21st Century Evangelicals A snapshot of the beliefs and habits of evangelical Christians in the UK

The fi rst report on groundbreaking research by the Evangelical Alliance and Christian Research Foreword

hen I fi rst saw these contribution we are making to the ‘THIS RESEARCH... results, I immediately will enable us to think about community around us. realised how signifi cant W where we need to go and what This is the fi rst in a series of they were. we need to do.’ groundbreaking reports which As a leader, I know there will paint a comprehensive and We didn’t conduct this research is a danger that I have spent lots detailed picture of evangelicals in just so that we could have of time telling people what they the UK at the beginning of 21st vast quantities of interesting should believe in, and perhaps not century. This picture will be an information about evangelical enough time asking the question, invaluable asset to church leaders Christians. Its purpose is not “What does my church actually and Christian organisations as it to simply tell us where we are believe and how does that work provides encouragement, presents currently at: it will enable us to itself out in their everyday lives?” challenges, guides refl ection and think about where we need to go This research – the most extensive stimulates discussion. And it is and what we need to do. of its kind – asks these two vital critical as we look to the future. questions. It covers a multitude of This research also provides us By presenting an accurate picture issues relevant to evangelicals and with vital evidence as we engage of evangelicals today, we can be it is essential that we take a close with government and the media. much better equipped to make look at the results. It tells us so It helps us to speak with great effective plans for tomorrow. much about the people we are, the confi dence about our evangelical Steve Clifford people we serve and the people we community, the things which are General Director, Evangelical represent. important to us and the signifi cant Alliance

2 21st Century Evangelicals Introduction

he pages that follow present sizes of, and response rates at, the a snapshot of the beliefs different festivals, it was necessary OVER T and habits of evangelical to weight the results. This has been Christians. This report provides done proportionately, according to glimpses of a wide range of the approximate number of adults 17,000 subjects and identifi es some key attending each festival. However, trends. It reveals that while there to alleviate any concern that this people completed are many beliefs and practices approach might cause, we also questionnaires in order for us to take this snapshot. that connect evangelicals, there is reviewed the data using various considerable diversity. The results weighting options. Regardless also indicate that evangelical of the approach used, the vast The results presented in this report Christians are distinct from majority of the results were (unless otherwise stated) are taken Christians who do not consider remarkably similar. themselves to be evangelical. from the festival sample. If you There is much in this report that The questionnaire was also would like to read more about the will encourage, but there are also conducted at 35 randomly selected methodology, weighting and view challenges. Evangelical Alliance member the data tables that support the churches. The festival sample, results presented in this report This initial report highlights areas when compared to the church (including the church data) please where further, more detailed sample, is extremely similar. go to www.eauk.org/snapshot. research is required. Please do not Therefore, although there is the Phil Green expect this summary to answer occasional notable difference, we Research Manager, Evangelical all your questions; in fact, it will are confi dent that evangelical Alliance hopefully raise more questions festival goers are broadly than answers! That was one of Benita Hewitt representative of UK evangelicals. Director, Christian Research the purposes of this fi rst piece of research – to fi nd out what we need to fi nd out. Over 17,000 people completed questionnaires in order for us to take this snapshot, making it the most extensive piece of research of its kind. The results are credible markers that will not only provide a benchmark for more in-depth studies, but will enable future research to track changes over the decades to come. Throughout 2010, questionnaires were completed at Christian festivals in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The festivals chosen were ones that are popular among evangelical Christians. Due to the varying

21st Century Evangelicals 3 Typically evangelical There are many beliefs and practices that connect evangelicals in the UK.

There is widespread consensus on issues from to the miraculous gifts of the Spirit to the environment. There are also many practices that are common to the majority of evangelicals: these include reading the , giving money and volunteering.

4 21st Century Evangelicals JESUS CHURCH BIBLE 91% 96% 82% strongly agree that Jesus is attend a church service at read (or listen to) the Bible at the only way to God. least once a week. least a few times a week. 77% attend a small group 93% strongly agree that the meeting at least once a Bible is the inspired word of fortnight. God.

PRAYER GIVING FAITH 96% 96% 88% pray at least a few times a have given money to their strongly agree that their faith week, 77% do so daily. church in the past year. is the most important thing in their life and 83% strongly agree that faith is a key factor in their decision making.

ENVIRONMENT ENGAGEMENT MIRACLES 94% 86% 83% agree that it’s a Christian’s voted in the General Election strongly agree that the duty to care for the in 2010 and 76% watch, miraculous gifts of the Spirit environment. listen to, or read the news did not come to an end in the every day. fi rst century.

VOLUNTEERING UNITY VOICE 81% 94% 93% do some kind of voluntary agree that Christians should agree that Christians should work at least once a month. be united in truth. 92% have a voice in the media. agree that Christians should 94% agree that Christians be united in mission. should engage with government.

21st Century Evangelicals 5 Distinctly evangelical There are signifi cant differences between Christians who consider themselves to be evangelicals, and those who do not.

his research was conducted at festivals popular amongst evangelical T Non-evangelical Evangelical Christians, and at Evangelical Alliance member churches. However, over 1000 of those who participated in this research Faith takes a more prominent place in the lives said they did not consider of evangelical Christians. FAITH themselves to be evangelical Respondents who strongly agreed that their faith is the most important Christians (and a further thing in their life. 1500 were unsure). Therefore, although these results cannot be taken to be representative of 54% 88% all ‘non-evangelical Christians’, Respondents who strongly agreed that their faith is a key factor in all the results do highlight key their decision making. differences between Christians at festivals who consider themselves to be evangelical, 51% 83% and those who do not.

6 21st Century Evangelicals The Bible has a more signifi cant role in the lives of evangelicals. Derek Tidball BIBLE Board Member, Evangelical Respondents who strongly agreed that the Bible has the supreme Alliance & Former Principal of authority in guiding their beliefs, views and behaviour. London School of Theology Evangelicals 43% 83% are like Respondents who read (or listen to) the Bible daily. any other Christians, 26% 52% but different. They are Christians with Evangelicals pray more frequently and are more attitude! They hold likely to believe that Jesus is the only way to God. convictions about the Respondents who pray alone daily. Bible, the work of Christ and actively working out their faith which, 57% 76% combined together, make Respondents who strongly agree that Jesus is the only way to God. them a distinctive stream in the church. Whatever RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD RELATIONSHIP 75% 91% their denomination, their strength and vitality as Evangelicals place more emphasis on evangelism. a movement fl ows from these convictions. This Respondents who strongly agreed that it’s a Christian’s duty to be actively involved in evangelism. research shows they are holding to them. But are

EVANGELISM they holding to them as 27% 71% fi rmly as they should? And Respondents who talk about their faith, at least once a month, do they really practise with someone who wouldn’t call themselves a Christian. what they believe? If, for example, the Bible really is 38% 58% their ‘supreme authority’, why do only half of us Evangelicals tend to have stronger views on what’s read it daily? right and wrong. The wider church, as well Respondents who strongly agreed that sexual intercourse outside of as the wider world, needs marriage is wrong. evangelicals to be true to their distinctive calling, RIGHT & WRONG 26% 62% but to be true without Respondents who strongly agree that assisted suicide is always wrong. arrogance. Truth must be expressed with the grace 21% 42% and humility of Christ.

However... this research not only reveals differences between Christians who consider themselves to be evangelicals and those who do not. It also reveals that a notable number of Christians who do not consider themselves to be evangelicals are potentially very similar to evangelical Christians in terms of their beliefs and practices. Therefore, are many Christians evangelical in all but name?

21st Century Evangelicals 7 Divergence and uncertainty The beliefs of evangelicals are not uniform, and uncertainty is common.

The questions asked in this research were stark. Therefore, care has to be taken when Agree a lot Agree a little Unsure Disagree a little Disagree a lot drawing conclusions. However, it is possible to The Bible There is widespread consensus and certainty amongst make two assertions. evangelicals that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that it has Firstly, although evangelical supreme authority in their lives. However, there is less certainty, and a broader range of opinions as to whether or not the Bible, in its original Christians are similar to manuscript, is without error. each other in many ways, The Bible, in its original manuscript, is without error there is also considerable diversity on a range of issues. Evangelicals are certainly not 54 18 14 9 5 the homogeneous group that the media frequently portray Abortion The results to this question provide a complete spectrum them to be. of opinions. It is younger evangelicals who are more likely to think that Secondly, it is not uncommon abortion can never be justifi ed, while older people are more likely to think for evangelicals to be unsure that abortion, in some instances, is justifi able. However, until more research is conducted to explore the circumstances where evangelicals fi nd abortion of their beliefs. justifi able, it’s unwise to interpret the fi ndings in any great detail. Further research is required Abortion can never be justifi ed to explore the exact nature of this divergence and uncertainty. 20 17 18 28 17

8 21st Century Evangelicals Assisted Suicide Although the majority of evangelicals agree, to some extent, that assisted suicide is wrong, less than half strongly hold Elaine Storkey this opinion. Author and broadcaster, Assisted suicide is always wrong theologian and sociologist This research has 42 18 24 10 6 highlighted just a few of a wide Hell 37% of evangelicals strongly agree that hell is a place where the range of issues where condemned will suffer eternal conscious pain. It’s the issue where there is the evangelicals hold a variety greatest uncertainty. of opinions. Diversity is Hell is a place where the condemned will suffer eternal conscious pain inevitable, but is it good, or is it a problem? Being united doesn’t 37 13 31 8 11 mean we agree on everything, nor should Evolution 6 out of 10 evangelicals believe that, to some extent, it. It’s essential that our evolution and are compatible. unity includes space Evolution and Christianity are incompatible: you cannot believe both where we can discuss areas of disagreement. In some cases this will lead 18 814 20 39 to us fi nding signifi cant agreement; on other occasions it might mean Women in Leadership Just over half of evangelicals strongly learning to live with agree that women should be eligible for all roles within the church in the same way men are. A further 20% agree a little with this statement. tension. Either way these Women should be eligible for all roles discussions should be within the church in the same way men are characterised by truth and grace, and promote unity. As we move through the 51 20 9 10 10 second decade of the 21st Century, we are reminded Homosexuality It is common for evangelical Christians to that the speed of change distinguish between homosexual ‘feelings’ and ‘actions’. The results reveal is greater than ever before, that while the majority of evangelicals do not consider homosexual feelings and this alone adds more to be ‘wrong’, the majority do believe that homosexual actions are ‘wrong’. 8 out of 10 evangelicals do not think homosexual couples should be able to tension and new issues have civil partnerships blessed in churches. which people need to It is wrong to have homosexual feelings refl ect on and address. In helping people work through these, we should be aiming to enable them 13 11 21 25 30 not only to reach a godly Homosexual actions are always wrong conclusion, but also wrestle in a godly manner.

59 14 11 8 8

21st Century Evangelicals 9 Community engagement Evangelicals provide a signifi cant contribution to their local communities through working as volunteers.

Motivated by duty? each week, compared to an Working collaboratively? 9 out of 10 evangelicals believe, to average of 1 hour 15 minutes 7 out of 10 evangelicals believe, to some extent, that it’s a Christian’s by evangelicals who do not some extent, that Christians should consider their faith to be the most duty to be involved in activities work collaboratively with people important thing in that benefi t the local community. of other faiths on community their life. Those who don’t think it’s a projects. A further 2 out of 10 Christian’s duty are less likely to Who volunteers? evangelicals are unsure. The older you are the more likely you are volunteer. Although volunteering is a to strongly agree to working common activity for the majority collaboratively. Faith in action? of evangelicals, it is women over Evangelicals who consider their the age of 55 who provide the faith to be the most important most volunteer hours while men WOMEN OVER THE AGE OF thing in their life undertake an between the ages of 35-54 provide provide the most average of 2 hours of volunteering the least. 55 volunteer hours.

10 21st Century Evangelicals The congregations of Evangelical David Westlake Integral Mission Director, Alliance member Tearfund churches provide over half a million This research volunteer hours for provides activities that serve yet more the local community evidence that each week. evangelical churches and their congregations play a vital role in their local communities. However, we can’t become complacent; % % look around and it’s all- 99 85 too-obvious that there’s so of evangelical Christians do of evangelical Christians say much more that needs to some type of volunteering that their church is engaged be done. Our communities each year. with the local community. are in desperate need of holistic transformation. Support for children, families and vulnerable % % adults is the heart cry of 43 81 our Father and the great need in our communities. of evangelical Christians of evangelical Christians say volunteer for their church that their church is working Therefore, these results in an activity that serves the together with other churches should embolden us to get local community at least in their area. more involved in what’s once a fortnight. going on around us. We are making a difference and we would be sorely missed Evangelism and Community engagement if we weren’t doing what Social Action in the workplace we are doing. This means The majority of evangelicals The community in which many we should be able to believe that evangelism and social evangelicals spend the greatest approach decision makers action are equally important and amount of time is the workplace. compatible tasks. However, 35% 8 out of 10 evangelicals believe and funding providers with believe, to some extent, that many that they are called by God to do confi dence. churches and organisations are their job/vocation. 5 out of 10 How can we get the word placing too much emphasis on consider themselves to be well social action, with a further 25% equipped to apply their faith to out? How can we shout being unsure. The over 55s are their work/vocation, with a further about what churches almost twice as likely to think this 3 out of 10 considering themselves are doing? as the under 54s. to be fairly well equipped.

21st Century Evangelicals 11 Giving Evangelicals are generous, but do we need to nurture greater generosity?

OUT OF 10 respondents OUT OF 10 respondents had Michael O’Neill had given at least 10% of given at least 10% of their Chief Executive, their household income to household income to their Stewardship 6 their church and charities 3 church in the past month. We should all in the previous month. appreciate the tremendous OUT OF 10 respondents importance strongly agreed that of these results. To see 4 10% of a Christian’s evidence that evangelicals income should be are embracing generosity given to the church they attend.* to such an extent is extremely encouraging. Is this graph a But these results also cause for concern? raise questions. How can we better equip young Percentage of evangelicals people to unleash their generosity? Is giving away who give at least 10% of their % household income to their church 75 one tenth of our income really the ideal to which and other charities. % 68 we should be working? 64% And how can we best serve 60% the quarter of those who strongly agree that a tithe % (16-24s are not included because a signifi cant proportion in this age should be given to their 53 group are not likely to be responsible for the household income.) church, yet do not put that 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

AGE RANGE principle into practice? The Church always suffers Receivers and givers when our words and our Percentages of evangelicals who have given money to the following actions are not aligned, causes in the past year. and this report can help unite our efforts. Total 16-24 35-44 65+ I welcome this valuable Their church 96% 86% 97% 97% research, pray that it will Individual 47% 28% 45% 56% spark discussion across the Christian charities 86% 70% 85% 90% country and trust in the Non-Christian charities 57% 42% 59% 59% potential of generosity to transform communities Individual homeless people 19% 24% 18% 16% – just as generosity

*A further 3 out of 10 respondents agreed a little. This could reveal agreement with the principle transformed our hearts. of tithing, but the questioning of either the realism of tithing today and/or that the local church should be the sole recipient of the 10%.

12 21st Century Evangelicals We make your giving easy . Our accounts keep things simple, and secure, so you can put your up, knowing your giving is in safe . Less forms, less , less hassle. And now, you can do it all at the click of a .

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Stewardship is the operating name of Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited, a registered charity in England & Wales no. 234714, and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 90305. Established 1906. Engaging with the Bible The Bible is a key feature of an energised faith.

The more time an evangelical Christian spends James Catford reading the Bible each week, the more active Group Chief Executive, they are in other areas of their faith. They are Bible Society more likely to volunteer, to give money, to pray I once frequently and talk about their faith. challenged a senior Communist government offi cial in China that he should encourage more people to become Christians. ‘Why?’ he asked. Because Christians do more volunteering, give more money to charity and care more about the welfare of society. This research shows how true this is for Britain. OUT OF 10 evangelical Christians strongly agree that the Bible We shouldn’t be surprised. has the supreme authority in guiding their beliefs, views and behaviour. The more we hear God 8 speak to us through the Bible, the more vibrant our OUT OF 10 evangelical OUT OF 10 evangelical life will become. Christians strongly agree Christians read (or listen that the Bible is the to) the Bible at least a few Why are fewer 16-34 year 8 times a week. olds reading or listening 9 inspired Word of God. to the Bible? We should ask what they’re taught Percentage of respondents who read about connecting God, life and the Bible. This survey (or listen to) the Bible everyday. % 69 suggests the more we 59% integrate these, the more 50% alive we become. The Bible was never intended to sit 38% 38% 38% on a shelf gathering dust. 16-2425-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ The invitation to everyone AGE RANGE is to get the words off the page and into our lives. 3 out of 10 evangelical Christians read the Bible for more than two hours a week, 5 out of 10 between 30 minutes and 2 hours, and 2 out of 10 read the Bible for less than 30 minutes each week.

14 21st Century Evangelicals Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Go to wordlive.org to enjoy a multimedia Bible experience online email rss mobile iPhone iPad Evangelism Evangelicals are talking, but more think they should.

Mark Greene Executive Director, London Institute of Contemporary Christianity Good news, bad news. Evangelicals believe they should be talking about faith, and many are. But lots aren’t. Yes, young people tend to meet more new people and so have more opportunities to share OUT OF 10 evangelicals OUT OF 10 evangelicals but it’s great they’re taking agree that all Christians talk to someone who them. Indeed, we might have should be actively involved wouldn’t call themselves a supposed that they’d be the 6 Christian about their faith 9 in evangelism. 7 out of 10 group most affected by the believe this strongly. at least once a month. intimidating atmosphere of ‘secular correctness’ and/or When it comes to talking about faith, are multi-faith oversensitivity but younger evangelicals leading the way? they are the ones talking most about what shapes their lives. 77% Percentage of evangelicals who talk to Still, we need more research someone who wouldn’t call themselves to understand precisely what’s a Christian at least once a month. hindering faith-seasoned conversation and what would facilitate it across 58% all age groups in the range 64% of contexts people fi nd 61% 54% 51% themselves in – work, school, neighbourhood. Many have said that 16-2425-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ confi dence is the key. And AGE RANGE that certainly means more Evangelism in the multi-faith context than going through a training Evangelicals who strongly agree that all Christians should be actively programme. How can our involved in evangelism are, when compared to those who disagree, more evangelism become more like likely to think that... the spontaneous testimony of a life transformed by ... followers of all religions should be free to promote their faith in the UK. Jesus? After all, if Jesus has ... it’s getting more diffi cult to live as a Christian in an increasingly changed me, it’s much easier secular country. to proclaim a that ... it’s becoming more diffi cult for Christians to speak freely about what promises to change others. they believe.

16 21st Century Evangelicals Black Majority Churches Typically evangelical, but distinct.

lack majority churches (BMCs) in the UK are growing both in terms Bishop Wilton of their number and infl uence. Many are an integral part of the Powell, OBE B evangelical constituency. National Overseer, Consequently, it was essential that BMCs were an integral part of this Church of God of Prophecy research. Although approximately 900 questionnaires were completed by evangelical Christians who attend BMCs it is not possible to present data Black majority that is representative of all evangelical BMCs. However, it is possible to churches bring identify some clear trends. diversity to UK In many ways BMCs are typically evangelical, but they are distinct. Christianity Therefore any research into 21st century evangelicals in the UK has to and the thoroughly investigate BMCs. out working of its vitality and vibrancy is clearly manifested in its evangelism. I am delighted that this research has highlighted the commitment, passion, faithfulness and resilience that exists amongst many of our members. However, the research also depicts the great need for where the replenishes itself by those strengthened Typically evangelical...... talk about their faith with parts, assisting those who are defi cient or weak. This Evangelical Christians that attend non-Christians. environment sets a context BMCs are in many ways typically ... believe that it’s a Christian’s duty where collectively we can evangelical. Their faith takes a to give 10% of their income to celebrate others strengths prominent place in their lives. They the church they attend (they are and support others where believe that Jesus is the only way also more likely to do so.) there are weaknesses. to God and that the Bible is the ... strongly agree that the Bible inspired word of God. They attend has the supreme authority in UK Christianity will mature church services weekly, give money, guiding their beliefs, views and signifi cantly as we learn from undertake voluntary work, pray and behaviour, and are also more one another and can achieve read the Bible. likely to consider it to be without so much more when we are united behind the truth of ...but distinct error, in its original manuscript. ... consider that assisted suicide, . The results also display some and sex before marriage, are signifi cant differences. Evangelical wrong. Christians who attend BMCs are ... believe that hell is a place where more likely to... the condemned will suffer ‘Black majority ... fast from food, and read the eternal conscious pain. churches bring Bible daily. ... believe that evolution and diversity to UK Christianity are incompatible. Christianity’

21st Century Evangelicals 17 The future of evangelical Christianity Under 25s are markedly different, but what does this mean?

Younger people are less likely to consider consider themselves evangelicals, there would be the same themselves to be evangelical Christians: percentage of 16-24 year old evangelicals as there are 25-44 year olds. % 87 That all said, these results 82% 82% 77% cannot be ignored, especially when compared alongside other % 78 results that have been outlined Percentage of Christians, per age group, who 67% in this report. 16-24 year olds consider themselves to be evangelical Christians. who consider themselves to be evangelical Christians are markedly 65+55-64 45-54 35-44 25-34 16-24 different from other evangelical AGE RANGE Christians. owever, before to themselves as ‘evangelical Therefore more research is required ’s obituary Christians’ later on in life. to pinpoint whether this age H is written this trend Possible evidence for this is group are evangelical in all but needs to be investigated further. the fact that 16-24 year olds name, evangelicals in formation These results could simply are two times more likely to be or whether evangelicalism is in reveal that younger people are unsure whether or not they are decline, or at least changing. rejecting the name ‘evangelical’ evangelical than any other age Whatever the conclusion, this is a or that Christians start referring group. If half of these decided to signifi cant issue.

18 21st Century Evangelicals Andy Frost Director, Share Jesus Typically evangelical... International

Postmodern VolunteerV lunte r inn activitiesac ivitt es AttendAAtAttt eenndd a chchurchurchh servicesseervrvr icce Britain, with thattthaatt ser sservervee tthehe lolocalocacal ata lleasta t ononcece a wweek.eek its melting pot community.commmmuunnititi yy. of faiths and ideologies, has created a new generation ConsiderConss d r ffaitha th tto bbee thehe BelieveBBee ieevee ththataat JJeJesusesususs iss ththehe caricatured by contradiction. mostmmost imimportantmpoorttannt ththingingngg iinn onlyo ly wwaya ttoo GoGGod.d On the one hand, they refl ect theirtheie llilife.fee a good evangelical passion to share their faith; but on the other hand, they less BelieveBellieve tthath t alall CChristianshritst a s AgreeAgrereee thatthat sexsseexx beforebefore vehemently defend Scripture shhouldhouuldd bebe invinvolvedvolvo veedd in marriagem r a e is wwrong.ongg and lack personal time reading evangelism.evangeel smsmm. the Bible and praying. For many in this age group, 16-24 year olds (who consider themselves evangelical Christians) are beliefs have been shaped by typically evangelical on a range of issues (within plus or minus 3% of the average). good youth work and summer festivals, rather than personal devotions. We have shared bite sized theology but one ...markedly different. of the greatest challenges is LessLLeessss lilikelykelyy too ststronglyronglyy to enable this age group to agreeag ee thattha thetheh BibleB bble MoreMMoo e likelyliki e y toto talktat k ababoutbo t take responsibility for their hashas supsussupremepreeme authorityaua thorityy theirththeirfr faiffaithth wwithithh ‘n‘non’non’ own discipleship amidst busy, inn guguidingiddinng ttheirhheeirir bbebeliefs,elieliefsfs, Christians.*Ch iss iansn * media saturated lives. viewsv ews aandndd bbehaviour.hhav oour. Is evangelicalism in decline? I don’t think so. LessLes llikelykely to pprayray orr But the word ‘evangelical’ has LessLesss lilikelykely to ggiveivevee mommoney.ney. readreeadd (or(o(or listenlisten to)t thethhe been tarnished by American Bible*Bibb e*e eeveveryvereryy daday.yy. political agendas and is confusing to a generation who LessLesesss llikelyikekelyy ttoo agraagreegreeee thatthaat don’t understand party lines FaithFaithh iss llesse s liklikelyikel ttoo womenwomen shouldhou d bbe eeligibleliiig ble and church squabbles. This be a kekeyey facfafactorctoor in ththeireirr forfor allall roroleslesess withinwithwithinntn thethe generation simply want to get decisiondecc sisioonn mmaking.aakkinngg. churchcchuhurcrchh inn thetthe samesammee wayway the job done. Evangelicalism menmenn aare.*e.e* needs to be redefi ned for On many issues,16-24 year olds (who consider themselves evangelical them as Grace and Truth. The Christians) are markedly different (at least 7% different, unless there is an question is how do we do this? * which indicates that the difference is at least 13%, from the average).

21st Century Evangelicals 19 Evangelical Alliance There’s a hunger for unity and a desire to engage.

9 out of 10 evangelicals Roger Forster believe that Christians Chair, Evangelical Alliance should... Council The heartbeat of ... be united in truth. the Evangelical ... be united in mission. Alliance is unity. ... have a voice in the media. Unity which ... engage with government. enables us, together, to change society. Evangelical Christians Unity that provides us all think the Alliance should with a voice to Government focus on: and media. Unity that sees community transformed 1 Advocating on behalf of spiritually, socially and evangelical Christians to physically. government. Taking this snapshot has 2 Speaking to the media on behalf % provided us with the of Christians opportunity to fi nd out what Christians think about 3 Campaigning on issues relevant 95 our work. to evangelical Christians. of the Alliance’s individual members think that The results are extremely 4 Promoting unity amongst encouraging and provide evangelical Christians the Evangelical Alliance us with a clear mandate performs an important role in our mission of uniting 5 Facilitating churches and within the UK. evangelical Christians, with organisations to work their enriching diversities, in collaboratively in mission. order to change society - by bringing in the Kingdom of God - “justice, peace and joy in the ”. It is equally encouraging to know that 95% of our individual members think the Alliance plays an important role in the UK. These results will spur us on to do even more to serve evangelical Christians. We also hope that being that so many evangelicals agree with what we’re doing, it will encourage others to get involved. We will be able to achieve so much more together and with our Lord.

20 21st Century Evangelicals Encouraged, but challenged

We asked the popular ‘When I became a Christian from an unchurched background my American mum sat me down and gave me some advice. She said: “I don’t author Philip mind you being a Christian but if you’re going to be one, BE one.” Yancey his Don’t say that you believe this stuff and then don’t live it out.’ It’s thoughts on evangelicalism in the UK... clear from this report that many evangelical Christians in the UK are totally committed to ‘living their faith out’ - it’s encouraging that so In the United States the evangelical church is much many evangelicals are committed to giving, community engagement like a large corporation. In and sharing the hope they have.’ the UK the corporation is Wendy Beech-Ward, Director, Spring Harvest much smaller. I think it’s easy for evangelicals in a ‘This report is an encouragement to evangelicals and a provocation to country like this to feel like that beleaguered minority, the cynics. Far from being a dwindling, schismatic minority, evangelical especially because you do Christians have a signifi cant level of coherence. They value meeting have a history of faith; you together, prize the Bible and the presence of God’s Spirit, and love have been the source for to give of their time and money. Evangelicals can be a potent force much of the world. But for that reason the Church here for making a contribution to this nation through sharing our faith, is more likely to be united, starting new churches, and working for the common good. However, or at least less divided. The there is no room for complacency. We must strengthen and encourage Evangelical Alliance is a good the under 25s and give evangelicals clarity and confi dence in areas of demonstration of that unity; uncertainty, if we are to continue making progress.’ because the churches do feel like they are a minority they David Stroud, Pastor of ChristChurch London and leader of the emphasize what they have Newfrontiers UK Team in common instead of what divides them, and that’s a ‘What a diverse bunch we are! But, perhaps this shouldn’t come as a healthy thing. surprise to a body which although clearly identifi able, is made up of If you go to church in the many non-identical parts. The key fi ndings on ‘Engaging with UK you don’t go because it is socially advantageous - it’s the Bible’ show clearly how ‘living and active’ God’s Word is, and not. Everybody around you how it can equip us so thoroughly for practical areas of faith is sleeping in and watching and life. I look forward to seeing the unifying effect of faithful football; why would you go Bible teaching and regular Bible reading on generations of UK to church? Well you only go Evangelicals who will live through this century and into the next.’ to church if you believe that it’s true. In the United States David Bradley, General Director, Keswick Ministries because there are so many Christians it’s easy for us to ‘Amidst the encouragements of this pioneering research, we cannot create our own culture and avoid the challenges that lie beneath the surface – particularly in live within that culture. Here terms of how evangelicals present themselves as a united, good news you really can’t do that. There is more of an awareness of the movement, amidst such a wide range of different views and beliefs.’ surrounding secular culture. Matt Summerfi eld, Executive Director, Urban

21st Century Evangelicals 21 It’s time to get talking

How well do know the people who are a part of your church? Do you think the results presented in this report are representative of your church? What do you expect would be the main areas of difference and similarities? What do you fi nd encouraging about the results? What do you fi nd challenging? What results surprise you? There is a high level of consensus amongst evangelicals in many key areas. How can we reinforce these? (Page 4 & 5) On many issues evangelicals are not as black and white as they are often portrayed. How can we encourage conversations that help our churches come to a greater understanding on these often his report has got us downloaded and it’s available complex issues? (Page 8 & 9) talking! as a printed booklet. If you’re Do evangelicals have an identity T The Evangelical Alliance involved in church leadership crisis? If so, what should we be doing has no plans to put it on a go to www.eauk.org/snapshot about it? (Page 6 & 7, 18 & 19) and get your hands on more bookcase and forget about it. copies of this report. Make How can our church integrate We plan to keep it open, explore sure everyone in your church’s evangelism and social action to the data in more depth and keep leadership team takes a look ensure that we speak good news as talking about how we should at copy, then spend some time well as being good news? respond. Already we have had discussing some of the questions (Page 10 & 11) many fascinating and thought- that this research raises. provoking conversations. Does our church talk about money There are a few discussion enough? How can we unleash the We hope you’ll join us in these questions on this page to get generosity of God’s people? (Page 12) conversations. you started. More detailed How can we enable people to Let me encourage you not to fi le questions can be downloaded engage effectively with the Bible? your copy of this report away. from www.eauk.org/snapshot. (Page 14) Make sure it’s well thumbed, lend Steve Clifford How can we become more confi dent it to people and talk about it. General Director, in talking about our faith? What can We’re doing everything we can to Evangelical we learn from young adults in this? make this report widely available. Alliance (Page 16) It can be viewed online, it can be What concerns you most about ‘Let me encourage you not to fi le your the differences amongst younger people? How can we engage copy of this report away. Make sure it’s effectively with the younger well thumbed, lend it to people and talk generations? (Page 18 & 19) about it.’

22 21st Century Evangelicals The next step

e have taken a snapshot, What does discipleship look like in now a comprehensive the 21st century? Do people feel Thank you W and detailed picture of equipped to follow Jesus in the day- 21st century UK evangelicals needs to-day realities of life? What’s the We would like to thank to be painted. condition of the relationships and the following festivals for We will delve deeper in order family life among evangelicals? participating in this research... to understand more fully the It’s essential for us to confront CLAN Gathering (Scotland), ECG beliefs of evangelical Christians. the potential challenges that this (Wales), Grapevine, Keswick It’s important that we go to the research presents. Is evangelicalism Convention, New Horizon (Northern heart of evangelicalism. We need Ireland), New Wine and Spring Harvest. in decline? Are people rejecting the to look at the core tenets of the name ‘evangelical’? What needs We would like to thank the following evangelical faith to establish the to be done in order to engage churches for participating in this degree of similarity and the extent effectively with the younger research... of the diversity. However, the aim generations? These are timely is not just to establish what people Beulah Christian Fellowship believe, but also to investigate questions and future research will (Gillingham), Bloomfi eld Presbyterian why people believe what they do. provide us with a fuller picture Church (Belfast), Bournemouth In addition we plan to explore of UK evangelicals. However, it’s Vineyard, Broadmead Baptist Church, people’s understanding of a range important that we don’t just look at Causeway Coast Vineyard, Charlton of apologetic issues. the picture. We need to prayerfully and Blackheath Christian Fellowship, refl ect on what it reveals. We need Christ Church Spitalfi elds, City Church We do not just want to fi nd out to have the conversations that it Centre (Grimsby), Church of God more about what people believe stimulates. of Prophecy, Community Church – we also want to discover how Killingworth, Cornerstone Church these beliefs impact their lives. And then we need to take action. (Wimbourne), Dayspring Church (Chippenham), Fulwood Methodist Free Church, Gateway Community Church (Perth), Grace Community Church (Maidstone), Heartlands Church (Stratford), High Kirk Presbyterian Church (Ballymena), Highway Church (Cornwall), House of Destiny (Bournemouth), Jesus House (London), Kings Church (Lincolnshire), Kings Fellowship (Bangor), Mount Pleasant Baptist Church (Northampton), New Life Family Church (Somerset), Church of God, Princes Risborough Baptist Church (Aylesbury), Rainham Christian Fellowship, Roman Road Independent Methodist Church (Manchester), Salem Chapel (Bristol), South Park Church (Ilford), Southgate Christian Fellowship (London), St Luke’s Church (Nottingham), Stamford Free Church, Tywyn Baptist Church, Warton Methodist Church, Westminster Chapel, Woodlands Church (Swansea) and Yeovil Community Church.

21st Century Evangelicals 23 ‘We are indebted to the Evangelical Alliance and Christian Research for this extremely valuable snapshot of the Church at the beginning of the 21st Century. It sometimes takes courage to use a mirror when the viewer is unsure as to the form the refl ection will take. I think most of us will fi nd the results encouraging - though perhaps not universally so. What has been presented to us in this publication should inspire us to rise to the challenge to better express a culture that is biblically sound and socially coherent. Having read its contents I fi nd myself wanting to hear God more acutely and communicate his heart more accurately.’ John Glass, General Superintendent, Elim Pentecostal Churches

To fi nd out more and get involved with future research go to www.eauk.org/snapshot

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