Perceptions of Christianity by Gabe Lyons

• Gabe Lyons author of Unchristian

3 Questions we asked.

1. How do non-christians 16-29 view Christians?
2. How did we get here?
3. How can we change this perception

Perceptions of Christianity

• What's the first thing they think of when they hear the word Christian.
• Anti-homosexual - Christians show contempt for gays and lesbians
• Judgmental - Christians are prideful and quick to find faults in others
• Hypocritical - Christians say one thing but live something entirely different
• Get Saved! - Christians are insincere and concerned only with converting others
• Sheltered - Christians are boring, unintelligent, old-fashioned, and out of touch with reality
• Too Political - Christians are primarily motivated by a political agenda and promote right wing politics

Changing the perceptions
1. Respond to anti-homosexual by being compassionate
Christians show compassion and love to all people regardless of their lifestyle
That homosexual isnt the only sexual sin taking place in the church.
They are made in God's image.
2. Respond to judgemental by showing grace
Christians show grace by finding the good in others and seeing their potential to be Christ-followers
3. Respond to hypocrisy by being authentic
Christian are transparent about their flaws and act first, talk second
4. Respond to proselytizing by being...Relational
Christians cultivate relationship and environments where others can be deeply transformed by God.
5. Respond by sheltered by being informed.
Christians are engaged, informed and offer sophisticated responses to the issues people face.

Gabe Lyons General Session in 60 seconds