CHURCH SURVEY 2005
An Appraisal By Revd Tony Martlew
THE published results of this surveyare the most important document produced this century. The survey was carried out between September 2003 and September 2004, by the Ecumenical Research Committee. It is important to note that the term is used in its old and true sense and riot in the way that it is generally used nowadays. Its original meaning is “representing the whole Christian world”, whereas the modern meaning is closer to the politically correct doctrine of “inclusiveness”.
The purpose of the survey was to ascertain from Churchgoers themselves what they feel is lacking in spiritual teaching in the churches. Also included were the deep feelings of those who have severed their church connections for a number of reasons. Finally, some who have never had church connections were invited to air their views on the relevance, or otherwise, of the Christian faith.
The results of this survey are astonishing. Before quoting examples of – those in the pews – it is sufficient to quote from the Foreword by Lord Bromley. He wrote.- When I returned to the United Kingdom after living in the United States for twelve years, I was shocked at how moral values had changed in such a short time, and how church attendance in mainstream denominations was in freefall. Four out of five churches were either declining or simply static. The purpose of the twelve month survey was to establish why this sorry state of affairs has come about.
In a short review it is not possible to touch more than briefly upon a few issues which deeply concern people about the churches as they are today. It is felt that churches are not making known to the public why Christianity is so important in the life of the nation in these apostate times. In other words, there is a crying need for Apologetics, which is a defence of Christianity by argument.
An Irish correspondent summarised the views of hundreds of letters from regular churchgoers when he wrote:
“The Bible never speaks about any need to have a blind faith, but rather a reasoned and logical faith which is built upon a firm foundation of facts and information. For a church to be vibrant and healthy this body of evidence needs to be presented and explained, so that congregations can learn and see for themselves why believing makes sense. Sadly, this is a particular form of ministry which is so often neglected”.
A man from Wales writes:
“Often Clergy do little to try, and convince us that God exists, let alone outline the logical reasons behind our belief in the Virgin Birth and the Resurrection”.
A woman who is a regular churchgoer in Monmouth added,
“One day 1 asked my Vicar why his sermons were so bland and never gave any clear explanation about the events recorded in the Bible. He replied that if he did he would lose the few members he had left. If he only but knew it, this is the complete reversal of the truth, because what they are wanting from him is encouragement for their faith”.
And in probably the saddest letter of all:
“After fifty years of going to church I gradually realised that it was all nonsense”.
The most profound comment on this issue came from a churchgoer in the Midlands, who wrote thoughtfully:
“It is a myth to say, that the people of this country have rejected Christianity, they simply haven’t been told enough about it to accept it or reject it”.
Without quoting more examples, it is abundantly clear that congregations are crying out for sound Biblical teaching. They are tired of ministers spiritualising the prophetic Scriptures and telling the faithful that many of the events of the Old Testament are “myths”. There is an overwhelming desire to hear about the prophecies relating to the Lord’s Second Advent and the reason why the world is in chaos at this time.
The survey comments on many other issues that are vital to the future of our church and nation. It is strongly recommended that you purchase a copy of the Survey and give it as much publicity as you are able.
Copies may, be obtained from the Ecumenical Research Committee, 19 Glenfield Road, Betchworth, Surrey, RH3 7HR They cost £3.50 each.
