The Canadian Situation
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This document contains information from Gary V Carter about growing churches. It discusses that most church leaders want their churches to grow but don't know how as churches are often plateauing or declining. The document considers what church leaders have tried to promote growth and asks what the single most important thing is that can be done. It also reflects on research about church attendance trends and Canadians' religious beliefs and priorities for the church.
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The Canadian Situation
- 1. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Gary V Carter Isaiah 62:6-7 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.
- 2. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info What I Want Today I don’t want … To discourage, defeat or bore you To add to your work load I do want … To encourage you To change the way you think To give you simple things to do To encourage you to accept responsibility
- 3. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info What I Want Today Teach you what I have learned about the sweet spots. How did I learn? Observation Trial and error Trial and success
- 4. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info • What is the single most important thing you can do to grow your church? The Big Question
- 5. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info The Big Question Does numerical growth matter? Do you have a plan for growth? How is that working for you? If you do what you have always done you will get what you always got! If it’s working for you stay the course!
- 6. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info The Big Question What have you tried? Better teaching/preaching? Different/better music? New programs? Special events? Aggressive evangelism? Discipleship program? Community service? Church structure? Church culture?
- 7. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info • Most churches are on a plateau or decline. • Ministry leaders are grieved by that fact. • It follows that leaders don’t know what to do to grow their church because, after all, they do care! The Big Problem!
- 8. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info • What is the single most important thing you can do to grow your church? The Big Question
- 9. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Your Four Questions Is it simple enough? Does it work? Can we do this? Can we afford this?
- 10. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info But first … Church health and church growth are not enemies. Healthy churches grow. Churches don’t just grow automatically unless they are emptying other churches. Churches do grow with natural and spiritual processes that are not manipulative or driven.
- 11. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Pause and Reflect
- 12. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Gary V Carter Lamentations 1:12 Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see.
- 13. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Global Christianity 2,200,000,000 33.9% Islam 1,650,000,000 25.4% Hinduism 1,000,000,000 15.4% Buddhism 500,000,000 7.7% Folk religions 500,000,000 7.7% Chinese (Taoism, Confucianism etc.) 500,000,000 7.7% Shinto 65,000,000 1.0% Sikhism 28,000,000 0.4% Judaism 18,000,000 0.3% Jainism 12,000,000 0.2% Bahá'í Faith 8,000,000 0.1% Other 12,000,000 0.2%
- 14. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Canada Total population 2001 29,639,035 Catholic 12,936,905 44% Protestant 8,654,850 29% Christian Orthodox 479,620 2% Other Christian 780,450 3% Muslim 579,640 2% Jewish 329,995 1% Buddhist 300,345 1% Hindu 297,200 1% Sikh 278,410 1% Eastern religions 37,550 0% Other religions 63,975 0% No religious affiliation 4,900,090 17%
- 15. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Canada Christians 24,424,341 72% Evangelicals 2,601,683 7.7%
- 16. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info United States and Canada US Southern Baptists for example… 92% reporting (39,000 churches) 50% report attendance less than 50 25% report attendance less than 25 70% of pastors are in their “small church” division – most are bi-vocational USA = 28.9% Evangelical Canada = 7.7% Evangelical P = Protestant I = Independent A = Anglican U = Unaffiliated C = Catholic M = Muslim U = Unaffiliated X = Other Christian M = Muslim N = None
- 17. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Canadian Church Attendance Dropping ½% per year Source: Stats Can Blue: Extrapolated 1945 Actual = 60%
- 18. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info US Research 82% of unchurched are somewhat likely to attend church if invited 63% would receive info from a relative 56% would receive info from a friend or neighbour
- 19. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info US Research 4% of formerly churched are actively looking 6% of formerly churched would go back 35% would be inspired if they knew people like them attend 70% have never been invited to church 2% invited someone in the last year
- 20. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Pause and Reflect
- 21. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Canada is a Nation of Believers % of Canadians agree 66% 64% 45% 44% 19% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Forgiveness through Christ Bible is Word of God Pray daily* Committed life to Christ Attend Weekly Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000, except * God and other Mysteries, Ipsos-Reid June 2003, n=1000..
- 22. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info God is not an abstraction to Canadians % of Canadians agree 82% 61% 53% 34% 29% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% God is understanding & forgiving I have an intense personal relationship with God Felt in God's Presence Close contact with holy, sacred Experienced sudden insight or awakening * Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000, except * Canadians & God, 1996 n=1500. * *
- 23. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info There are increasingly polarized attitudes toward Jesus Christ: The percent who claim forgiveness through Christ is on the increase, as is the number of Canadians who think Christ is not God 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 1993 1996 2003 Forgiveness thru Christ Jesus not God Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000, Ipsos-Reid June 2003, n=1000..
- 24. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Belief is up, while belonging is down: Canadians are increasing likely to claim commitment to Christ, yet the # of weekly attenders may be slowly declining 0% 20% 40% 1993 1996 2003 Committed Life to Christ Attend Weekly
- 25. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Most Canadians don’t think you need to belong in order to believe % of Canadians agree 81% 72% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Don't need to go to church to be a good Christian Private beliefs more important than what is taught by any church Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000
- 26. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info % Agree "My private beliefs about Christianity are more important that what is taught by any church" 72% 77% 71% 66% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Never Attend Occasionally Attend Attend Monthly Attend Weekly Even regular attenders feel their private beliefs trump church teaching Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000, Ipsos-Reid June 2003, n=1000..
- 27. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info % Agree "I have an intense personal relationship with God" 37% 67% 82% 95% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Never Attend Occasionally Attend Attend Monthly Attend Weekly But many people who don’t attend have an intense relationship with God Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000, Ipsos-Reid June 2003, n=1000..
- 28. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info % Agree 62% 59% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Religious communities are a force for good in society Religious leaders are a force for good in society Religion is seen as a force for good by a majority of Canadians Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000, Ipsos-Reid June 2003, n=1000..
- 29. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Priorities for the Church We asked Canadians which of these nine priorities they felt the Church in Canada should put greater effort into. Supporting Canadian children living in poverty Supporting children living in poverty in places like Africa Helping to reduce pollution and preserve the environment in Canada Helping to reduce racism in Canada Helping to reduce homelessness in Canada Caring for people with HIV and AIDs in Canada Caring for people with HIV and AIDs in places like Africa Protecting unborn children in Canada Preventing the exploitation of children in pornography and the sex trade in Canada and the world Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000, Ipsos-Reid June 2003, n=1000..
- 30. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info All Canadians agree on what the church should do 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Helping to reduce pollution and preserve the environment in Canada Caring for people with HIV and AIDs in places like Africa Caring for people with HIV and AIDs in Canada Supporting children living in poverty in places like Africa Helping to reduce racism in Canada Protecting unborn children in Canada Helping to reduce homelessness in Canada Supporting Canadian children living in poverty Preventing exploitation of children in pornography and the sex trade in Canada & the world Weekly attenders All Canadians Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000, Ipsos-Reid June 2003, n=1000..
- 31. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Churchgoing Christians seem to perceive a bias against themselves that does not exist 16% 39% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% All others Weekly Attenders % Agree Strongly “I think that there is a general bias in Cdn society against the viewpoints that are held by deeply committed Christians”. Source: Canadian Religious Beliefs and Practices, Ipsos-Reid Sept/Oct 2003, n=3000, Ipsos-Reid June 2003, n=1000..
- 32. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Pause and Reflect
- 33. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Gary V Carter John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
- 34. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info 3 Doors Church
- 35. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info 3 Doors Church Believe
- 36. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info 3 Doors Church Believe Belong
- 37. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info 3 Doors Church Believe Belong Behave
- 38. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info 3 Doors Church Believe Belong Behave What do they think they need that the church can supply? What do they actually need that the church can supply?
- 39. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info 3 Doors Church Believe Belong Behave
- 40. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Pause and Reflect
- 41. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Gary V Carter John 1:46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
- 42. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Strathroy - Carodoc Population 21,000 Households 8,200
- 43. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Religion None + Other 6,000 Catholic 5,600 United Church 3,000 Other Christian 2,400 Anglican 1,500 Baptist 900 Presbyterian 800 Pentecostal 300
- 44. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Demographics 0-9 Years 12% 10-19 Years 15% 20-29 Years 11% 30-39 Years 13% 40-49 Years 16% 50-59 Years 13% 60-69 Years 9% 70 + Years 10%
- 45. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info One Out of Three Moved in the Last Five Years `
- 46. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Did One or Two Visit Your Church? `
- 47. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Awareness Test
- 48. Gary V Carter ~~~ 905-601-2110 ~~~ gary@SeeYouNextWeek.info ~~~ www.SeeYouNextWeek.info Pause and Reflect