Ed Stetzer at #d62013

Bad Stats:

      Christians and non-Christians divorce at same rate

      Christians and tippers

      Christians and Disenfranchised Youth

      The church is dying

Why do we love bad stats?

      Our brains are wired to be on the lookout for danger

      Bad news motivates people to act

      Sell books

Bad stats don't solve problems. Bad stats lead to panic.

What are some real stats?

      General growth--Mainlines are decreasing; Evangelicals are increasing

      Age 18-29--Mainlines went from 25 to 5%; Evangelicals are stable at 25%

About half of Americans (44%) will change faiths before they are 22.

       Most from mainlines-decline in 30% in 30 years

The "Nones" are growing.  The behavior has not changed, but their identification has.

      32% are religious

      32% are spiritual (not using the term Christian any longer)

      3 in 10 are Nones

Jews, Evangelicals, Mormons and Nones are the best at passing on their religion to their children.

(Research from USC) 

97% dropped out because of a life change (break, work, etc.) 

Only 14% left because of what was taught.

A close relationship with a parent, especially a dad, was biggest predictor of passing on faith. 

What will happen to the middle third? 

The church is not dying.  We must continue to make disciples.