2006 Surveys: We Agree On Two Things
During the past year, we’ve conducted a number of informal online surveys of the byFaith and byFaithonline.com readers. Looking back at those results, some interesting trends have emerged:
--Evangelism is the most important characteristic for the future health of the PCA, though few describe the PCA’s reputation as excellent in this area.
--Creation stewardship was seen as relatively unimportant to the PCA’s future vibrancy. And in fact, most respondents think the science of global warming is unsettled. Those who participated in the survey were split on whether the church should play a role in addressing global warming. Women and the young are more likely to believe the church should play a greater role in addressing this issue.
--Readers are also split on how appreciative the church is of the arts. Women and the young are more likely to say that the church does not adequately recognize the arts or appreciate its artists.
--In addition, there is disagreement over the vitality of women’s ministries in the church. Men and those working in churches are more likely to say that women’s ministry is vibrant in their church.
--There is, however, agreement that corporate prayer is a critical component in PCA worship.
What might we conclude about ourselves through these surveys?
First, these results reflect more diversity than we might expect. Though the respondents share a theological heritage, we see things differently. Our age, sex, and career have something to do with our perceptions of how the church should engage the important cultural issues of our day.
Second, when it comes to evangelism and corporate prayer we are in total agreement: these fundamentals are priorities.
The next time we find ourselves in disagreement over a church issue, perhaps we should take a step back and remember these two points.
--Expect disagreements. It’s a natural outcome of the diversity that God has brought to our congregations.
--To bring our communities of faith together we need to emphasis corporate prayer and evangelism. These fundamentals should bring unity to our congregations.
--Bill Jacobs
--In addition, there is disagreement over the vitality of women’s ministries in the church. Men and those working in churches are more likely to say that women’s ministry is vibrant in their church.
--There is, however, agreement that corporate prayer is a critical component in PCA worship.
What might we conclude about ourselves through these surveys?
First, these results reflect more diversity than we might expect. Though the respondents share a theological heritage, we see things differently. Our age, sex, and career have something to do with our perceptions of how the church should engage the important cultural issues of our day.
Second, when it comes to evangelism and corporate prayer we are in total agreement: these fundamentals are priorities.
The next time we find ourselves in disagreement over a church issue, perhaps we should take a step back and remember these two points.
--Expect disagreements. It’s a natural outcome of the diversity that God has brought to our congregations.
--To bring our communities of faith together we need to emphasis corporate prayer and evangelism. These fundamentals should bring unity to our congregations.
--Bill Jacobs
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