Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them

By: Thom Rainer

Narrated by: Don Reed

This first-of-its-kind comprehensive study of the formerly unchurched explodes some common myths as to what it takes to reach people. It also provides insight into how the Christian church can develop effective approaches for reaching the growing number of unchurched in North America.©2001 Thom Rainer (P)2008 Zondervan

Missed Group Speaks Out

This was a great insight into the world of people who used to be out of church and now have changed lives attending church. This book answers what actually worked to reach people not in church. A must read for anyone serving in leadership in a church somewhere.
AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

I highly recommend this book.

I totally enjoyed it. Very interesting research. This should be read by all pastors working to reach the unchurched.

Of Narrow Interest

Thom Rainwer's book is well written and read. He presents the findings of a study he has undertaken and even his descriptions of methodology are not tiring. I have two concerns about this book and have given it two stars because (1) it has very narrow interest and (2) the presentation of findings is on the superficial side.

Actually, Thom Rainer should have titled his book "Insights from Those Who Were Unchurched but Have Embraced Evangelical Christianity" rather than his chosen alternative. For those seeking an understanding of religion in American, you will not find much help here.

Leaders in the Evangelical world will find information helpful to marketing their ministries, but Rainer provides no broad context from which to understand what is taking place among these individuals. I wish he had approached the topic (even with the narrow target mentioned) after having listened to "Outliers" also available from Audible. I worry that many ministers reading this book will come away feeling inadequate if not guilty about their struggling ministries. For the evangelical leader there is 2% milk, but no meat for the soul. That is ashame, because this is a very needly area of study.

I suspect that Thom Rainer is well meaning, but this book reads as though it was written to sell books and the research was secondary. I hope that he will write additional volumes giving the general reading more insight and provide greater understanding to those who have an evangelical orientation. A secular society deserves more.