The Nones.

If you've been following church trends you've probably heard the term "none" thrown around once or twice. But who are the ‘nones’ and why is everyone talking about them? That's what we're going to answer in today's post.

Who Are the Religious ‘Nones’?

When I say “Nones" I’m not talking about Woopie Goldberg in sister act with black robes and large white hat ‘nuns’ - I’m talking about people who identify as non-religiously affiliated, the “Nones”. This means that if these people filled out a census, they wouldn't check "Christian" or "Hindu" or “Jewish” or "Atheist" or "Agnostic," they would simply check "None." A None is a person who says “I’m none of those things, I’m just me.”

The Rise of the Nones.

Where I live (in the Kitchener Waterloo area), Nones made-up 24% of the region in 2011 (and I would expect that number to be much higher today). Nationally the number of Nones has grown exponentially over the past 40 years from 4% of our population to about 24% as of 2011. As church leaders we can't ignore this - so the topic of Nones has quickly risen among church leaders in all denominations. Questions like ‘What do we need to know’ and ‘what do we do next’ are being asked.

In his book Rise of the Nones James Emery White writes about who the nones are, why so many Millennials and Gen Z-ers are quick to identify as nones, and what sets them apart from other skeptics when it comes to religion, and Christianity in particular. If you are looking for how to reach this unique generation with the message of Christ I would highly recommend reading this book.

Millennials and Gen Z

Many of these Nones are Millennials, and if the trend continues (as it is expected to), then the majority of those in the later Gen-Z years could identify as Nones as well. Although this may make you feel incredibly discouraged if you are in church leadership, there's no need to panic just yet. The cultural landscape might be changing, but this has created a unique opportunity for churches who choose to lean in rather than ignore the trend.

Something to Consider

White goes on to write that with a higher number of nones, comes a lower number of people with wide Biblical knowledge. This means that although people know what the Bible is, they don’t know what’s in the Bible or why churches do what they do. This is important to remember because often when we teach, we do so with the expectation that the people listening have a base knowledge of what we’re talking about. We don’t need to explain prayer or communion or why we sing, because if you’re already there you must already know.

But here’s the thing.

What if you started considering that 25% of your congregation, your Instagram followers, people you know at work or those who you’re reaching out to in the community don’t even understand the basics of Christianity? How would that change the way you speak? The way you teach? The way you build relationships?

And that’s the great news about these stats. Sure, it’s a bummer that this many people consider themselves un-affiliated with Christ, but it’s not because they know him and have rejected him, it’s because they just don’t know the good news yet. When we start looking at it that way, it goes from something that makes us feel sad, to something that we can actually attack and make a difference in.

Think about this today

Nones typically haven’t rejected the Gospel message, they’ve just never heard a compelling enough version to make a decision about it.

1 Peter 3:15 says: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

What can you do about the Rise of the Nones?

Make sure you’re ready with your story of hope.

Make sure you’re ready to share Christ’s life giving message in a gentle, compelling way.

Make sure the next time you meet a None, that you are ready to give them a reason to walk towards Christ, instead of a reason to say “that’s ok, I’m good with none.

Make sure you’re ready to help them be done with being a none.