Why would anyone become a Christian today?

Recent research by the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC) and a Scottish ecumenical group asked that question of a number of new converts, and came up with some interesting findings, which they sumarised in a book called Journeys and Stories.

People's journey to faith were very varied, and usually gradual. Personal intercation played a key role, and the church had an overpowering and positive impact for many - but not all, as for some it was and is more of an obstacle than a signpost. The first lesson out of the research was don't oversimplify. 4 further points then stood out:

1. People: It is people who bring others to Christ, but not special or particular people.

2. God: Many folk spoke of various spiritual experiences, although none said they dropped to their knees and converted on the spot! However these experiences did indicate to them that there might possibly be something or someone out there.  

3. Little things: It was not just the big things - events, sermons, 'miracles' - which were important. There was genuine and profound significance in the insignificant. One person remembered noticing a Bible on a colleague's table. Another was surprised when someone she had met the previous week greeted her again, and remembered her name.

4. Church: Those interviewed were under no illusions about the church, and expected the worst. But many of them were (positively!) stunned by what they found, and spoke glowingly of the congregations they'd found themselves in, eg 'There was something completely different about church', 'a feeling of togetherness and unconditional acceptance.' 'They were...the church family in the proper sense', another said.  

Overall, Journeys & Stories reminds us that conversion is a complex affair, defying easy categorisation. Experences are important. People are important. Ordinary kindness is important. Teaching & prayer are important. And perhaps above all, the life of a community that somehow offers people a taste, however faint, of the kingdom of God is important.      

Journeys & Stories is available from LICC here.