Survey Says ... FELL OWSHIP MINISTRIES
by GARY KREHBIEL, MINISTRIES COORDINATOR
Most people are at least somewhat interested in surveys and polls. There is something intriguing about what other people think and knowing whether our own thinking is in the mainstream. If we have strongly held opinions, we hope that others also share those opinions. And if they don’t, we work on our imaginary arguments to persuade them to our point of view.
I was interested to see the results of a survey conduct-
ed by Probe Ministries in 2020 about the religious views and practices of American adults. Probe states that their "mission is to present the Gospel to communities, nation- ally and internationally, by providing life-long opportu- nities to integrate faith and learning through balanced, biblically based scholarship, training people to love God by renewing their minds and equipping the Church to engage the world for Christ."
The survey disclosed some interesting results which
likely confirm what many readers of this publication believe. The survey looked at Americans from ages 18 through 55 from all religious persuasions. Respondents were categorized as born again Protestant, other Protes- tant, Catholic, other religion and unaffiliated.
The most significant change from previous surveys
is the increase in the numbers of people who identified as Other Religion or Unaffiliated. There are other details in the survey, but it is clear that central tenets of Christianity have become obscured in our pluralistic society.
The survey revealed that only about one half of born
again Christians ages 18–39 have a Biblically consistent worldview. That is determined by consistency in respond- ing to three important questions about Christ himself. The first question was “Why did Jesus die on a cross?” The other two questions asked people to respond to statements with answers ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Those two statements were: “Jesus will return to this earth to save those who await his coming” and “When he lived on earth, Jesus committed sins like other people.”
On an encouraging note, 85% of born again Protes-
tants between ages 18-39 said that Jesus died to purchase our redemption. Ninety percent agreed or strongly agreed that Jesus will return to this earth to save those who await his coming. Yet nearly one third of born again Protestants in that same age group agreed or were unsure that Jesus committed sins like other people. That is still better than
other Protestants in that age group where two thirds believed or were unsure that Jesus sinned.
The survey also asked about multiple ways to heaven.
Do people accept the exclusive claims of Christianity or pluralism? Again, respondents were asked to reply with answers ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree to two statements: “Muhammad, Buddha and Jesus all taught valid ways to God” and “I believe that the only way to a true relationship with God is through Jesus Christ.” These statements revealed another inconsistency. Only a little more than one third of born again Christians ages 18–55 strongly disagreed with the first statement while over 60% agree that Jesus is the only way to a true relationship with God. In other words, 33.3 percent of born-again Christians are at least open to pluralism while over 60 percent say that Jesus is the only way to God. It is an odd and inconsistent position. Of those who respond- ed that Jesus is the only way, over a third don’t know or agree that the others teach valid ways to God. The logic is missing, but it is consistent with the culture at large.
I read that study while in the midst of some work
for the FEBC Commission on Churches (CoC). The CoC has the responsibility of affirming the FEBC’s doctrine and supporting churches in theological matters. One of the most important ways is by reviewing pastoral candi- dates and licensing and ordaining pastors. I have recently watched the men on that Commission spend hours reviewing multiple candidates for ministry that have applied at Fellowship churches. They are attentive to the details and the consistencies in each application. They are men of outstanding theological understanding and a deep love for Christ and his church. The ministry that they voluntarily participate in is vital. It only takes a look at the Probe survey to understand why our churches must be vigilant and faithful in our teaching and training.
The FEBC Commissions are not only important to
our strength as a Fellowship, but also to autonomous churches as well. Please pray for the Commissions, and particularly today, thank the Lord for the Commission on Churches and the valuable ministry it serves as all of our churches seek to pass on the truths of the Gospel and the exclusive claims of Christianity to “reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2 niv)
For more information on the survey visit
https://probe.org/about-us/
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