What we can learn about mission from the conversion stories of unchurched seekers in Germany

Abstract

This article deals with the special challenges of Christian mission in an increasingly secular environment in Germany. The churches are facing new social groups, such as the growing groups of secular and religiously indifferent people, on whom the classic missionary methods of both mainline and free churches have little effect. This qualitative study examined 20 previously unchurched converts to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in West Germany to better understand how their conversion process unfolded and what conclusions can be drawn for future missionary efforts. The conversion process for the participants usually took place in four steps: (1) a biographically determined receptivity was addressed by a (2) suitable trigger, this match triggered (3) a study phase, and finally, it led to (4) a longing for community with like-minded Christians. It is striking that, contrary to many existing models of conversion, it was not usually other Christians who triggered and drove the conversion process, but instead about half of the participants experienced the process alone. While Christians were not essential for the beginning of the conversion process, it was the community of Christians that made faith firm and lasting. Finally, it became clear that conversion was a phenomenon of middle age. Apparently, a kind of critical self-reflection seemed to take place in this phase of life, which in some participants created a receptivity for conversion. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This work can contribute to the development of new missiological approaches for a rapidly changing society.

Keywords

• conversion
• mission
• unchurched
• secular
• religious indifference
• germany