What Really Matters

The following survey results highlight the great value in the idea of having seminars that help Christians understand and practically apply Biblical principles to their finances, marriages, education, relationships and businesses. This goal (Biblically based lives and decisions) is a major component of discipleship and shepherding.


-- From AgapePress News --

Despite the fact that most Americans consider themselves to be Christian, very few adults base their moral decisions on the Bible -- and surprisingly few believe that absolute moral truth exists. That's according to the latest survey conducted by The Barna Group. So if people do not base their moral decisions on the Bible, what is the foundation upon which they decide? According to Barna, they use the specific principles or standards they believe in (54 percent), what feels "right or comfortable" (24 percent), whatever makes the most people happy or causes the least conflict (9 percent), or whatever produces the most positive outcomes for themselves (7 percent). And when it comes to absolute moral truth, it is almost a dead heat -- 35 percent contend moral truth is absolute; 32 percent say it is determined by the situation; and 33 percent say they are unsure if moral truth is absolute or relative. Researcher George Barna sees these findings as an indication that Christian leaders need to stay focused on the things that matter, and not on things such as church attendance, funds raised, and facility size -- parameters that are typically used to measure church success. Says Barna: "As long as we measure success on the basis of popularity and efficiency, we will continue to see a nation filled with people who can recite Bible stories, but fail to live according to Bible principles." [Jody Brown]