thing in churches where we're invisible thing in churches where we're invisible thing in churches where we're all kind of recycling the same efforts all kind of recycling the same efforts all kind of recycling the same efforts that we saw at one church growing up or that we saw at one church growing up or that we saw at one church growing up or we saw at another church, we saw at another church, we saw at another church, >> it's this black box of >> it's this black box of >> it's this black box of inefficiency and ineffectiveness. And so inefficiency and ineffectiveness. And so inefficiency and ineffectiveness. And so the reason we do the show is to visit in the reason we do the show is to visit in the reason we do the show is to visit in person and to say here's what's person and to say here's what's person and to say here's what's happening at this church and here's how happening at this church and here's how happening at this church and here's how we would fix it so that for the we would fix it so that for the we would fix it so that for the thousands of churches watching they can thousands of churches watching they can thousands of churches watching they can say okay that's useful. One of the say okay that's useful. One of the say okay that's useful. One of the things that we prepared for this church things that we prepared for this church things that we prepared for this church and again I'd encourage you to go watch and again I'd encourage you to go watch and again I'd encourage you to go watch the full episode of church chaos on the the full episode of church chaos on the the full episode of church chaos on the Brady channel for some is something that Brady channel for some is something that Brady channel for some is something that we call a DNA document. And the way that

we call a DNA document. And the way that we call a DNA document. And the way that we prepare a DNA document for a church we prepare a DNA document for a church we prepare a DNA document for a church is we go through six months of their is we go through six months of their is we go through six months of their services. And we basically identify and services. And we basically identify and services. And we basically identify and document who this church presents document who this church presents document who this church presents themselves as from stage based off what themselves as from stage based off what themselves as from stage based off what they say about themselves, not just in they say about themselves, not just in they say about themselves, not just in the sermon, but through the songs they the sermon, but through the songs they the sermon, but through the songs they sing, what they say before the music, sing, what they say before the music, sing, what they say before the music, how they do announcements, how they how they do announcements, how they how they do announcements, how they close their services. We just we're not close their services. We just we're not close their services. We just we're not inferring anything, you know, on them. inferring anything, you know, on them. inferring anything, you know, on them. We're taking what they say about We're taking what they say about We're taking what they say about themselves and just kind of collating it themselves and just kind of collating it themselves and just kind of collating it to define what is your DNA as a church. to define what is your DNA as a church. to define what is your DNA as a church. >> And when you take a step back and look >> And when you take a step back and look >> And when you take a step back and look over six months, you get a pretty decent over six months, you get a pretty decent over six months, you get a pretty decent picture of who this church is. And so picture of who this church is. And so picture of who this church is. And so what comprises a DNA document? And if what comprises a DNA document? And if what comprises a DNA document? And if you're watching, you'll see some of this you're watching, you'll see some of this you're watching, you'll see some of this on the screen, but there are a few on the screen, but there are a few on the screen, but there are a few different elements. We talk about different elements. We talk about different elements. We talk about church's values. We talk about church's church's values. We talk about church's church's values. We talk about church's people. And we talk about a church's people. And we talk about a church's people. And we talk about a church's voice. So values are defining how a voice. So values are defining how a voice. So values are defining how a person at Somerside Church in this case person at Somerside Church in this case person at Somerside Church in this case behaves. If you are being discipled and behaves. If you are being discipled and behaves. If you are being discipled and being formed as a member of this being formed as a member of this being formed as a member of this congregation, these are the values that congregation, these are the values that congregation, these are the values that we would expect you to embody. The we would expect you to embody. The we would expect you to embody. The people are definitions of the types of people are definitions of the types of people are definitions of the types of people that tend to be in the orbit of people that tend to be in the orbit of people that tend to be in the orbit of this church because every church has this church because every church has this church because every church has unique DNA. That's what we call it, the unique DNA. That's what we call it, the unique DNA. That's what we call it, the DNA document. Your church has culture.

DNA document. Your church has culture. DNA document. Your church has culture. Your church has certain leadership. your Your church has certain leadership. your Your church has certain leadership. your church has certain beliefs and passions. church has certain beliefs and passions. church has certain beliefs and passions. And so there there are certain people And so there there are certain people And so there there are certain people that probably find home in your church that probably find home in your church that probably find home in your church that might be different from the people that might be different from the people that might be different from the people that find home in my church or Alex's that find home in my church or Alex's that find home in my church or Alex's church. And then finally, there's your church. And then finally, there's your church. And then finally, there's your voice. And these are the specific ways voice. And these are the specific ways voice. And these are the specific ways of communicating, the tone and the of communicating, the tone and the of communicating, the tone and the tenor. This is how you do communicate. tenor. This is how you do communicate. tenor. This is how you do communicate. This is how you seem to actively avoid This is how you seem to actively avoid This is how you seem to actively avoid communicating. And I think that this communicating. And I think that this communicating. And I think that this singular exercise and and we want to singular exercise and and we want to singular exercise and and we want to show you this specific church's DNA show you this specific church's DNA show you this specific church's DNA document so that you can get a a glimpse document so that you can get a a glimpse document so that you can get a a glimpse into like how this can be useful. I into like how this can be useful. I into like how this can be useful. I think it can be useful for helping your think it can be useful for helping your think it can be useful for helping your church be better at sharing their faith church be better at sharing their faith church be better at sharing their faith and then also for us as individuals to and then also for us as individuals to and then also for us as individuals to be better. So we're going to get really be better. So we're going to get really be better. So we're going to get really practical here. The three values that we practical here. The three values that we practical here. The three values that we wrote down for summerside were start wrote down for summerside were start wrote down for summerside were start with grace, move in mercy, and persist with grace, move in mercy, and persist with grace, move in mercy, and persist in prayer. So start in uh start with in prayer. So start in uh start with in prayer. So start in uh start with grace. This showed up in 15 of the 26 grace. This showed up in 15 of the 26 grace. This showed up in 15 of the 26 services that we looked at. Move in services that we looked at. Move in services that we looked at. Move in mercy showed up in 10. Persist in prayer mercy showed up in 10. Persist in prayer mercy showed up in 10. Persist in prayer showed up in 14. So what that means is showed up in 14. So what that means is showed up in 14. So what that means is in the majority of most services, these in the majority of most services, these in the majority of most services, these were the things that were being surfaced were the things that were being surfaced were the things that were being surfaced and being visible. So if we want to and being visible. So if we want to and being visible. So if we want to bridge the gap between bridge the gap between bridge the gap between the people that don't know God, the the people that don't know God, the the people that don't know God, the skeptics, and you who do, it starts with skeptics, and you who do, it starts with skeptics, and you who do, it starts with creating that level of openness. So, if creating that level of openness. So, if creating that level of openness. So, if I was at Summerside and I did a sermon I was at Summerside and I did a sermon I was at Summerside and I did a sermon series or I did an announcement or I did series or I did an announcement or I did series or I did an announcement or I did a small group and it was all based a small group and it was all based a small group and it was all based around sharing your faith and maybe I around sharing your faith and maybe I around sharing your faith and maybe I start by talking about, hey, did you

start by talking about, hey, did you start by talking about, hey, did you know that Christians are like know that Christians are like know that Christians are like 10 years ago were twice as much likely 10 years ago were twice as much likely 10 years ago were twice as much likely to share their faith than they are today to share their faith than they are today to share their faith than they are today 10 years ago like or 13 years ago. Like 10 years ago like or 13 years ago. Like 10 years ago like or 13 years ago. Like you remember 2013. It wasn't that long you remember 2013. It wasn't that long you remember 2013. It wasn't that long ago. We're not even that old and we ago. We're not even that old and we ago. We're not even that old and we remember 2013. It's not that long ago. remember 2013. It's not that long ago. remember 2013. It's not that long ago. twice as likely, twice as confident in twice as likely, twice as confident in twice as likely, twice as confident in sharing their faith than they are today. sharing their faith than they are today. sharing their faith than they are today. So, we're going to do a series. We're So, we're going to do a series. We're So, we're going to do a series. We're going to do a small group. We're going going to do a small group. We're going going to do a small group. We're going to do an announcement even just on to do an announcement even just on to do an announcement even just on helping. helping. helping. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, one of the values that we have here >> So, one of the values that we have here >> So, one of the values that we have here at this church is start with grace. What at this church is start with grace. What at this church is start with grace. What does that look like? So, what we wrote does that look like? So, what we wrote does that look like? So, what we wrote down for this church was it looks like down for this church was it looks like down for this church was it looks like confessing before covering up. It looks confessing before covering up. It looks confessing before covering up. It looks like refusing guilt as a motivator. It like refusing guilt as a motivator. It like refusing guilt as a motivator. It looks like coming as you are and then looks like coming as you are and then looks like coming as you are and then changing. So, let's imagine you're changing. So, let's imagine you're changing. So, let's imagine you're having a conversation now with a person having a conversation now with a person having a conversation now with a person who you cross paths with who you know who you cross paths with who you know who you cross paths with who you know doesn't know you're a Christian. Maybe doesn't know you're a Christian. Maybe doesn't know you're a Christian. Maybe it's your barber. Maybe it's your nail it's your barber. Maybe it's your nail it's your barber. Maybe it's your nail tech. Maybe it's that person who is tech. Maybe it's that person who is tech. Maybe it's that person who is always at the butcher. Okay? always at the butcher. Okay? always at the butcher. Okay? And there's an opportunity for you to And there's an opportunity for you to And there's an opportunity for you to meet them in one of those ways. They meet them in one of those ways. They meet them in one of those ways. They share something with you. I was recently share something with you. I was recently share something with you. I was recently talking to my barber and he shared talking to my barber and he shared talking to my barber and he shared something. This is a new barber for me.

something. This is a new barber for me. something. This is a new barber for me. He shared something that He shared something that He shared something that >> almost >> almost >> almost >> because you made the last barber a >> because you made the last barber a >> because you made the last barber a Christian so now you're moving on. Christian so now you're moving on. Christian so now you're moving on. >> Well, he did want [laughter] to get >> Well, he did want [laughter] to get >> Well, he did want [laughter] to get baptized and he did know I was a baptized and he did know I was a baptized and he did know I was a Christian and he did come to church Christian and he did come to church Christian and he did come to church multiple times and congrats to him. He multiple times and congrats to him. He multiple times and congrats to him. He got engaged this weekend and he texted got engaged this weekend and he texted got engaged this weekend and he texted me me me >> and he said like he sent photos like I >> and he said like he sent photos like I >> and he said like he sent photos like I haven't seen him in a little while. He haven't seen him in a little while. He haven't seen him in a little while. He works in the mines now works in the mines now works in the mines now >> and he he sent me photos. He's like I >> and he he sent me photos. He's like I >> and he he sent me photos. He's like I got engaged like and he said you were got engaged like and he said you were got engaged like and he said you were always the biggest cheerleader of this always the biggest cheerleader of this always the biggest cheerleader of this relationship because it sounds like a relationship because it sounds like a relationship because it sounds like a lot of dudes were like oh once you get lot of dudes were like oh once you get lot of dudes were like oh once you get married ball and chain a different a married ball and chain a different a married ball and chain a different a Christian perspective. Exactly. And he Christian perspective. Exactly. And he Christian perspective. Exactly. And he knew that. And he came to church a knew that. And he came to church a knew that. And he came to church a couple times, was, you know, curious. He couple times, was, you know, curious. He couple times, was, you know, curious. He was baptism curious. [laughter] was baptism curious. [laughter] was baptism curious. [laughter] >> He was an >> He was an >> He was an >> That counts for something. >> That counts for something. >> That counts for something. >> He He did a jiu-jitsu. And he'd always >> He He did a jiu-jitsu. And he'd always >> He He did a jiu-jitsu. And he'd always love to talk about he's like, you know, love to talk about he's like, you know, love to talk about he's like, you know, God, he just like chokes out the devil, God, he just like chokes out the devil, God, he just like chokes out the devil, right? And I [laughter] was like, "Yeah, right? And I [laughter] was like, "Yeah, right? And I [laughter] was like, "Yeah, I mean that I think that imagery is I mean that I think that imagery is I mean that I think that imagery is fine. I'm okay with that." So, fine. I'm okay with that." So, fine. I'm okay with that." So, >> new barber. >> new barber. >> new barber. >> New barber. >> New barber. >> New barber. >> Already married. Okay. Okay. and he was >> Already married. Okay. Okay. and he was >> Already married. Okay. Okay. and he was talking about a weekend that he had and talking about a weekend that he had and talking about a weekend that he had and there was a moment where he shared there was a moment where he shared there was a moment where he shared something about his family and he almost something about his family and he almost something about his family and he almost like kind of came at it in a way where like kind of came at it in a way where like kind of came at it in a way where he was it almost sounded like he was a he was it almost sounded like he was a he was it almost sounded like he was a bit ashamed of it bit ashamed of it bit ashamed of it >> and I immediately in that moment said >> and I immediately in that moment said >> and I immediately in that moment said that a similar thing was happening in my that a similar thing was happening in my that a similar thing was happening in my family I was like ah it's a totally family I was like ah it's a totally family I was like ah it's a totally normal thing and like I can share this normal thing and like I can share this normal thing and like I can share this he was just talking about like how his he was just talking about like how his he was just talking about like how his brother was living with him and almost brother was living with him and almost brother was living with him and almost like oh you know like we should all have like oh you know like we should all have like oh you know like we should all have our own homes and and maybe I'm reading our own homes and and maybe I'm reading our own homes and and maybe I'm reading too much into this but what is true is too much into this but what is true is too much into this but what is true is that I immediately said oh you know what that I immediately said oh you know what that I immediately said oh you know what my brother-in-law lived with us for like my brother-in-law lived with us for like my brother-in-law lived with us for like and he should have his own home.

and he should have his own home. and he should have his own home. >> Yeah. [laughter] And and now he's out. >> Yeah. [laughter] And and now he's out. >> Yeah. [laughter] And and now he's out. Thank God. Thank God. Thank God. >> And I talked about like what a great >> And I talked about like what a great >> And I talked about like what a great thing you can do for your brother. What thing you can do for your brother. What thing you can do for your brother. What a great thing to be able to spend time. a great thing to be able to spend time. a great thing to be able to spend time. And he's like, "Yeah, you know, and he And he's like, "Yeah, you know, and he And he's like, "Yeah, you know, and he watches my kid and like it's great." And watches my kid and like it's great." And watches my kid and like it's great." And so like there was a moment there where so like there was a moment there where so like there was a moment there where he was showing a bit of shame and like he was showing a bit of shame and like he was showing a bit of shame and like >> back to this refusing guilt as a >> back to this refusing guilt as a >> back to this refusing guilt as a motivator. Okay. Like I'm going to meet motivator. Okay. Like I'm going to meet motivator. Okay. Like I'm going to meet that and like undo it or confessing that and like undo it or confessing that and like undo it or confessing before covering up. like I'm going to be before covering up. like I'm going to be before covering up. like I'm going to be purposefully open about my own life as purposefully open about my own life as purposefully open about my own life as to create the opportunity for them to be to create the opportunity for them to be to create the opportunity for them to be open in return. If I lead with that open in return. If I lead with that open in return. If I lead with that disarming disarming disarming >> tone and tenor, then they can give that >> tone and tenor, then they can give that >> tone and tenor, then they can give that back. What has that done? that has now back. What has that done? that has now back. What has that done? that has now created rapport and openness for where created rapport and openness for where created rapport and openness for where it won't be awkward or strange if faith it won't be awkward or strange if faith it won't be awkward or strange if faith comes up because we've already talked comes up because we've already talked comes up because we've already talked about some issues that maybe had like about some issues that maybe had like about some issues that maybe had like okay I'm going to just step lightly okay I'm going to just step lightly okay I'm going to just step lightly around this and then I've met that with around this and then I've met that with around this and then I've met that with there's no reason to step lightly around there's no reason to step lightly around there's no reason to step lightly around this this this >> who knows where that goes from there >> who knows where that goes from there >> who knows where that goes from there >> yeah you're embodying a gracious >> yeah you're embodying a gracious >> yeah you're embodying a gracious you know perspective there because you know perspective there because you know perspective there because you're a mature Christian but you don't you're a mature Christian but you don't you're a mature Christian but you don't belong to some but if you did that this belong to some but if you did that this belong to some but if you did that this is part of the disciples ship that would is part of the disciples ship that would is part of the disciples ship that would happen in a church like this at happen in a church like this at happen in a church like this at Somersside is if you belong to Somersside is if you belong to Somersside is if you belong to Somersside, you're using this language.

Somersside, you're using this language. Somersside, you're using this language. We start with grace and that's We start with grace and that's We start with grace and that's interwoven not just through you're not interwoven not just through you're not interwoven not just through you're not just explicitly saying it every Sunday, just explicitly saying it every Sunday, just explicitly saying it every Sunday, but it's interwoven through the songs but it's interwoven through the songs but it's interwoven through the songs you sing, the prayers you pray, the you sing, the prayers you pray, the you sing, the prayers you pray, the sermons you preach, this that and the sermons you preach, this that and the sermons you preach, this that and the other. And through that means of other. And through that means of other. And through that means of disciplehip. Now the people who belong disciplehip. Now the people who belong disciplehip. Now the people who belong to Somerside are being formed into this to Somerside are being formed into this to Somerside are being formed into this image. They're they're taking on the image. They're they're taking on the image. They're they're taking on the identity of like, oh, I'm a person who identity of like, oh, I'm a person who identity of like, oh, I'm a person who leads with grace. and that opens the leads with grace. and that opens the leads with grace. and that opens the door for them to be able to enter into a door for them to be able to enter into a door for them to be able to enter into a conversation the way the way that you conversation the way the way that you conversation the way the way that you just kind of exemplified. Um I I think just kind of exemplified. Um I I think just kind of exemplified. Um I I think it's such a you know we talk about it's such a you know we talk about it's such a you know we talk about disciplehip in church and sometimes we disciplehip in church and sometimes we disciplehip in church and sometimes we feel frustrated about the state of feel frustrated about the state of feel frustrated about the state of disciplehip because we know that like disciplehip because we know that like disciplehip because we know that like it's a really imperative part of um the it's a really imperative part of um the it's a really imperative part of um the role that the local church plays is like role that the local church plays is like role that the local church plays is like forming people into into mature forming people into into mature forming people into into mature Christians frankly. Uh but sometimes we Christians frankly. Uh but sometimes we Christians frankly. Uh but sometimes we don't know how or sometimes we feel don't know how or sometimes we feel don't know how or sometimes we feel frustrated that people don't come to frustrated that people don't come to frustrated that people don't come to church enough. So like we don't have church enough. So like we don't have church enough. So like we don't have means for disciplehip. But this really means for disciplehip. But this really means for disciplehip. But this really kind of breaks it down and makes kind of breaks it down and makes kind of breaks it down and makes practical disciplehip really accessible. practical disciplehip really accessible. practical disciplehip really accessible. Just acknowledging that like we're this Just acknowledging that like we're this Just acknowledging that like we're this is not a disciplehip class or course or is not a disciplehip class or course or is not a disciplehip class or course or even a sermon series. This is just even a sermon series. This is just even a sermon series. This is just honing in on the values of your church, honing in on the values of your church, honing in on the values of your church, the identity of who you are and who the identity of who you are and who the identity of who you are and who you're serving, and being intentional you're serving, and being intentional you're serving, and being intentional about weaving that through all of your about weaving that through all of your about weaving that through all of your communications. And by, and it's not communications. And by, and it's not communications. And by, and it's not just by osmosis, it's honestly by just by osmosis, it's honestly by just by osmosis, it's honestly by practice that folks in your community practice that folks in your community practice that folks in your community will be formed into disciples that feel will be formed into disciples that feel will be formed into disciples that feel not uncertain, feel confident to embody not uncertain, feel confident to embody not uncertain, feel confident to embody their Christian identity wherever they

their Christian identity wherever they their Christian identity wherever they are. It's what I said to Somers and it's are. It's what I said to Somers and it's are. It's what I said to Somers and it's what I say to any church when you have what I say to any church when you have what I say to any church when you have these values in the DNA doc which is I these values in the DNA doc which is I these values in the DNA doc which is I want you to repeat these from stage want you to repeat these from stage want you to repeat these from stage adnauseium adnauseium adnauseium >> in the same way that once you've done a >> in the same way that once you've done a >> in the same way that once you've done a song in worship 20 Sundays in a row it song in worship 20 Sundays in a row it song in worship 20 Sundays in a row it feels like and finally the congregation feels like and finally the congregation feels like and finally the congregation knows like the melody of the chorus and knows like the melody of the chorus and knows like the melody of the chorus and you're so sick of it like I want you to you're so sick of it like I want you to you're so sick of it like I want you to be saying these from stage so often that be saying these from stage so often that be saying these from stage so often that when people have that moment of when people have that moment of when people have that moment of decisiveness where they're talking to decisiveness where they're talking to decisiveness where they're talking to their barber or they're at the nail tech their barber or they're at the nail tech their barber or they're at the nail tech or they're you know, their meat at the or they're you know, their meat at the or they're you know, their meat at the butcher and they have a moment, an butcher and they have a moment, an butcher and they have a moment, an opportunity. They think, right, start opportunity. They think, right, start opportunity. They think, right, start with grace, right? with grace, right? with grace, right? >> Or to create those opportunities when >> Or to create those opportunities when >> Or to create those opportunities when they're thinking about the next visit. they're thinking about the next visit. they're thinking about the next visit. Okay. Persist in prayer. Pray that I Okay. Persist in prayer. Pray that I Okay. Persist in prayer. Pray that I have eyes to see when those have eyes to see when those have eyes to see when those opportunities opportunities opportunities >> come up or the courage to pray with >> come up or the courage to pray with >> come up or the courage to pray with someone. someone. someone. >> Right. Precisely. That's another one. >> Right. Precisely. That's another one. >> Right. Precisely. That's another one. Move in mercy. When an opportunity comes Move in mercy. When an opportunity comes Move in mercy. When an opportunity comes for compassion, I am going to like for compassion, I am going to like for compassion, I am going to like actively move to that moment despite if actively move to that moment despite if actively move to that moment despite if it feels awkward. I'm not going to avoid it feels awkward. I'm not going to avoid it feels awkward. I'm not going to avoid it. If you talk about those things in it. If you talk about those things in it. If you talk about those things in church, what's amazing about these church, what's amazing about these church, what's amazing about these values is that we're talking about how values is that we're talking about how values is that we're talking about how they funnel specifically into evangelism they funnel specifically into evangelism they funnel specifically into evangelism or sharing faith, but or sharing faith, but or sharing faith, but >> they are the foundations for all of >> they are the foundations for all of >> they are the foundations for all of formation and they can be funneled into formation and they can be funneled into formation and they can be funneled into any any any >> type of specific instance.

>> type of specific instance. >> type of specific instance. >> So then another part of the document >> So then another part of the document >> So then another part of the document that we created for Summerside was your that we created for Summerside was your that we created for Summerside was your people. So these are the people in the people. So these are the people in the people. So these are the people in the church's orbit. We had two that I think church's orbit. We had two that I think church's orbit. We had two that I think are relevant to this conversation. One are relevant to this conversation. One are relevant to this conversation. One was parenting Peter and the second one was parenting Peter and the second one was parenting Peter and the second one was returning Rachel. And yes, I'll say was returning Rachel. And yes, I'll say was returning Rachel. And yes, I'll say this every time. You must have cheesy this every time. You must have cheesy this every time. You must have cheesy alliteration for your people alliteration for your people alliteration for your people >> so that you can remember it. >> so that you can remember it. >> so that you can remember it. >> So that they're memorable. Okay. So >> So that they're memorable. Okay. So >> So that they're memorable. Okay. So parenting Peter and what we do in the parenting Peter and what we do in the parenting Peter and what we do in the DNA doc for the people is we write down DNA doc for the people is we write down DNA doc for the people is we write down what weighs on them. So for parenting what weighs on them. So for parenting what weighs on them. So for parenting Peter, we wrote down making Jesus a Peter, we wrote down making Jesus a Peter, we wrote down making Jesus a footnote next to good competing pursuits footnote next to good competing pursuits footnote next to good competing pursuits like sports, school, and career, falling like sports, school, and career, falling like sports, school, and career, falling into inconsistency, anger in the home, into inconsistency, anger in the home, into inconsistency, anger in the home, or comparison between kids. wondering or comparison between kids. wondering or comparison between kids. wondering whether their kids know that he likes whether their kids know that he likes whether their kids know that he likes them and not just loves them, carrying them and not just loves them, carrying them and not just loves them, carrying grief and regret over how earlier grief and regret over how earlier grief and regret over how earlier parenting years already went. So, let's parenting years already went. So, let's parenting years already went. So, let's imagine I'm talking to my barber now who imagine I'm talking to my barber now who imagine I'm talking to my barber now who I know has a child and this is a brand I know has a child and this is a brand I know has a child and this is a brand new relationship. So, I'm not I'm not new relationship. So, I'm not I'm not new relationship. So, I'm not I'm not angling for these types of things like angling for these types of things like angling for these types of things like I'm just aware of them. They come up I'm just aware of them. They come up I'm just aware of them. They come up naturally. But if and when we have any naturally. But if and when we have any naturally. But if and when we have any conversation about parenting, these are conversation about parenting, these are conversation about parenting, these are the types of things that if I'm a part the types of things that if I'm a part the types of things that if I'm a part of Somerside might be mindful for me of Somerside might be mindful for me of Somerside might be mindful for me because they're the types of things that because they're the types of things that because they're the types of things that people in our church's orbit tend to people in our church's orbit tend to people in our church's orbit tend to think about. That's specific to think about. That's specific to think about. That's specific to parenting Peter. What about returning parenting Peter. What about returning parenting Peter. What about returning Rachel? What weighs on her? Hidden Rachel? What weighs on her? Hidden Rachel? What weighs on her? Hidden failure and shame, keeping her from failure and shame, keeping her from failure and shame, keeping her from walking back into church. I can tell you walking back into church. I can tell you walking back into church. I can tell you that was a specific thing that my past that was a specific thing that my past that was a specific thing that my past barber had brought up. He's barber had brought up. He's barber had brought up. He's [clears throat] like, you know, I don't [clears throat] like, you know, I don't [clears throat] like, you know, I don't just so you know, like I didn't like I just so you know, like I didn't like I just so you know, like I didn't like I grew up like I went to Catholic church a grew up like I went to Catholic church a grew up like I went to Catholic church a couple times, but like I my upbringing

couple times, but like I my upbringing couple times, but like I my upbringing was not exactly like yours. And and so was not exactly like yours. And and so was not exactly like yours. And and so like that was a disarming thing that he like that was a disarming thing that he like that was a disarming thing that he was willing to share. And so what do I was willing to share. And so what do I was willing to share. And so what do I do? Like I meet him right there and say do? Like I meet him right there and say do? Like I meet him right there and say like, "Oh yeah, that's not a like, "Oh yeah, that's not a like, "Oh yeah, that's not a disqualifier whatsoever." Like everyone disqualifier whatsoever." Like everyone disqualifier whatsoever." Like everyone is welcome here. And that's what's so is welcome here. And that's what's so is welcome here. And that's what's so great about church is that people from great about church is that people from great about church is that people from all different walks of life are rubbing all different walks of life are rubbing all different walks of life are rubbing shoulders with each other. shoulders with each other. shoulders with each other. >> We could talk more about what weighs on >> We could talk more about what weighs on >> We could talk more about what weighs on them. If you're watching this version, them. If you're watching this version, them. If you're watching this version, you're seeing the slide for returning you're seeing the slide for returning you're seeing the slide for returning Rachel on the screen. Um, but the point Rachel on the screen. Um, but the point Rachel on the screen. Um, but the point is that when you can think about a is that when you can think about a is that when you can think about a specific person and the specific things specific person and the specific things specific person and the specific things that are weighing on them, when you get that are weighing on them, when you get that are weighing on them, when you get yourself in their shoes, you can yourself in their shoes, you can yourself in their shoes, you can understand how your faith intersects understand how your faith intersects understand how your faith intersects with their needs. When we talk about with their needs. When we talk about with their needs. When we talk about creating social content, this is what creating social content, this is what creating social content, this is what we're always doing. Where does the we're always doing. Where does the we're always doing. Where does the wisdom of scripture overlap with the wisdom of scripture overlap with the wisdom of scripture overlap with the needs of the people in your church's needs of the people in your church's needs of the people in your church's everyday life, the people in your everyday life, the people in your everyday life, the people in your neighborhood, in your region, in your neighborhood, in your region, in your neighborhood, in your region, in your city? And we're doing the same thing city? And we're doing the same thing city? And we're doing the same thing here. The wisdom of scripture is for all here. The wisdom of scripture is for all here. The wisdom of scripture is for all people, for all time. And so, where does people, for all time. And so, where does people, for all time. And so, where does it intersect with the needs and the it intersect with the needs and the it intersect with the needs and the cares and the wishes and the deepest cares and the wishes and the deepest cares and the wishes and the deepest desires of the heart of the person who desires of the heart of the person who desires of the heart of the person who you're looking at, right, in that you're looking at, right, in that you're looking at, right, in that scenario?

scenario? scenario? >> Yeah. I think you're describing in its >> Yeah. I think you're describing in its >> Yeah. I think you're describing in its best form like empathy, right? Sympathy best form like empathy, right? Sympathy best form like empathy, right? Sympathy is, oh, I can imagine how that feels for is, oh, I can imagine how that feels for is, oh, I can imagine how that feels for you. Compassion is, um, I I have I'm I you. Compassion is, um, I I have I'm I you. Compassion is, um, I I have I'm I have space for how that feels for you. have space for how that feels for you. have space for how that feels for you. But empathy is like, oh, no, I know what But empathy is like, oh, no, I know what But empathy is like, oh, no, I know what you're feeling. And we have we can meet you're feeling. And we have we can meet you're feeling. And we have we can meet here in the middle. And I think the here in the middle. And I think the here in the middle. And I think the well-formed Christian um well-formed Christian um well-formed Christian um can lead often with empathy and meet can lead often with empathy and meet can lead often with empathy and meet people in their pain or uncertainty or people in their pain or uncertainty or people in their pain or uncertainty or reservation or whatever it is in reservation or whatever it is in reservation or whatever it is in conversation in a way that you can't conversation in a way that you can't conversation in a way that you can't really access without empathy. Um, so I really access without empathy. Um, so I really access without empathy. Um, so I think that that's what you're describing think that that's what you're describing think that that's what you're describing and that's that's again another like and that's that's again another like and that's that's again another like example of a holistic way to share not example of a holistic way to share not example of a holistic way to share not just the not just the faith, not just to just the not just the faith, not just to just the not just the faith, not just to let someone know you're a Christian, but let someone know you're a Christian, but let someone know you're a Christian, but to extend like the actual love and to extend like the actual love and to extend like the actual love and presence of Christ in a conversation is presence of Christ in a conversation is presence of Christ in a conversation is to to lead with empathy so that you can to to lead with empathy so that you can to to lead with empathy so that you can meet on mutual ground and actually like meet on mutual ground and actually like meet on mutual ground and actually like get into like the stuff of life, you get into like the stuff of life, you get into like the stuff of life, you know, talk about the struggles of know, talk about the struggles of know, talk about the struggles of parenting or the hesitancy to come back parenting or the hesitancy to come back parenting or the hesitancy to come back to church or whatever it is, fill in the to church or whatever it is, fill in the to church or whatever it is, fill in the blank. Um, that's where the Yeah, I blank. Um, that's where the Yeah, I blank. Um, that's where the Yeah, I that's just like those that's the good that's just like those that's the good that's just like those that's the good stuff, right? And that's where someone stuff, right? And that's where someone stuff, right? And that's where someone really feels seen and when they feel really feels seen and when they feel really feels seen and when they feel seen seen seen >> and loved for who they are by a >> and loved for who they are by a >> and loved for who they are by a Christian who sometimes for better, for Christian who sometimes for better, for Christian who sometimes for better, for worse, we have kind of this this idea worse, we have kind of this this idea worse, we have kind of this this idea about us that maybe we're judgmental or about us that maybe we're judgmental or about us that maybe we're judgmental or what have you. But to to actually be be what have you. But to to actually be be what have you. But to to actually be be loved for who we are in that moment,

loved for who we are in that moment, loved for who we are in that moment, man, does that not open the door wide man, does that not open the door wide man, does that not open the door wide open for that person, to take a step open for that person, to take a step open for that person, to take a step towards the faith that we're talking towards the faith that we're talking towards the faith that we're talking about, like we ought to be sharing. about, like we ought to be sharing. about, like we ought to be sharing. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I think it can >> Yeah. Yeah. And I think it can >> Yeah. Yeah. And I think it can demonstrate emotional maturity, which is demonstrate emotional maturity, which is demonstrate emotional maturity, which is what allows for people to be vulnerable what allows for people to be vulnerable what allows for people to be vulnerable in response. They know that, okay, if I in response. They know that, okay, if I in response. They know that, okay, if I choose to share something that I choose to share something that I choose to share something that I normally would not outside of a very normally would not outside of a very normally would not outside of a very close relationship, that I won't be close relationship, that I won't be close relationship, that I won't be judged and it won't be an unsafe place judged and it won't be an unsafe place judged and it won't be an unsafe place for that to happen. These are rarely for that to happen. These are rarely for that to happen. These are rarely conscious thoughts that are going on in conscious thoughts that are going on in conscious thoughts that are going on in our mind, but they're informing our our mind, but they're informing our our mind, but they're informing our behavior nonetheless. What are we behavior nonetheless. What are we behavior nonetheless. What are we talking about? We're talking about talking about? We're talking about talking about? We're talking about sharing your story. We're talking about sharing your story. We're talking about sharing your story. We're talking about you being empathetic enough to consider you being empathetic enough to consider you being empathetic enough to consider the story of someone else and how your the story of someone else and how your the story of someone else and how your own experience is familiar to theirs. own experience is familiar to theirs. own experience is familiar to theirs. So, if you're listening or watching So, if you're listening or watching So, if you're listening or watching this, you're like, "Well, I don't have a this, you're like, "Well, I don't have a this, you're like, "Well, I don't have a DNA doc." Fair enough. The National DNA doc." Fair enough. The National DNA doc." Fair enough. The National Library of Medicine says it this way Library of Medicine says it this way Library of Medicine says it this way that storytelling has the ability to that storytelling has the ability to that storytelling has the ability to affect attitudes, beliefs, and affect attitudes, beliefs, and affect attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. What is the reason why you behaviors. What is the reason why you behaviors. What is the reason why you would share about your faith to begin would share about your faith to begin would share about your faith to begin with? Because you know that your faith with? Because you know that your faith with? Because you know that your faith in Christ has changed your attitudes, in Christ has changed your attitudes, in Christ has changed your attitudes, your beliefs, ultimately your behaviors, your beliefs, ultimately your behaviors, your beliefs, ultimately your behaviors, and that that has been transformational and that that has been transformational and that that has been transformational for your life and for your family's life for your life and for your family's life for your life and for your family's life for the better.

for the better. for the better. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, you don't have to if you don't want, >> So, you don't have to if you don't want, >> So, you don't have to if you don't want, and I don't do it this way, as much as I and I don't do it this way, as much as I and I don't do it this way, as much as I loved reading about this when I was loved reading about this when I was loved reading about this when I was younger, I'm not going to convince younger, I'm not going to convince younger, I'm not going to convince someone into understanding my faith. I'm someone into understanding my faith. I'm someone into understanding my faith. I'm not going to like share about not going to like share about not going to like share about apologetics to the point where do you apologetics to the point where do you apologetics to the point where do you understand that I've intellectually understand that I've intellectually understand that I've intellectually cornered you and that means I win and cornered you and that means I win and cornered you and that means I win and that you must give your life to Jesus. that you must give your life to Jesus. that you must give your life to Jesus. Now that that's not what I believe and Now that that's not what I believe and Now that that's not what I believe and what I have seen is effective and I what I have seen is effective and I what I have seen is effective and I think that we see this in the data here think that we see this in the data here think that we see this in the data here that people are choosing not to share that people are choosing not to share that people are choosing not to share their faith maybe because they feel that their faith maybe because they feel that their faith maybe because they feel that that's the way you're supposed to. You that's the way you're supposed to. You that's the way you're supposed to. You can just talk about your story. It's it can just talk about your story. It's it can just talk about your story. It's it it's strange to me to think that a third it's strange to me to think that a third it's strange to me to think that a third of the people in my life like would know of the people in my life like would know of the people in my life like would know would not know that I'm a Christian would not know that I'm a Christian would not know that I'm a Christian because I've been to my new barber three because I've been to my new barber three because I've been to my new barber three times and he asked me yesterday two days times and he asked me yesterday two days times and he asked me yesterday two days ago when I went he's like what'd you do ago when I went he's like what'd you do ago when I went he's like what'd you do this weekend I was like I don't know this weekend I was like I don't know this weekend I was like I don't know nothing. I went to church cuz I had a nothing. I went to church cuz I had a nothing. I went to church cuz I had a pretty quiet weekend. So on the third pretty quiet weekend. So on the third pretty quiet weekend. So on the third time I had told him I had been to church time I had told him I had been to church time I had told him I had been to church and and now he knows that. And what I and and now he knows that. And what I and and now he knows that. And what I have found is that by just being myself have found is that by just being myself have found is that by just being myself and being open to having conversations, and being open to having conversations, and being open to having conversations, eventually what happens is people and eventually what happens is people and eventually what happens is people and you go to church, right? And then that you go to church, right? And then that you go to church, right? And then that is like they're curious more than I'm is like they're curious more than I'm is like they're curious more than I'm like trying to overshare with them.

like trying to overshare with them. like trying to overshare with them. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> My wife is a midwife and she just told >> My wife is a midwife and she just told >> My wife is a midwife and she just told me a story this week and she tells me me a story this week and she tells me me a story this week and she tells me the story like every few weeks it seems the story like every few weeks it seems the story like every few weeks it seems because she's a midwife. She's a because she's a midwife. She's a because she's a midwife. She's a healthcare provider. She doesn't she's healthcare provider. She doesn't she's healthcare provider. She doesn't she's there's kind of like certain barriers there's kind of like certain barriers there's kind of like certain barriers for how [laughter] for how [laughter] for how [laughter] how appropriate it is to share her faith how appropriate it is to share her faith how appropriate it is to share her faith in the workplace with clients and in the workplace with clients and in the workplace with clients and whatnot. whatnot. whatnot. >> She doesn't sprinkle water baptism as >> She doesn't sprinkle water baptism as >> She doesn't sprinkle water baptism as she delivers the child. she delivers the child. she delivers the child. >> No, she's not praying in tongues like as >> No, she's not praying in tongues like as >> No, she's not praying in tongues like as the as the laboring woman is trying to the as the laboring woman is trying to the as the laboring woman is trying to deliver her baby. But it's so deliver her baby. But it's so deliver her baby. But it's so interesting how often it comes up in interesting how often it comes up in interesting how often it comes up in reverse. People will notice something reverse. People will notice something reverse. People will notice something about her. She's very careful not to about her. She's very careful not to about her. She's very careful not to prostilitize in the workplace. Uh but prostilitize in the workplace. Uh but prostilitize in the workplace. Uh but it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's the the clients have to lead there, the the clients have to lead there, the the clients have to lead there, right? And when they do, obviously, she right? And when they do, obviously, she right? And when they do, obviously, she can respond. And it's just so curious can respond. And it's just so curious can respond. And it's just so curious how many times with just her being her how many times with just her being her how many times with just her being her Christian self, that spirit of Christ Christian self, that spirit of Christ Christian self, that spirit of Christ gets picked up by clients and they'll gets picked up by clients and they'll gets picked up by clients and they'll point it out. They'll be like, "Are you point it out. They'll be like, "Are you point it out. They'll be like, "Are you a are you a a Christian?" You know, and a are you a a Christian?" You know, and a are you a a Christian?" You know, and then the door's wide open. Um, and you then the door's wide open. Um, and you then the door's wide open. Um, and you know, that's again, Rebecca's been know, that's again, Rebecca's been know, that's again, Rebecca's been following the Lord for her life. So, following the Lord for her life. So, following the Lord for her life. So, she's like she's she's embodying the the she's like she's she's embodying the the she's like she's she's embodying the the spirit of like a mature follower of spirit of like a mature follower of spirit of like a mature follower of Jesus. And that's the journey we're all Jesus. And that's the journey we're all Jesus. And that's the journey we're all on. Um, and I don't know, man. Like I on. Um, and I don't know, man. Like I on. Um, and I don't know, man. Like I thinking about this this conversation um thinking about this this conversation um thinking about this this conversation um my grandmother came to mind my grandmother came to mind my grandmother came to mind >> because >> because >> because faith comes to us uh by hearing. It's faith comes to us uh by hearing. It's faith comes to us uh by hearing. It's just it's it's how it is and by hearing just it's it's how it is and by hearing just it's it's how it is and by hearing the the the word of God and and not not the the the word of God and and not not the the the word of God and and not not just the scripture but like the story of just the scripture but like the story of just the scripture but like the story of God revealed in Jesus who the scripture God revealed in Jesus who the scripture God revealed in Jesus who the scripture testifies is the word. And my testifies is the word. And my testifies is the word. And my grandmother is the one who gave the gift grandmother is the one who gave the gift grandmother is the one who gave the gift of faith to our family, not by cornering

of faith to our family, not by cornering of faith to our family, not by cornering us in or making us go to church or us in or making us go to church or us in or making us go to church or whatever, by just simply telling us of whatever, by just simply telling us of whatever, by just simply telling us of what the Lord had done for her. what the Lord had done for her. what the Lord had done for her. >> And of course, that happened in family. >> And of course, that happened in family. >> And of course, that happened in family. So that's that's a little bit more So that's that's a little bit more So that's that's a little bit more intimate. But that is how the gift of intimate. But that is how the gift of intimate. But that is how the gift of faith is given is just by hearing. And faith is given is just by hearing. And faith is given is just by hearing. And for others to hear, we have to be able for others to hear, we have to be able for others to hear, we have to be able for those of us who've received the gift for those of us who've received the gift for those of us who've received the gift of faith, we have to be willing to tell. of faith, we have to be willing to tell. of faith, we have to be willing to tell. And I spent my summer in Africa this And I spent my summer in Africa this And I spent my summer in Africa this this year and there's a lot of like um this year and there's a lot of like um this year and there's a lot of like um street preaching culture. They will street preaching culture. They will street preaching culture. They will drive down the street with the loudest I drive down the street with the loudest I drive down the street with the loudest I swear to you the loudest speakers you've swear to you the loudest speakers you've swear to you the loudest speakers you've ever heard. You've never heard a speaker ever heard. You've never heard a speaker ever heard. You've never heard a speaker this loud before in your life and just this loud before in your life and just this loud before in your life and just screaming the gospel. And that's one way screaming the gospel. And that's one way screaming the gospel. And that's one way to tell the story of Jesus. to tell the story of Jesus. to tell the story of Jesus. >> The day this episode goes live, I'm >> The day this episode goes live, I'm >> The day this episode goes live, I'm going to Ethiopia tomorrow and so maybe going to Ethiopia tomorrow and so maybe going to Ethiopia tomorrow and so maybe I will get to experience that. I will get to experience that. I will get to experience that. >> Yeah. And but you know, for for those of >> Yeah. And but you know, for for those of >> Yeah. And but you know, for for those of us listening to the show and practicing us listening to the show and practicing us listening to the show and practicing and and pastoring in North America, um and and pastoring in North America, um and and pastoring in North America, um there we we have to find the courage to there we we have to find the courage to there we we have to find the courage to tell the story of Jesus so that people tell the story of Jesus so that people tell the story of Jesus so that people can hear it. If they're not going to can hear it. If they're not going to can hear it. If they're not going to hear it from me, who are they going to hear it from me, who are they going to hear it from me, who are they going to hear from? If they're if your barber's hear from? If they're if your barber's hear from? If they're if your barber's not going to hear it from you, you can't not going to hear it from you, you can't not going to hear it from you, you can't assume that he's going to hear it from assume that he's going to hear it from assume that he's going to hear it from someone else.

someone else. someone else. >> And so we have to find the courage to um >> And so we have to find the courage to um >> And so we have to find the courage to um to share this story. It's the greatest to share this story. It's the greatest to share this story. It's the greatest story ever told. Um, but bridging that story ever told. Um, but bridging that story ever told. Um, but bridging that gap of uncertainty is it's the burden of gap of uncertainty is it's the burden of gap of uncertainty is it's the burden of of the pastor or often to to lead faith of the pastor or often to to lead faith of the pastor or often to to lead faith communities in learning how to do that. communities in learning how to do that. communities in learning how to do that. A resource like this, like the DNA doc, A resource like this, like the DNA doc, A resource like this, like the DNA doc, that could be really helpful. Um, that could be really helpful. Um, that could be really helpful. Um, hopefully this conversation has been hopefully this conversation has been hopefully this conversation has been helpful in some way. This data is helpful in some way. This data is helpful in some way. This data is helpful. Even just to acknowledge that helpful. Even just to acknowledge that helpful. Even just to acknowledge that there like there's a there's a trend there like there's a there's a trend there like there's a there's a trend here and the trend is in in some cases here and the trend is in in some cases here and the trend is in in some cases troubling. Um, so yeah, hope this is troubling. Um, so yeah, hope this is troubling. Um, so yeah, hope this is just helpful in some respect. That's why just helpful in some respect. That's why just helpful in some respect. That's why we love talking about communications uh we love talking about communications uh we love talking about communications uh specifically in the context of church specifically in the context of church specifically in the context of church but overall. Yeah. Because it's not just but overall. Yeah. Because it's not just but overall. Yeah. Because it's not just like this isolated department. It like this isolated department. It like this isolated department. It affects every single ministry, every affects every single ministry, every affects every single ministry, every single invitation. It's the sermon. It's single invitation. It's the sermon. It's single invitation. It's the sermon. It's the worship. It's the announcements. the worship. It's the announcements. the worship. It's the announcements. It's every single department. And it It's every single department. And it It's every single department. And it extends outside of the four walls of the extends outside of the four walls of the extends outside of the four walls of the church here to sharing your faith with church here to sharing your faith with church here to sharing your faith with others in the 167 hours beyond Sunday others in the 167 hours beyond Sunday others in the 167 hours beyond Sunday service. So, I would encourage you go service. So, I would encourage you go service. So, I would encourage you go and watch that episode of Church Chaos and watch that episode of Church Chaos and watch that episode of Church Chaos with Somerside. you can see more of the with Somerside. you can see more of the with Somerside. you can see more of the work that we did with them in person.

work that we did with them in person. work that we did with them in person. Otherwise, we will be back next Otherwise, we will be back next Otherwise, we will be back next Wednesday. Thank you for your time, Wednesday. Thank you for your time, Wednesday. Thank you for your time, attention, and [music] trust. We'll talk attention, and [music] trust. We'll talk attention, and [music] trust. We'll talk to you soon.