Even Those Outside the Church, Witness the Need for Church

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)

A column in the August 21, 2023, Washington Post entitled, “I left the church-and now long for a ‘church for the nones,” left me thinking. The nones are a term for those who check “none” when asked on a form to declare a religious affiliation. Perry Bacon Jr.’s article shares his story of being raised in the faith, struggling with questions, and feeling momentary peace of not looking for another perspective church during Covid.

Even this self-described none sees the benefits of church life after years of avoidance. He describes what he couldn’t ignore anymore: “Kids need places to learn values such as forgiveness, while schools focus on math and reading. Young adults need places to meet a potential spouse. Adults with children need places to meet with other parents and some free babysitting on weekends. Retirees need places to build new relationships as their friends and spouses pass away. Our society needs to place that integrate people across class and racial lines…”

Perry Bacon Jr.’s answer is to “imagine a ‘church for the nones.’” The advice I would share with Bacon is that a church without God loses its vitality. Even with God, being in the church is tough, and we shouldn't take commitment for granted. Without the ongoing support of the Holy Spirit, which a church of nones will have none, it simply cannot work long-term. In difficult times, which no family or church family can avoid, struggle without the Spirit’s care will only lead to disappointment.

Nationwide, Covid got people out of the habit of church life. Covid caused a lot of people like Bacon to become nones. Rather than let friends and family remain nones, which hurts them and their congregation, reach out and invite them back. I pray everyone who calls themselves Christian and those whose doubt has left them a none will create a new habit because church fills needs, and when you add the blessing of the Holy Spirit, divine transformation is a reality in the world and our individual lives. Give the church habit another try; it is worth the effort. Even a none thinks so!