📝 Worksheet 10.5: Secular and Spiritual-But-Not-Religious Worldview Map
📝 Worksheet 10.5: Secular and Spiritual-But-Not-Religious Worldview Map
Purpose of This Worksheet
This worksheet helps you practice listening wisely when someone identifies as secular, spiritual-but-not-religious, scientific, skeptical, deconstructing, searching, or personally spiritual but not connected to a formal religion.
The goal is not to label people quickly. The goal is to listen for what is treated as ultimate, ask respectful questions, protect dignity, and build faithful gospel bridges when the setting and permission allow.
Use this worksheet for personal formation, ministry coaching practice, chaplaincy preparation, officiant conversations, Soul Center ministry, pastoral care, campus ministry, and community outreach.
Part 1: Key Concept Review
Complete the following sentences.
Comparative religion ministry skills help Christian leaders listen for what a person treats as ______________________________.
A person may say, “I am not religious,” but still have deep beliefs about meaning, morality, death, identity, and ______________________________.
Science as a method studies the ______________________________ world.
Naturalism as a worldview claims that the natural world is ______________________________.
When someone says, “The universe has a plan,” they may be longing for guidance, purpose, and ______________________________.
“My truth” language may sometimes mean honest testimony, but it can also mean the ______________________________ becomes the final authority.
“Highest self” spirituality often looks within the self for transformation, while Christianity teaches that we are made new in ______________________________.
The Christian hope after death is not dissolving into the universe, but ______________________________ through Jesus Christ.
Prayer should be offered by ______________________________.
Scripture should be shared with wisdom, timing, and ______________________________.
Part 2: Personal Discernment
Reflect honestly. This section is for formation, not shame.
Where do you feel most confident?
Check any that apply.
☐ Talking with someone who says, “I believe in science.”
☐ Talking with someone who says, “I am spiritual, but not religious.”
☐ Explaining the difference between science and naturalism.
☐ Asking what someone means by “the universe.”
☐ Asking what someone means by “energy.”
☐ Explaining why “my truth” is different from Christ as truth.
☐ Explaining why “highest self” is different from new creation in Christ.
☐ Offering prayer by permission.
☐ Sharing Scripture without pressure.
☐ Building a gospel bridge from meaning, death, healing, or identity.
Where do you need more practice?
I need more practice with:
What personal reaction do you notice?
When someone says, “I believe in science, not religion,” I tend to feel:
☐ Defensive
☐ Curious
☐ Intimidated
☐ Calm
☐ Eager to explain
☐ Unsure what to say
☐ Compassionate
☐ Other: ______________________________
Why do you think you respond that way?
Part 3: Secular and Spiritual-But-Not-Religious Worldview Map
Choose one phrase below and practice mapping it.
☐ “I believe in science, not religion.”
☐ “The universe has a plan.”
☐ “I am protecting my energy.”
☐ “I am living my truth.”
☐ “I am becoming my highest self.”
☐ “When we die, we just become part of everything.”
☐ “I am spiritual, but not religious.”
☐ Other phrase: ______________________________________
1. What is treated as ultimate?
What does this person seem to trust most?
2. What is the human problem?
What do they think is wrong or broken?
☐ Ignorance
☐ Suffering
☐ Toxic energy
☐ Fear
☐ Shame
☐ Inauthenticity
☐ Lack of purpose
☐ Oppression
☐ Death
☐ Disconnection
☐ Guilt
☐ Other: ______________________________
Explain:
3. What is the path to restoration?
What do they believe will help or save?
☐ Science
☐ Progress
☐ Personal freedom
☐ Therapy
☐ Healing
☐ Manifestation
☐ Energy work
☐ Authenticity
☐ Self-expression
☐ Higher self
☐ Meditation
☐ Justice work
☐ Legacy
☐ Other: ______________________________
Explain:
4. What is the final hope?
What are they hoping for in the end?
☐ Peace
☐ Happiness
☐ Self-fulfillment
☐ Healing
☐ Freedom
☐ Being remembered
☐ Becoming energy
☐ Merging with the universe
☐ Moral progress
☐ Death as the end
☐ Unknown
☐ Other: ______________________________
Explain:
5. How does Christ meet, challenge, and redeem this longing?
Write one short Christian comparison.
Part 4: Comparative Religion Conversation Practice
Practice turning quick reactions into respectful questions.
Phrase 1: “I believe in science.”
Unhelpful reaction:
“Science cannot save you.”
Better question:
Phrase 2: “The universe is guiding me.”
Unhelpful reaction:
“The universe is not God.”
Better question:
Phrase 3: “I am living my truth.”
Unhelpful reaction:
“That is just selfish.”
Better question:
Phrase 4: “I am becoming my highest self.”
Unhelpful reaction:
“That is New Age nonsense.”
Better question:
Phrase 5: “I am spiritual, but not religious.”
Unhelpful reaction:
“That does not mean anything.”
Better question:
Part 5: Practice Phrases
Use these phrases out loud. Rewrite them in your own voice if helpful.
When someone values science
“Science is a powerful way to study the world. May I ask what helps you think about meaning, morality, and hope?”
My version:
When someone talks about the universe
“It sounds like you are looking for guidance and purpose. Christians believe that purpose comes from a personal Creator who knows and loves us.”
My version:
When someone talks about energy
“When you say energy, do you mean emotional atmosphere, spiritual power, intuition, or something else?”
My version:
When someone talks about personal truth
“I want to understand your story honestly. Christians also believe truth is not something we invent alone, but something we receive in Christ.”
My version:
When someone talks about the highest self
“I hear your desire to grow. Christians believe transformation is possible, but we understand it as becoming new in Christ rather than saving ourselves.”
My version:
Part 6: Boundary Check Scenarios
Read each scenario and choose the wisest response.
Scenario 1: Funeral Language
A grieving daughter says, “I know my mother has returned to the universe.” You are helping plan the funeral.
What should you do first?
☐ Correct her immediately and explain resurrection theology.
☐ Listen tenderly and ask what that hope means to her.
☐ Refuse to lead the funeral unless she uses Christian language.
☐ Promise that her mother is certainly in heaven.
Why?
Scenario 2: Coaching Conversation
A ministry coaching client says, “I am cutting off everyone who lowers my energy.” You sense there may be real hurt, but also possible avoidance of responsibility.
What should you do first?
☐ Tell the client exactly which relationships to end.
☐ Ask what “lowers my energy” means and whether safety concerns are involved.
☐ Agree that anyone who challenges the client must be toxic.
☐ Tell the client to confront everyone immediately.
Why?
Scenario 3: Hospital Room
A patient says, “I do not believe in God. I believe in medicine.” The family is tense.
What should you do first?
☐ Debate the patient about whether science can explain everything.
☐ Honor the medical care and ask whether spiritual support would be welcome.
☐ Quote Scripture loudly so the family hears Christian truth.
☐ Tell the patient that medicine cannot help without faith.
Why?
Scenario 4: Church Lobby Conversation
A young adult says, “I left religion because Christians made me feel stupid for asking questions.”
What should you do first?
☐ Defend every Christian the young adult has ever known.
☐ Say, “That sounds painful. I am sorry you were treated that way.”
☐ Tell them they are bitter and need to forgive immediately.
☐ Avoid the topic because religious wounds are too hard.
Why?
Scenario 5: Online Message
Someone messages you, “I think Jesus was an enlightened teacher who reached his highest self.”
What should you do first?
☐ Reply with a long correction about every error in the statement.
☐ Ask whether they would be open to hearing how Christians understand Jesus.
☐ Tell them they are disrespecting Jesus and end the conversation.
☐ Agree that this is basically the Christian view of Jesus.
Why?
Part 7: Field Handbook Tool — Secular and Spiritual-But-Not-Religious Worldview Map
Use this tool in real ministry conversations when appropriate.
Step 1: Listen for the word
What word or phrase did the person use?
☐ Science
☐ Universe
☐ Energy
☐ Vibration
☐ Manifesting
☐ Personal truth
☐ Higher self
☐ Healing
☐ Authenticity
☐ Meaning
☐ Peace
☐ Legacy
☐ Other: ______________________________
Step 2: Ask what it means
Use one of these questions:
“What does that word mean for you?”
“When did that become important to you?”
“What are you hoping that will give you?”
“How do you know when it is trustworthy?”
“What do you do when it does not work?”
Which question will you practice?
Step 3: Locate the God-spot
What seems to carry ultimate weight?
☐ Reason
☐ Science
☐ Nature
☐ Self
☐ Freedom
☐ Justice
☐ Healing
☐ Universe
☐ Energy
☐ Experience
☐ Progress
☐ Personal peace
☐ Other: ______________________________
Step 4: Name the longing
What good longing may be present?
☐ Meaning
☐ Healing
☐ Forgiveness
☐ Guidance
☐ Belonging
☐ Freedom
☐ Truth
☐ Justice
☐ Beauty
☐ Hope after death
☐ Identity
☐ Peace
☐ Other: ______________________________
Step 5: Build a gospel bridge
Complete this sentence:
“I hear your longing for ______________________________. Christians believe this longing is ultimately met in Christ because ______________________________.”
Full gospel bridge:
Part 8: Local Ministry Application
Where are you most likely to meet secular or spiritual-but-not-religious language?
☐ Wedding planning
☐ Funeral planning
☐ Hospital visit
☐ Hospice visit
☐ Ministry coaching
☐ Pastoral care
☐ Soul Center conversation
☐ Campus ministry
☐ Online ministry
☐ Family gathering
☐ Community outreach
☐ Small group
☐ Reentry ministry
☐ Jail or prison ministry
☐ Other: ______________________________
What setting boundaries apply?
In this setting, I need to remember:
☐ My role is limited.
☐ Privacy matters.
☐ Prayer requires permission.
☐ Scripture requires wisdom and timing.
☐ The person may be grieving or afraid.
☐ Family dynamics may be present.
☐ I may need oversight or referral.
☐ I should avoid public correction.
☐ I should not provide therapy or legal advice.
☐ I should not promise absolute secrecy.
☐ I should follow church, ministry, Soul Center, or institutional policy.
Write one boundary you must keep:
What local support may be needed?
List trusted people or resources you could refer to when a conversation goes beyond your role.
Pastor or ministry supervisor:
Counselor or care referral:
Emergency or safety protocol:
Church or Soul Center policy:
Part 9: Gospel Bridge Reflection
Choose one longing and write a gospel bridge.
Longing
☐ Meaning
☐ Healing
☐ Peace
☐ Forgiveness
☐ Freedom
☐ Justice
☐ Identity
☐ Hope after death
☐ Guidance
☐ Truth
☐ Belonging
☐ Purpose
Gospel bridge draft
“I hear your longing for _____________________________________________.
As a Christian, I believe _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________.”
Permission phrase
Before sharing this gospel bridge, I could say:
☐ “Would it be okay if I shared how Christians understand this?”
☐ “I do not want to pressure you, but would a Christian perspective be welcome?”
☐ “Would you like me to share a Scripture that speaks to this?”
☐ “Would prayer be welcome, or would quiet support be better right now?”
☐ My own phrase: _____________________________________________
Part 10: Prayer and Commitment
Personal Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Teach me to listen without fear.
Give me patience when people use words I do not understand.
Give me wisdom to ask better questions.
Give me courage to speak truth without harshness.
Give me humility to honor each person as an image-bearer.
Help me discern hidden altars without contempt.
Help me point to you with clarity, gentleness, and hope.
Keep me within my role.
Teach me when to speak, when to listen, when to pray, and when to refer.
Amen.
My Commitment
This week, I will practice one ministry skill from this worksheet:
☐ Ask what someone means before responding.
☐ Distinguish science from naturalism.
☐ Listen for the longing behind “the universe,” “energy,” or “truth.”
☐ Ask permission before sharing Scripture or prayer.
☐ Build one gospel bridge from longing to Christ.
☐ Review my role boundaries in a real ministry setting.
☐ Identify one referral resource for conversations beyond my role.
My chosen commitment:
Closing Formation Prayer
Father,
Make me a steady Christian leader in a world of many beliefs. Help me notice the longing beneath secular confidence and spiritual searching. Keep me from ridicule, fear, false agreement, and pressure. Fill me with the wisdom of Christ, the love of Christ, and the clarity of Christ.
May my conversations protect dignity, invite honesty, and point to the living hope found in Jesus.
Amen.