Random Articles Flashcards
In Ed Stetzer’s study on alternative faith communities, what percentage of Americans say that their primary form of spiritual nourishment is meeting with a small group of 20 or less people each week?
25%
According to research by Thom Rainer in 2002, what percentage of churches were increasing in attendance at a pace faster than its community’s population rate?
6%
In Ed Stetzer’s study on alternative faith communities, what do 25% of Americans say that their primary form of spiritual nourishment is?
Meeting with a small group of 20 or less people each week
What did David Olsen’s study discover about churches started between 1810 and 1960 (excluding the 1920s)?
All of them have declined in attendance.
According to Lifeway Research, what do young people say is the top reason that they stay in church from 18 to 22?
“Church was a vital part of my relationship with God” (65%)
According to Lifeway Research, what are the two most common reasons that people age 23-30 say is the reason for returning to church?
(1) “My parents or family members encouraged me to attend” (39%)
(2) “My friends or acquaintances encouraged me to attend” (21%)
According to Lifeway Research, what percentage of Americans say that a personal invitation from a friend would be very or somewhat effective in getting them to visit a church?
63%
According to Lifeway Research, what is the characteristic that best predicts better “Building Relationships” at church?
Attendance of small groups or groups of adults.
According to Lifeway Research, what percentage of Americans say that newspaper ads, television ads, outdoor advertising, and letters mailed to home would be very effective in getting them to visit a church?
Less than 10%.
According to Lifeway Research, what percentage of Americans are open to considering matters of faith at Christmas?
47%
According to Lifeway Research, what kind of “follow up” would most Americans react positively to?
Receiving a postcard from a church advertising upcoming talks on topics that matter to them.
What is the Toward Vitality Research Project?
An interview-based study by the General Board of Discipleship of the UMC (2012)
What did the General Board of Discipleship of the UMC release in 2012?
Toward Vitality Research Project
What is attendance of small groups or groups of adults the best predictor of?
Better “Building Relationships” at church
What percentage of UMC churches that underwent change processes reported gaining members?
44.3%
What percentage of UMC churches that underwent change processes reported losing members?
24.1%
What is the most statistically significant correlation found by the Toward Vitality Research Project?
Positive association between feelings of anxiety over change and age differences in the congregation.
What did the Toward Vitality Research Project discover about feelings of anxiety over change and age differences in the congregation?
As congregations attract newer and young members, older members experience greater anxiety over change (positive correlation).
What is the 2008 Congregational Leadership Survey?
A survey-based study of UMC churches conducted by the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA)
What survey-based study did the GCFA release in 2008?
2008 Congregational Leadership Survey
On average, what percentage of UMC membership regularly attends worship services?
44.7%
What did most UMC churches experience in 2001?
A slight surge in attendance followed by a gradual decline.
When did most UMC churches experience a slight surge in attendance followed by a gradual decline?
2001
According to the 2008 Congregational Leadership Survey, what percentage of UMC active participants are over age 50?
51%
