The latest survey by the Christian-based Barna Group reveals significant differences between small- and large-church attendees and the intensity of their faith. About 3,000 adults were surveyed. Seventy-five percent of people from megachurches with 1,000 or members said they believed the Bible was 100 percent accurate in all it teaches. This compared with 60 percent in congregations with 100 or fewer members. The gap between the two figures went down nearly evenly on a sliding scale depending on church size. The most statistically significant difference was the belief in Satan as real as opposed to a symbol. Fifty-one percent of megachurch attendees agreed with Satan’s literal existence compared to 30 percent at small churches. Other important distinctions were the likelihood that younger and well-educated churchgoers would attend larger churches. Larger churches were also inclined to attract more registered voters, the majority of whom identify themselves as Republicans. Link: How Faith Varies by Church Size: http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/289-how-faith-varies-by-church-size
Barna survey shows major differences in church size, faith outlook
Peter Elliott is a veteran news and sports journalist. He enjoys interviewing others about how God works in their lives and sharing that with readers. He is also a lifelong, long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife and three sons.
Barna survey shows major differences in church size, faith outlook
The latest survey by the Christian-based Barna Group reveals significant differences between small- and large-church attendees and the intensity of their faith. About 3,000 adults were surveyed. Seventy-five percent of people from megachurches with 1,000 or members said they believed the Bible was 100 percent accurate in all it teaches. This compared with 60 percent in congregations with 100 or fewer members. The gap between the two figures went down nearly evenly on a sliding scale depending on church size. The most statistically significant difference was the belief in Satan as real as opposed to a symbol. Fifty-one percent of megachurch attendees agreed with Satan’s literal existence compared to 30 percent at small churches. Other important distinctions were the likelihood that younger and well-educated churchgoers would attend larger churches. Larger churches were also inclined to attract more registered voters, the majority of whom identify themselves as Republicans. Link: How Faith Varies by Church Size: http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/289-how-faith-varies-by-church-size
Peter Elliott is a veteran news and sports journalist. He enjoys interviewing others about how God works in their lives and sharing that with readers. He is also a lifelong, long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife and three sons.
Be First to Comment