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
Grains	Asian	November 19	1	servings

INGREDIENTS

1/2	c	Soy sauce
1/4	c	Asian fermented black beans; * rinsed well,
		; drained
1/4	c	Rice vinegar
3	tb	Water
3	tb	Thinly sliced pickled ginger*; (packed)
1	tb	Chopped peeled fresh ginger
3		Garlic cloves; chopped
1/4	c	Chopped green onions
1/4	c	Chopped fresh cilantro
1	tb	Sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

Blend first 7 ingredients in processor until finely chopped. Stir in
green onions, cilantro and sesame seeds. (Can be prepared 1 day
ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before using.)
*Available at Asian markets, specialty foods stores and some
supermarkets.
Makes about 1 1/3 cups.
Bon Appetit November 1999
Converted by MC_Buster.
Per serving: 158 Calories (kcal); 5g Total Fat; (24% calories from
fat); 10g Protein; 23g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 8240mg Sodium
Food Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 4 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1
Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates
Converted by MM_Buster v2.0n.

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