Between 1972 and 2018, the percentage of Americans who identify as Christian declined, while the percentage who claim no religious affiliation increased by nearly 500%. This growing segment of “nones” is younger than the general population, but Ryan Burge writes that “no segment of American society that has been immune to the rise of religious disaffiliation.”

In this episode of the Influence Podcast, I’m talking to Burge about everything church leaders need to know about the rise of the nones. I’m George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host.

Ryan Burge is an assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University and an American Baptist Church pastor. His most recent book is The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going, published by Fortress Press.. 

This episode of the Influence Podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of Bible Engagement Project.

Most people have access to the Bible, but few regularly engage with it. Bible Engagement Project equips churches with digital Bible study resources to help people of all ages read and understand Scripture so they can become more like Jesus and live radically changed lives. Bible Engagement Project is available in both English and Spanish.