Statistics for the Soul

On our drive home after church on Sunday, Maria suggested I share in writing some of the statistics mentioned in my recent Small World sermon on Hospitality.

Hope these help you, as you prayerfully consider those around you, who God is leading toward His love:

Hospitality Research from Barna Research Group:

1. 75-90% of people come to Jesus by a friend or relative.

2. Faith formation is connected to AND increases with hospitality. (for all involved)

3. Kids are catalysts for spiritual interactions. Older households tend to be more isolated, stuck in routines and need ti take initiative to invite people into their lives, which leads to spiritual interactions.

4. 96% of unchurched people would attend if invited by a friend/relative.

Yet only 21% of churched invite at least 1 person per year.

5. The unchurched would like to develop a real and sincere relationship with a Christian.

Here’s a few more that weren’t mentioned in the sermon:

6. The unchurched prefer Sunday morning if they were to attend.

7. Most unchurch feel guilty not attending church , yet also feel out of place/don’t fit in if they were to come. (I’m not sure the unchurched in Santa Cruz County feel guilty…yet most may feel out of place?)

8. Very few unchurched have had anyone explain how to become a Christian.

9. Most have a positive view of the church.

10. Cold calls are not effective nor wanted.

11. The unchurched care more about their kid’s spiritual well being than their own.

Keep praying for your Oikos lists, and respond to God’s leading when/how to act and share His good news and love. It is a privilege.