Open

A typically passive default state that non-Christians move into as they become more aware of Christianity.

“Being open-minded is just part of who I am as a person.”

People in the Open stage are typically open because they are naturally curious or they want to be open-minded. Functionally, those in Open are still fairly close to Uninterested in how they engage spiritually.

For those in Open, there is strong interest in growing personally, motivating oneself to achieve goals, understanding possible realities outside oneself, and improving one’s mental health. Reading, experimenting, observing others, and interacting with an expert are common avenues to learning. A community that is accepting, caring, and supportive is desired.

Three variants of the Open stage also presented themselves in the data- Open Neutral, Open-Hesitant, and Open-Curious. There are a few distinctives to each of these sub-variants that you will find in the insights below.

What people in Open say

“I care about being open to new experiences, embracing diversity, and not limiting myself based on past goals when interesting opportunities present themselves.”

“I find it hard to fully believe in god(s) when there is so much bad in the world. At the same time … part of me would like to believe there is higher power/being(s).”

“I’m willing to discuss anything with anyone because that’s how I learn new things.”

“I’ll listen if you want to tell me about this, but why does it matter?”

“I like to live in the present. I prefer to pay attention to my life rather than what is going on in the world.”

“I just wanted to speak [with my religious leader], and he was very open about everything. I felt like I was being understood, and he was really trying to help me figure my way out of things.”

“My parents pushed their religion onto me up until I started college. If my parents gave me a choice when I was younger, I feel like things could have turned out differently.”

At-a-glance

Commonalities between the three variants of Open:

Want to be happy and prosper financially
Like to take up fun activities and have new experiences
Reading and experimentation are among their most preferred learning styles
Not looking for anything substantial from Christians (except in Open-Wants to Learn)
Christianity is not seen as significant to them

Insights & attributes

Information > Conversation

For those both in Open-Neutral and Open-Hesitant, they are more likely to engage with information/resources about Christianity rather than with a person talking about Christianity.

Open vs. Uninterested

Functionally, these two stages can look similar but there are some key differences. Those in Open have generally had a more neutral experience with Christianity, whereas those in Uninterested have generally had a more negative experience.

A Happy Life

Those in Open generally focus on what they perceive as a happy and successful life. This includes being prosperous financially, personal growth and self-improvement, trying new activities, and gaining new and interesting experiences.

Default vs. Choice

Those in Open-Neutral have generally landed there by default, whereas those in Open-Hesitant have landed there more by choice. It was a movement to that stage after some type of exposure to Christianity and/or Christians.

Openness to Realities Beyond Themselves

Another key difference between Open and Uninterested is that those in Open are generally more open to thinking and learning about realities beyond themselves. They also may be slightly more interested in topics that Christians are interested in and more likely to stay in a community if they are treated well, regardless of beliefs.

Learners at Heart

Those in Open generally value learning and self-discovery. Learning by reading, experimenting, observing, and interacting with an expert are their preferred methods. However, in both learning and in trying new things, they want to do it in a way that does not require them to become an expert. Those in Open-Curious are more willing and likely to learn from other people, not just informational sources.

Open-Mindedness is a Value

Those in Open value open-mindedness and inclusivity when it comes to belief systems. They are open to a diverse range of experiences and viewpoints, not just Christianity. Because of this, they are also more likely than people in other stages to be a part of communities with people who are different than them.

Dealing with Trauma

Those in Open are generally aware of and frustrated by what they see happening in the world around them. They are burdened by it. For those in Open-Hesitant, dealing with trauma and mental health are more significant barriers to wanting to learn more about Christianity. Those in Open-Curious feel a higher need to understand their life purpose amid hardships happening in the world.

Perception of Christianity

Those in Open generally do not perceive Christianity as having any signficance to them personally or to the world. They may be willing to discuss Christianity if a friend wants to, but they don't have a felt need to do so and they are not expecting anything substantial from Christians.

Where and why people move

Not seeking

In general, those in Open are not looking to talk with Christians about Christianity, join a Christian organization, or explore religions, including with Christians they know. They especially do not want to have a debate about beliefs. Pushing them to do so could cause a move toward Uninterested or Hostile.

Building Trust

Could move toward Open-Curious or Seeking if they get to know Christian friends better and are able to trust them.

Seeing Hypocrisy

Seeing or perceiving Christian's lifestyle and beliefs as being hypocritical can cause them to become less Open.

Freedom to learn

Could move toward Open-Curious or Seeking if they are given the opportunity to learn about Christianity on their own terms without having to interact with a Christian. Especially if through this learning, they can see how Christianity has changed lives or societies for the better.

Pressure to Belong

Those in this stage want to remain open to diverse experiences and beliefs and, therefore, do not want to belong to a group that limits or constrains them in this. Pressure to be a part of a Christian community will likely move them away from being Open.

Positive Impact

Those in Open-Curious are generally more open to being exposed to Christianity. They generally have a respect for those who are able to bring about positive change in the world. They could move toward Seeking if they can interact with positive change agents and hear about how Christianity has affected the world.

Remember, Open is a different stage than Seeking!
Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you eyes to see ways that He is at work in the life of a person in this stage.
Pray that God would turn their natural curiosity and open-mindedness to become more spiritually curious and open-minded. Remember that God can use things we might never think of to cause people to consider Him.
Ask the Lord to allow you to be a trustworthy friend who loves him or her unconditionally. Pray that you will not grow impatient with this person or attempt to pressure them into taking next steps toward following Jesus.
Pray that you can remain calm and loving as you walk with them in their spiritual journeys. God does not need you to defend him or to manipulate circumstances to control outcomes.

Seek to create opportunities where those in Open can discuss their questions or curiosity without pressure. Think about how you can offer something of value to them before inviting or asking them to engage with you. It can involve cultural influences such as music, art, films, etc. Not everything needs to be an event!
People in Open like to learn in a variety of formats- reading, observing, interacting, experimenting- and they generally enjoy variety. How could you design your ministry offerings in a way that allow people in Open to explore Christianity in these different ways with no pressure?
Identify service opportunities in your community that you both care about and can do together. Have a conversation about why these opportunities are important to each of you.
Listen to the when they share openly about their spiritual journey. Affirm them for their openness and share openly about your own journey.
People in Open often like to live in the present, and generally care about personal development. If you do get the chance to share about your story or your faith, have examples of how you are seeing God at work in your life in the present, or how you are growing/learning in the present.

The data shows that people in Open are not necessarily eager to talk with Christians about faith topics or participate in activities with Christian groups. Consider some ways you can enter into their world. How could you move toward them and experience things with them before inviting them into your community or interests?
People in Open may be particularly aware and burdened by world events and their own personal stories. How can you show compassion for their stories and help them know they are not alone in bearing the burdens of the world?
Be aware of a temptation to defend Christianity and excuse the bad behavior of other Christians or Christian institutions. It is important to acknowledge our mistakes and failures (not just those of others) and work towards reconciliation and restoration.
Do not be afraid of criticisms or questions that the Open have. Take a listening and learning posture rather than a defensive, combative posture. You will reflect the love of Jesus most fully when you can love them, non-anxiously, with patience.
Again, remember, Open is a different stage than Seeking!

Experiments, Tactics & Studies

Solutions and resources that have been created or used to better understand or reach this audience.
Add your own item below by submitting a proposal