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What Does That Look Like?
Only 30% of Americans raised Catholic are still practicing
10% of all adults in America are ex-Catholics
◦ 31 million
◦ Largest “religious group” in U.S.
By age 23 ... 79% of those who:
◦ Have dropped the name "Catholic" ...
◦ Claim no religious affiliation of any kind.
Among raised Catholics, becoming Protestant is best guarantee of
stable church attendance as an adult.
Majority of adult Catholics
uncertain that a personal
relationship with God is possible.
“Personal relationship with God”
is single, greatest indicator of Mass attendance.
You can measure a person's heart: ◦ Initially 3 years, 500 Churches, 11,000 surveys, numerous
denominations.
◦ Over 7 years - eventually examined 250,000 returns.
You can predict "spiritual growth.” ◦ A “framework.”
◦ Based on how people describe their relationship with Jesus Christ.
◦ “Spiritual Growth” defined as "Love of God and Love of Others.”
Church activity does not predict - nor drive - long-term
spiritual growth.
”Active" church attending congregants (5 year plus) are not exploring
their faith:
◦ ”Apathetic, non-believers"
◦ Less likely to develop long-term, personal, mature relationship with Christ.
Many "devoted" parishioners are not active:
◦ 80% say they love God but ...
◦ 30% don't serve the church in any way
◦ 50%,don't serve the poor
◦ 40% don't contribute substantially
80% of Protestant/Evangelicals are not engaging Scripture on regular
basis (Catholic percentage is most likely even lower)
Spiritually "stalled" or "dissatisfied" account for 25% of church-attending
parishioners - can be as high as 50%!
• Engagement with the Scriptures (especially
on daily basis) has single, greatest impact on
personal spiritual growth.... and yet...
“Spiritual Growth” or “Maturity” can be placed on a
spiritual continuum.
For example: St. Teresa of Avila’s “7 Mansions”
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Prayer
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Prayer
Other Findings:
◦ There is no “magic bullet” or “killer app” to address these
issues.
◦ Leadership matters.
Catholic tools in development ...
In year 2 of a 3 year pilot.
Parishes involved:◦ 75 parishes this year.
◦ 100 next year.
◦ Several local.
More than 25% surveyed.
Stalled: ◦ Believe in Christ
◦ Haven’t grown recently
Dissatisfied:◦ Faith is central
◦ My church is letting me down
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Prayer
1 out of every 6 people
The Church COULD address this!
Barriers:◦ Addictions
◦ Inappropriate Relationships
◦ Emotional Issues
◦ Priority of Spiritual Life
The True “Christ-Followers!”
◦ 98% Attend Regularly
◦ Participate in “Small Groups”
◦ Volunteer
◦ Serve Those in Need
◦ Contribute Financially
◦ Diligent
65% Are Considering Leaving!
Their Wants / Needs?
◦ Challenge
◦ Personal Spiritual Growth Plan
◦ Spiritual “Mentor” or “Director”
◦ Want to Be Held Accountable
“Immigrant / Ethnic” model no longer effective.
“Busy Church” model:◦ Might “appear” successful
◦ Components necessary
◦ Only for initial stages
◦ Tenuous
◦ Could hide the real truth
(Ex: Stalled and Disaffected)
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Confess.
Prayer
“Facts are our friends”
New approaches needed
New tools – new insights – new “move of the Spirit?”
End of Presentation
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