Editor's Note: The following is excerpted from Dr. Thom Rainer's book, "The Unchurched Next Door."
In our previous research project on the formerly unchurched, we heard not only about the importance of relationships, but also about the particular importance of family relationships in reaching the unchurched.
When we asked if a relationship was a factor in their accepting Christ, a majority answered affirmatively. Perhaps the number who said yes was not as high as we would have anticipated, but it was nevertheless a strong response.
The formerly unchurched provided information that we in the church had known only intuitively. Christian family members are important connections to the unchurched world. Do you have a family member who is not a Christian? How are you intentionally reaching out to this relative?
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