Continuing to read through Clusters: Creative Mid-Sized Missional Communities. Among other things, it's a fascinating look into the state of the UK church (since the authors are writing out of ministering in that context). In the chapter I read this morning they brought forward a concept that, honestly, I can't remember hearing a lot of focus on in my own church experience: that of the dechurched.

The concept is taken from some research done in the late 90's in the UK by Richter and Francis. The pie chart to the right (click for a larger version) represents some of the findings of that study.

Out of those surveyed, the study found that only 10% were actively involved in a church (at least monthly). Another 10% of the population would be considered on the fringe (less than monthly involvement). Not surprisingly, the largest portion of the population (40%) are unchurched - with no connection to a church, and little to no knowledge of the gospel.

The surprising part, to me, is that another 40% of the population can be considered de-churched. That is, they once had ties to the church but no longer due. 20% of these are 'open' - they have had neutral factors like growing out of a children's/youth group, getting a job, getting married, etc. that have resulted in the disconnection. The other 20%, however, are 'closed' - with strong negative attitudes to the church probably have the hardest process of being reintroduced to the church.

I think this rings in my heart, in many ways, because I see many, young adults especially, who have made this disconnection. Although I would have to say that even most in my experience are not violently opposed to the church. The UK, however, has already reached an era of post-Christendom. We're not there yet, but I believe we're moving more rapidly in that direction than ever before.

How do you react to this? I don't have the highest hopes for church as we have known it, but I have a deep abiding passion for the Church, nonetheless. I do believe that there is hope and that we are going to see a reformation, of sorts, take place over the course of the next decade or two.