Whenever I talk about the rise of “the nones,” I make a quick clarification. “I’m not talking about Catholic nuns,” I add. No, recent decades have not seen a spike in the number of women donning a habit and joining a convent.

I’m talking, of course, about the rising number of Americans claiming no religious affiliation. The trend is especially pronounced among younger Americans, making Gen Z the first non-majority Christian generation in American history.

So, how should the church respond?

Kate Shellnutt breaks down the most recent research and reports on why Christian leaders are optimistic about reaching the nones. Read: Why Evangelicals Aren’t Afraid of Being Outnumbered by Nones.

For a more in-depth resource on a related topic, check out Outreach to Young Adults. This 21-page training pack includes wisdom from leaders like Ed Stetzer and Scot McKnight on how to engage with the next generation.