Twelve bonus discoveries were made from the survey:
- Growing up in a church is the leading reason people begin to explore Christianity. Other reasons relate to personal feelings of emptiness or struggle.
- People begin attending their church primarily because of a personal relationship or recommendation.
- Expressions of gratitude toward God and dependence on God rise dramatically across the spiritual continuum.
- People’s feelings/attitudes about the importance of spiritual practices in their daily lives advance significantly along the spiritual continuum.
- People openly acknowledge that significant barriers, like addictions or emotional issues, impede their spiritual growth.
- As they advance along the spiritual continuum, people express a growing need for a spiritual community that “holds me accountable.”
- There are many reasons why people serve, but most importantly they feel it is an expression of their faith.
- The number one evangelistic activity for most segments is talking about prayer or offering to pray for non-Christians.
- More than half of those surveyed said that they used the Internet at some point in the last year to advance their spiritual growth.
- The Stalled and Dissatisfied segments are significantly more likely to say they are considering leaving their church.
- Six church attributes are most important to people, although satisfaction levels vary considerably (provides compelling worship services, helps me develop a personal relationship with Christ, challenges me to take the next steps in my spiritual life, helps me understand the Bible in greater depth, helps me feel like I belong, and helps me find a spiritual mentor). .
- People say weekend services are important to their spiritual growth, and they especially appreciate the singing/worship experience.
Now check out: FOLLOW ME: What's Next For You?
The material in these three BLOG posts has been summarized from the book REVEAL: Where Are You? by Greg L. Hawkins, Cally Parkinson and Eric Arnson (Willow Creek Resources: Barrington, IL, 2007). See also www.revealnow.com
Thanks Mark for the summary of the REVEAL Survey which relates so closely to our recent church survey. As I am one of the life group leaders about to begin my DMin research project next year, I see the great opportunity for me to consider using REVEAL Survey for my project.
Thanks for sharing this Mark. I just love the way Bill Hybels allows vulnerability to mark his leadership. I have really enjoyed this peek into Reveal. One of the single most helpful things for me at CityLife was commencing the Bible Plan when we joined. I have encouraged so many of my friends (other churches) to get on board and it has had wonderful effects, naturally. I appreciate the reminders or anecdotes from current reading each week. That has prompted me at times when I’ve let it slip for a couple of days. I may be a bit biased, but I love our church :0)