USA (MNN) — Faith in the U.S. is on a downward slope. A recent Gallup report shows only 49% of American adults now consider religion important to their daily lives. Ten years ago, that number was 66%.
It’s a stunning shift, and for many believers, it feels like a national unraveling.
Brad Hutchcraft of Hutchcraft Ministries says, “When we see reports like this that come out, we do see…that this looks like a crisis moment. And it is, in some ways…. The fact is, with the declining number of people who identify as religious, it’s actually more important than ever that individuals encounter a relationship with Jesus.”
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Beneath the trends, he sees something deeper going on culturally as people crave more relationship and authenticity.
“People sometimes are turned off to religion because they view it as rules [and] regulations…. What they need first is to know what this relationship with Jesus is all about.”
Even though the national trend looks bleak, Hutchcraft says another dataset from Barna tells a surprising story. Young adults in America are leading a resurgence in church attendance.
“These young people are interested in, evidently, knowing more about Jesus. So we need to show up where they are showing up and be able to say, Hey, we are here to help walk you through knowing who Jesus is and what it means to be a follower of Christ.”
It’s a reminder for believers to always be mission-minded as we engage with neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones.
“Every place a follower of Christ goes, they should ask Jesus to help them see people the way He sees them.”
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Hutchcraft points out that “2 Corinthians 5:20 says, ‘We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.’ So as we look around us, it’s important that those who say, ‘Well, I’m not very religious,’ encounter someone who can show them what a relationship [with Jesus] really is like.”
This challenge may seem intimidating, but it starts with prayer. Hutchcraft offers a simple framework in praying for Gospel opportunities.
“We…refer to it as the ‘three open prayer’ in our ministry. It is simply, ‘Lord, open the door. Lord, open their heart. And Lord, open my mouth.'”
Pray that God would open doors for genuine Gospel conversations, especially with spiritually guarded friends and family. Pray for courage, gentleness, and a renewed burden for those who don’t yet know Jesus.
To explore tools for sharing your hope story, visit yourhopestory.com and learn more about Hutchcraft Ministries.
Header photo courtesy of Tucker Good/Unsplash.
