DAVENPORT, IA, January 23, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The religious landscape of the United States has undergone a seismic shift over the last quarter-century. For generations, the U.S. was culturally identified as a stronghold of Christian participation, but recent data suggests a stark departure from this tradition. According to recent Barna Group surveys, the percentage of Americans identifying as actively participating Christians has plummeted from roughly 47% down to 24% over the last 25 years.

This decline paints a picture of a nation that is increasingly "post-Christian." While many individuals may still privately identify with the faith, the active engagement that characterizes a vibrant religious life is fading. Rev. John Burger, a long-time theologian and the Missionary at Large for Metanoia Ministries based near Adel, Iowa, argues that this statistical drop is not merely a demographic change but a spiritual crisis rooted in a lack of exposure to the Word of God.

The Correlation Between Hearing and Believing
Rev. John Burger posits that the decline in active Christianity is a direct result of a decline in exposure to the Gospel. Drawing on the biblical principle that "faith comes by hearing," he notes that a population absent from the pews is a population that is not hearing the Word. In a culture where the biblical narrative is no longer the default framework, fewer people are encountering the message that creates and sustains faith.

However, Rev. John Burger does not view this post-Christian landscape as a lost cause. Instead, he identifies it as a unique mission field requiring a shift in mindset. This brings to light the core philosophy of his organization, Metanoia Ministries. The term "Metanoia" signifies a profound change of mind, a rethinking or reevaluation. In this context, it refers to helping individuals rethink their relationship with the Divine, moving from a fear that God is against them to a realization that He is for them.

Identifying Gospel Handles in a Secular Culture
To bridge the gap between a secular society and the message of the Gospel, Rev. John Burger advocates for the use of "Gospel handles." These are cultural remnants, symbols, and phrases that persist in the public sphere, serving as starting points for spiritual conversations. Even in a post-Christian United States, these handles provide accessible ways for believers to introduce the love of God to those who may be unfamiliar with church doctrine.

The Unerasable Mark of History
One of the most persistent, yet often overlooked, handles is the calendar itself. Rev. John Burger points out that despite secular efforts to rebrand the era designations, changing BC (Before Christ) to BCE (Before Common Era), the abbreviation AD remains largely untouched. Standing for Anno Domini, or "In the Year of Our Lord," AD is a subtle but permanent acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as the central figure of history. It serves as a reminder that the world still marks time by His life, a fact that can open the door to discussions about His historical and spiritual significance.

Symbols and Songs as Evangelism Tools
Beyond the calendar, visual and auditory reminders of the faith continue to permeate American culture. The cross remains a universally recognized symbol of Christianity, understood by millions as the instrument of Jesus' sacrifice. Rev. Burger notes that this recognition provides a direct line to discussing the Gospel.

Similarly, specific scripture verses and seasonal traditions act as lingering echoes of the faith. The prominence of John 3:16, often displayed on placards at major sporting events, places the core message of the Gospel, God's love for the world, in front of millions of viewers. Furthermore, the Christmas season brings a unique opportunity where secular media broadcasts hymns rich in theology. Carols like "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night" proclaim the incarnation of Christ in shopping malls and on television, offering a handle for believers to discuss the true meaning of the holiday.

A Legacy of Ministry in Iowa District West and Beyond
Rev. John Burger brings decades of pastoral experience to this conversation. A graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, he served as a pastor in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (LCMS) for 30 years. His tenure included serving congregations in Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri before moving to the Des Moines metro area in 2008.

During his time serving in the Iowa District West, Rev. John Burger participated in the prospect of a church plant in cooperation with the Iowa District West and served as the Senior Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Adel, IA, from 2009 to 2020. His passion for missions was further ignited during trips to Vietnam and Cambodia, where he taught future pastors. These experiences solidified his calling to move beyond the parish and serve the broader church.

In 2020, Rev. John Burger transitioned from parish ministry to become the Missionary at Large for Metanoia Ministries. While he maintains the theological confessions of the LCMS, he now partners with Christians across denominational lines to reach the unchurched. His goal is to empower believers to use these "Gospel handles" to plant seeds of faith, helping a post-Christian culture reevaluate its relationship with a God who loves them.

Rethinking the Approach to Evangelism
The statistics regarding the decline of active Christians are sobering, but the presence of Gospel handles in everyday life offers a glimmer of hope. By recognizing the opportunities hidden in plain sight, from the calendar year to a Christmas carol, believers can find common ground with their neighbors.

Rev. John Burger of Adel, Iowa, continues to lead this charge, encouraging Christians to look at their culture not with despair, but with a missionary's eye, ready to help others experience their own moment of metanoia.

To learn more visit: https://rev-johnburger.com/

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