CHURCH STATISTICS

Currently 7 out of 10 adults in America would call themselves “Christian” and more than six out of 10 Americans say they are “deeply spiritual.” Yet, just how deep do these labels go? Barna Group tracks the following 15 metrics related to faith, which speak to the lack of Christian identity, belief and practice.  
Post-Christian: To qualify as “post-Christian”, individuals had to meet 60% or more of the following factors (9 or more). “Highly post-Christian” individuals meet 80% or more of the factors (12 or more of these 15 criteria):

• Do not believe in God    Yes No
• Identify as atheist or agnostic    Yes No
• Disagree that faith is important in their lives    Yes No
• Have not prayed to God (in the last week).    Yes No
• Have never made a commitment to Jesus    Yes No
• Disagree the Bible is accurate       Yes No
• Have not donated money to a church (in the last year).  Yes No
• Have not attended a Christian Church (in the last year). Yes No
• Agree that Jesus committed Sins    Yes No
• Do not feel a responsibility to “(share their faith).” Yes No
• Have not read the Bible (in the last week). Yes No
• Have not volunteered at church (in the past week) Yes No
• Have not attended Sunday School (in the past week) Yes No
• Have not attended religious small group (in the past week) Yes No
• Did not participate in a house church (in the last year) Yes No

Pose these questions to your congregation and/or small group. These will provide a great opportunity for teaching/discussion.