CHURCH IMPACT

Fifty-three percent of U.S. adults view the presence of a church as a “very” positive addition to the community. 25% call it “somewhat” positive. Only 2 percent see it as a “very” negative thing and 3 percent saying “somewhat” negative. 

            Even among atheists and agnostics only 14 percent held a negative view of religious institutions, with the majority maintaining neutrality.

             

Most people see the church as a resource to the poor, 29 percent acknowledge the role of Christians in assisting the needy, disabled and homeless. 12 percent say they expect spiritual teachings and direction from churches, 13 percent call for services for youth, families and the elderly, and 14 percent want a church to cultivate biblical values in their community. Finally 10 percent felt churches have a responsibility to provide support groups, counseling and recovery programs.

            The people recognize the church presence in its community but should we stop there? Recognition, I don’t believe is enough. The church needs to be seen as the beckon of light for all people, not just the building but we the people who make up the church. Are we as Christians living the life worthy of this great calling we have?

 A recent study was done that ranked the top ten most influential men in history. Jesus was number 3, as the article gave a reason behind every person they said Jesus would have been number one for sure but the way his followers portray him looks nothing like the legacy he tried to leave behind.

Its easy to be “the church” within the four walls but that is not the point, our community’s needs to start seeing the fruits of the spirit in us which in turn will point them to the glorious cross.  We are the church, and we are on the right path but we cannot relent till everyone has had a chance to experience the amazing love we get every signal day.  Lets be the church to a hurting and dying community of people who are just waiting for their chance to encounter God!

 

Sources :Barna surveyed, neue magazine 

John Zick  -  Youth Culture Specialist

NCN Student Ministries Office