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

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Re: I've been thinking

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#1 · October 1, 2001, 5:59 pm

Posted by: marli <marli@...>

Amen Pat! Our neighbors are moving to New Zealand and gave my hubby their
satellite dish and receiver. We used to have one, but got rid of it after
two access cards were bitten by the kids! No cable out here, so satellite
was it. Anyway, dh said he wanted it in case things got really bad, so he
could watch the news and all. I told him just what you have said...why do I
want to look at all the images and be even more terrified? Why do I want to
have all that's happening come right into my home and scare me and the
little ones? You're right, it's hard to fear something you're not hearing
all the time. I can't change what is happening by knowing more and seeing
more, but I can keep praying every day regardless of how little or how much
I know. Thanks for sharing, Lisa
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lockwood" <empalo@hyperusa.com>
To: <homesteadheaven@weloveGod.org>
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2001 3:23 PM
Subject: [HomeSteadHeaven] I've been thinking

All this week I have had this thought about the recent terrorist attacks.
The first few days I found myself glued to the newly purchased TV,
(bought just for the happenings) and fear gripped me. I kept wondering
what next and still do. I grab hold of each comment made by someone
that says more is to come, or that the troops are leaving or where they
caught who. Its scarey.
But this week I have been thinking about how I would feel if I didn't have
a TV or a computer. If I didn't get news. Would my danger be any greater
in this state of not knowing ? Can I do anything to change what I hear ?
I have many plain friends who have no radio, no TV, they don't buy
newspapers
often, they might have their own business and stay in their shop all day
working
and not get a chance to talk to many people.
They are not worried about what they do not know. They are not looking for
news of more doom and destruction. They are not worried about anthrax
and such.
Maybe its better to know less.

Matthew 6 :34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will
worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Seeking Him,
Pat

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