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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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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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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“Facts are our friends”

New approaches needed

New tools – new insights – new “move of the Spirit?”

End of Presentation