Thom Rainer did a study a number of years ago asking formerly unchurched people the open-ended question, “What factors led you to choose this church?” A lot of surveys had been done asking the unchurched what they would like in a church. But this study asked the formerly unchurched why they actually were now in a church. The results were surprising: 11 percent said worship style led them to their church, 25 percent said children’s/youth ministry, and 37 percent said they sensed God’s presence at their church. For 41 percent, someone from the church had witnessed to them, and 49 percent mentioned friendliness as the reason for choosing their church. Can you guess the top two responses? Doctrine and preaching – 88 percent said the doctrine led them to their church, and 90 percent said the preaching led them there, in particular, a pastor who preached with certitude and conviction… When it comes to reaching outsiders, bold, deep, biblical preaching is not the problem. It’s part of the solution.

Kevin DeYoung

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Dairy, Eggs		Cakes, Desserts, Bananas, Favorites	12	Servings

INGREDIENTS

2	c	Mashed bananas — about 4
1/4	c	Milk
1	c	Shortening
2	ts	Vanilla
2	c	Sugar
4		Eggs — unbeaten
4 1/2	c	All-purpose flour — sifted
4	ts	Baking powder
1	ts	Salt
		FROSTING
1/2	c	Butter
8	oz	Cream cheese
1	ts	Vanilla
1	lb	Sugar
		Milk — optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine bananas and milk.  Cream together shortening and vanilla; gradually
add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating
well, mix until light and fluffy. Sift together flour, baking powder, and
salt.  Add alternately with bananas and milk to creamed mixture, beating
some after each addition. Three 9" pans, greased. Bake: 350F for 30-35 min.
Cream Cream Frosting: Combine butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Cream
well.  Gradually add powdered sugar (sift if lumpy), beating well. If
mixture is too thick to spread, add a small amount of milk.
Recipe By     : Jennifer Perkins
From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini

A Message from our Provider:

“When Holy God draws near in true revival, people come under terrible conviction of sin. The outstanding feature of spiritual awakening has been the profound consciousness of the Presence and holiness of God. #Henry Blackaby”