Why People Don't Go to Church
Why people don't go to church...and what churches can do about it
Source "Why People don't go to Church" Christian Research Association Australia
http://www.cra.org.au/pages/00000242.cgi
Unchurched Americans are turned off but church, but open to Christians according to research conducted by LifeWay Research in 2007.
Here is a summary of their findings:
- 72% thought the church was full of hypocrites who "criticise others for doing the same things they do themselves"
- 71% thought that Jesus makes a positive difference in a person's life
- 78% said they would be willing to listen to someone who wanted to share what they believed about Christianity and this figure rises to 89% amongst the 18-29 years age group.
- 72% said they believed in God but only 48% agreed there is only 1 God as described in the Bible
- 64% said they think the "Christian religion is a relevant and viable religion for today"
- 79% agreed that Chrstianity "is more about organized religion than about loving God and loving people.
- 86% believe they "can have a good relationship with God without being involved in church"
Lifeway Research Director Ed Stetzer said "People on the outside see the church as candles, pews and flowers, rather than people trying to live out their love for God by loving others. Such scepticism can only be overcome by churches and believers who demonstrate the unity and love for which Jesus prayed."
Source www.lifeway.com
EAUK.org
