Review: radically unchurched, who they are and how to reach them

reviewed by T. C. Pinckney                                                                     Vol. XXI, No. 2, February 2008

As Paige Patterson writes in the introduction to radically unchurched, this book is “about sharing Christ in the rapidly changing scene that threatens to engulf and capsize the church today.” Only a few decades ago even unsaved Americans were conversant with Christian beliefs and terms. However, now over half the people in our country have no familiarity with the church, no understanding of Christian terms. They have probably never been inside a church, have no understanding of who Jesus is or what the Bible says.

The rear cover of the book says it well. “Calling for a passionate overhaul of how Christians see and interact with individuals outside the church, Alvin Reid demonstrates a clear understanding of the distinction between the changeless basics of the faith and negotiable traditions, programs, and artifacts. He examines the causes behind the loss of America’s Christian identity and the resulting failure of the American church to understand and utilize the New Testament pattern of penetrating and indifferent culture with the gospel. Reid offers proven strategies for touching people who desperately need to be confronted with life-changing Christianity.”

Alvin Reid is professor of evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The simple fact is that if America is to return to being a Christian nation, we Christians MUST change and reach the radically unchurched. Studying this book is an excellent place to start.

Alvin L. Reid, Radically Unchurches: Who They Are & How to Reach Them, Kregel Publications, P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501, 2002. ISBN 0-8254-3633-8.