Shocking Data from Barna Reveals Possible "Crises" Among Churchgoers

Barna did a poll in 2001 and found 41% of people who are regular attenders to church do not believe Jesus is their Savior.

The Year's Most Intriguing Findings, From Barna Research Studies - Barna Group

Another shocking finding is that 4/5ths of those who claim the Christian Religion in America, about 80% of the American populace, are "Casual Christians," who statistically show a lack of devotion to Jesus, church, and obedience to biblical teachings. In my opinion, this seems to condemn them using more fundamentalist theology than the ecumenical Barna, a lifestyle that perpetually lacks obedience is a sign of a vacant Spirit.

America’s Seven Faith Tribes Hold the Key to National Restoration - Barna Group

https://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-2404-3.pdf

https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Faith-Tribes-Believe-Matter/dp/1414324049

The "Captive Christians," who do show marked devotion to Jesus and church run the gamut of denominations. A huge issue to someone like myself who is non-ecumenical and believes alignment with churches that corrupt the Word is a sign of possible apostasy.

Also, if you use tests of minimum orthodoxy the majority of "Captive Christians" fail the test.

The State of the Church 2016 - Barna Group

I will add that testing for orthopraxis through a basic test of personal holiness is also a possible tool that seems not used. I would hope it would catch my case of being an unbeliever, who did not understand he was lost, studying to be a church leader.

Now that I have presented the problem, instead of making questions, I will just ask for comments. Because this is shocking and sad, and leaves a lot of questions on my mind.

My comment is a sad question of what can be done by those who aren't church leaders like myself and those who are?

 

Good point. Thank you.

What I feel personally led to is that this is a dark world, as Paul knew. It seems I am still getting used to that truth, which hurts in a way similar to that of the doctrine of hell.

I think you are right though in that something to seek after wholeheartedly is what the Spirit is saying to the churches. I will commit myself to that.

I also agree on the Roman Catholics, unless I can find a data table with all groups on it, this data isn't very useful.