Okay, this seems to be the month for Christianity Today articles. And there is yet another one I couldn’t pass up. Don’t worry! You’re not going to get another two-part series because the results of the survey summarize perfectly the need for the local church. Here’s the purpose of the survey:

To understand the range and differences among American Christians, Christianity Today International (publisher of Leadership) recently partnered with Zondervan Publishers to commission Knowledge Networks to conduct attitudinal and behavioral research of U.S. Christians. In September 2006, more than 1,000 self-identified Christians 18 years of age and older were surveyed on their religious beliefs and practices. The results reveal a number of significant differences…In fact, portraits of five distinct segments emerged from the study. We have named them Active, Professing, Liturgical, Private, and Cultural Christians.

The article then went on to say “three critical issues emerged” for church leadership as a result of the survey. They were…

• The local church is no longer considered the only outlet for spiritual growth.
• Churches must develop relational- and community-oriented outreach.
• Lay people have to be better equipped to be God’s ambassador.

I think these are three issues we must regularly address.

Posted in Church Life, Pastoral Ministry |