The latest statistics from Australian researcher Mark McCrindle are out.
There’s not a lot of new information. No massive increases or declines. Pretty plain sailing actually.
But there are a few big questions to ask.
Roughly half of all Aussies identify as Christian. However, just over 7% of this group attend church at least once a month. That means, around 3.5% of all Aussies are considered regular church goers – once a month – of all Christian denominations from Roman Catholic to Pentecostals.
The one notable decline is regular attendance.
During my time in sport it became clear that Aussies were 80 times more likely to be active in community than a typical church goer. So for every 50 people attending church each month there are 4000 attendances in active recreational community. Disturbing (for people of faith) but understandable.
Without getting too weighed down by numbers a few general observations can be made
- Active followers of Jesus are declining in our nation
- What can we do with the few who still have a genuine and active faith?
- Are we investing in our most valuable asset?
- What are our most valuable assets? Church buildings? Evangelism programs? Clergy? Denominational strategies?
- Or people? The few remaining people?
Are we investing in our congregations to be our faith champions? How are we investing in them? Do they feel resourced to live out their faith with genuine boldness, intentionality and effectiveness?
Twenty-five years ago I was stirred by God to see these numbers reversed. With God’s grace, power and wisdom we can see these sobering numbers shift.
But we need to be courageous. Change our mode of operation. Help turn the sheep of Gods pasture into shepherds directing people to Jesus.
In reflection, it’s not the amount of people that identify with being a Christian, or that attend church. They are the wrong measures. It’s the portion of those who are regular and active, true followers of Jesus being able to share the grace and mercy of Jesus to their community intentionally, genuinely and effectively that counts.
Lets invest in our greatest assets – our people.
Blessings on ya, Cam
