NOVEMBER 14, 2005

(2 for 1 this week, see also Postcard From Spain)

Last Sunday morning, I introduced the sermon on Philippians 2:19 – “The People God Uses” (on Timothy and Epaphroditus) by passing out a survey. Eighty people participated, and I promised I’d share the survey results, so here they are:

Question 1 – “In my spiritual journey, who has been the single person God has used most significantly at a crucial moment?”
41% A family Member (Combining “A Parent”– 25% and “A Relative”– 16%)
28% A Friend
17% A Pastor
(All the other categories were below 7%)

Question 2 – “The main reason this person had an impact on my life is.”
45% The person consistently showed interest im my spiritual growth.
35% The person led an exemplary Christian life.
30% The person prayed with me.
29% I respected the person’s Bible knowledge.
25% The person helped me out in a practical way when I needed it.
8% The person was an authority figure in the church.
4% The person went to college and seminary and was highly educated.
(23% listed a variety of other answers.)
(Many people listed multiple reasons.)

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This survey shatters some myths:
Myth #1 – The official professional leaders in the church have the most spiritual influence in people’s lives.
Myth #2 – A person can’t be used by God until they have a great deal of knowledge and experience and are able to share the gospel in words.
Myth #3 – Outsiders are more likely to reach our loved ones spiritually than we are.