A recent study by the Barna Group found that more than 13 million Americans identified as born again believers were considered unchurched. That is, they hadn’t attended a church service, other than for a Holiday, in at least six months.

My wife Pat recently co-wrote a book with her friend Peggy Sue Wells titled “What to do when you don’t want to go to church.” During their research Peggy and Pat talked to hundreds of Christians who no longer attend church. Their reasons ranged from issues of doctrine and policy to more mundane things such as parking, pews, and the volume of the music.

If you’re among the 13 million unchurched believers, what’s your favorite excuse? The Bible clearly states the importance of the local church. “Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” it says in Hebrews. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.”

Is it time you took a fresh look at your church and asked yourself what you can personally bring to encourage others? If you come with a heart filled with the Holy Spirit, your presence can bless both you and your congregation.

Rodriguez was a young man who called me up to talk one night on our live television show. He was really having a tough time. “Everything is falling apart,” he said. “My mom passed away, my business venture collapsed, and my daughter was diagnosed with kidney failure. What’s going on?”

As we talked, it was clear that Rodriguez knew a lot about God. But he had never completely surrendered his life to the Lord. I told Rodriguez that he really needs the guidance and direction of God. Jesus Christ came to earth not just to take us to Heaven when we die. But He also came to guide us through the storms of life.

Then Rodriguez said something very interesting. He said, “Maybe these storms are God’s way of telling me to wake up.” Wasn’t that insightful? It was so true! And I had the privilege of leading this young man to the Lord on live TV!

Paul tells us in Romans 8 that nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” Nothing - no matter how fearsome the storm might be. That powerful truth can be the catalyst for someone you know to turn their life over to Jesus Christ. So, who in your world needs this encouragement?

A few years ago, the Barna Research organization polled a group of teenagers about their views on religion. More than half of these students said that they believed all religious faiths teach equally valid truths.

In fact, one girl said, “I believe in Darwin’s theory of evolution, and the possibility of God being a woman. I never believed in the story of Adam and Eve. But I do, however, believe in prayer and karma.”

A big part of what many postmoderns believe is that no one religion can have a monopoly on truth. They say that truth is whatever you choose to believe. This idea may seem intimidating to challenge. But don’t despair: this up-and-coming generation is very open to religion discussion. In fact they’re intrigued by spiritual issues and eager to talk about them!

There is spiritual curiosity in the young people today and an opportunity to engage their hearts and minds. We need to be ready! Ephesians 5:15 exhorts us to “…live not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

There is no time like the present to take advantage of each and every moment to connect with this generation. Remember, you and I hold the words of Christ — words of life to a lost and confused world.

Second Corinthians chapter 2:14 and 15 is a super verse. It starts with this: “…Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession.” Triumphal procession: that means thrilling, successful evangelism that only comes from Christ’s power. Jesus is the one who does it. He leads us in it. You and I just need to follow His ways, His Word, His voice.

The next part of the verse explains how the Lord leads us in evangelism victory. It says, “Through us [Christ] spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” That’s really what evangelism is - “spreading around the perfume of Jesus Christ.” That’s what you and I are doing - as we walk in the power of Jesus Christ living inside us.

As we talk to people, chat with them, even joking, playing, and working. We are spreading the fragrance of Christ. We are showing our world real love, true joy, inner peace and lasting hope — the blessings that are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

So ask the Lord to help others see Him in you - through the words you speak, the smiles you give, and the reactions you make. Christ takes the lead - and asks you to follow. As you do, you’ll be spreading His aroma to the people in your world.