Sermon Central
-
Things Churches Can Do To Build Greater Interest ...
Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 15, 2005 (message contributor)
Things churches can do to build greater interest in religion, according to a Gallup survey: improve communication with members (21% of respondents); concentrate more on personal spiritual matters (19%); become more involved in community matters (18%); focus more efforts on young people (14%). Other suggestions include more social activities for church members, more personal contacts between clergy and families, including pastoral visits, less emphasis on money, advertise more, strive for unity, and stay out of politics.
The survey was made for the book, “The People’s Religion: American Faith in the ‘90s,” a Gallup compilation of more than 50 years of public opinion polls.
Figures in the book show a consistency over the years: about 94 percent believe in God, 90 percent pray, 88 percent believe God loves them, and more than 75 percent say their religious involvement has been a positive experience.
Co-author Jim Castelli says he was surprised at the steadiness of the figures. “The percentage who went to church in the last week is the same today (42%) as it was in the ‘30s,” he said.After surveying 10,000 people, the Institute for American Church Growth concluded that 79 percent began attending church after receiving such an invitation. Only 6% were attracted by the pastor, 5% by the Sunday school and 0.5% by an evangelistic crusade.
Focus on the Family, July, 1984
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
In 1953 In Grimes Iowa, Violet Cross Was Getting ... PRO
Contributed by Guy Caley on May 25, 2003
In 1953 in Grimes Iowa, Violet Cross was getting sicker by the day. Finally her eldest son Frank insisted she go to the doctor. Eventually they ended up at the large teaching hospital in Iowa City. The diagnosis was devastating. Though Violet had never smoked she was dying of Lung cancer. One ...read more
-
A Cartoon By Joe Mckeever... PRO
Contributed by Aaron Householder on Sep 30, 2004
A cartoon by Joe McKeever... A smiling woman greeting a surprised pastor as she leaves church says, "All my life I heard pastors say they were ...read more
-
Note: I Do Not Show This Clip To Discredit Those ...
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Nov 3, 2004
Note: I do not show this clip to discredit those individuals who are genuine and are sent by God to go around the world and hold revival meetings. Illustration: From the Movie clip from “Leap of Faith” Clip: The one were they put their show of deception on for the first time. He tells them ...read more
-
During The Reign Of Oliver Cromwell, There Was A ... PRO
Contributed by Dixon Olu. David on Apr 26, 2004
During the reign of Oliver Cromwell, there was a shortage of currency in the British Empire. Representatives carefully searched the nation in hopes of finding silver to meet the emergency. After one month, the committee returned with its report. “We have searched the empire in vain seeking to ...read more
-
Let Me Tell You About Neroli Endacott. While ...
Contributed by W F on Jun 12, 2005
Let me tell you about Neroli Endacott. While others her age can kick back, relax, shoo the kids out the door, and consider retirement - - 59 year old Neroli (who lives on the Gold Coast in Australia), fills her days being mum to some of that states most "at risk" children. Since 1999 she has cared ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Leaving An Impression
Contributed by Lloyd Grubbs on Sep 10, 2008
Every Christian is leaving their mark on society. Even after were gone our lives will still be making an impact.
-
A Spiritual House - The Building And Purpose
Contributed by Duane Smith on Oct 27, 2008
The goal of this message is to help us understand that God dwells in us and that He has a purpose in the church being a living, vibrant community of believers.
-
Temple Without Walls Series
Contributed by Peter Loughman on Jul 28, 2009
The holy place of Jesus Christ resides not in any building, cathedral, or historical site, the holy place of Jesus Christ resides in your heart.
-
The Church Series
Contributed by Timothy Gardner on Nov 27, 2012
The word "Church" is so often used out of context. This sermon series helps the church (the people) identify how God defines church buy using seven different analogies found in the Bible. This is the introduction sermon to the series. There are eight serm
-
He's Coming Back Series
Contributed by Connail Johnson on Oct 23, 2012
Some of the most exciting periods of our lives are the times of anticipation. The times when we can't think of anything but what we are expecting to occur. When we are living with an attitude of expectancy our steps begin to quicken & our eyes brighten as
