I have often been asked about stats related to children’s, youth and family ministry – sometimes they are hard to find or ambiguous, or just er, made up! So, I have pulled together what I consider to be the most reliable stuff (and these are all based on UK research).
Some of these are self explanatory, some would naturally go with others – use them, mention them, shout them from the rooftops etc.
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Why 11? Well, there is just two much good stuff to pull out of the “Church Growth Research Programme” stuff and it is mega current information.
These I use again and again. Often in tandem – just look at (4) and (6) together and think about it. Consider the “50/50” chance that religious people have of passing on faith to their kids (9) and then look at (11).
I guess, the most amazing thing to me isn’t a stat. It is that there is now so much evidence (actual bonafide, well researched and analysed data) for the significance of this ministry many of us see as a life long calling . . . yet it remains for many churches a luxury or an add on or an after thought and, if things get tight financially, the first role to be sacrificed is . . . well, you know.
The times we are in are incredibly exciting, challenging, gobsmackingly scary when we consider the now and the not yet for the church . . . but NEVER has the work of those investing in the lives of children, young people and families been more critical.
Annette
31/08/2015 12:02 amThanks for the share 🙂
ali@theresource.org.uk
25/08/2015 3:19 pmHi Annette, thanks for this. Will check out your stats. Always good to find similar evidence in different places . . . thanks for stopping by.
Annette
24/08/2015 11:07 pmHi there, we (Scripture Union NZ) have just conducted some New Zealand research into Children and their families. Thought you might find it helpful or worth sharing, as it tells a similar story. You can download the summary findings from the Scripture Union website: http://www.sunz.org.nz/he-waka-eke-noa
ali@theresource.org.uk
27/08/2015 10:07 amHi Annette, I shared the link to your stats via my Facebook page. Interesting reading, thanks for sharing 🙂