A new UK National Ministry Survey shows an apparent contradiction between a majority of the general public disapproving of ‘people trying to convert others to their faith’ and thinking ‘everyone should leave everyone else alone’ (73%), and high numbers of the general public feeling comfortable about having a conversation with a friend about Jesus (54%) or attending an Easter service (50%).
The National Ministry Survey was a collaborative endeavour of Co-Mission, A Passion for Life, FIEC and ReNew seeking mission data for the benefit of the UK church.
Andy Harker of Co-Mission explains: ‘Part of the explanation may be two social norms operating in British society: 1. Seeking to ‘convert’ or ‘recruit’ other people to your view is not ok. 2. Having an open ‘conversation’ about or ‘exploration’ of views is ok. Another factor seems to be relationships: the but-I-know-you’re-not-like-that effect. Non-Christians are considerably more comfortable talking to Christian family and friends about Jesus than to strangers. While (sadly) 71% of the general public can’t remember a conversation with a Christian about faith in the last ten years, where there were conversations, 76% were with people known ‘very well’ or ‘fairly well’ (interestingly 43% ‘fairly well’ versus 33% ‘very well’). And church is still seen as a safe space by many. 45% of the general public say they would feel comfortable at a normal Protestant/evangelical church service and 30% would be comfortable attending a course explaining Christianity (their likelihood of attending that course increasing for some if it was offered online).
‘Another striking survey result was the sort of training and support church leaders are seeking. While 87% of church leaders were happy with the theological training and expository preaching training available nationally, in other areas – specifically cultural inclusion, fundraising, revitalisation, and church-planting readiness – nearly half of church leaders felt there was a need for more training provision. The survey also showed a very significant interest in mentoring and consultancy. Currently only 31% of church leaders surveyed have received one-to-one coaching or mentoring designed to strengthen them in their ministry.’
