CCC 27-1_LR

NEWS & NOTES

FAST FACTS:

mitment as a challenge in their ministries. 14 n Eighty-one percent of American Protestant churchgoers say Chris tian movies are effective evange lism tools. 15 n “As Christians grow spiritually, so also grows the yearning to experience the peace and pres ence of God and demonstrate an active faith through practices like prayer, worship, discipleship and communion. Church is the place where these practices flourish.” 16 n According to a Pew Research Center study, 72% of U.S. high school teachers believe cellphone distraction is a significant prob lem in the classroom. 17 n A national study of data from 113 million U.S. adults, published in a JAMA Health Forum research let ter, found an abrupt nationwide increase in tubal sterilizations and vasectomies among adults ages 18-30. Among young wom en, the increase in sterilizations almost doubled. 18 n A Pew Research Center survey

found that nearly two-thirds of Americans own a pet. Ninety-sev en percent reveal their animals feel like part of the family, and 51% say they are as much a part of their families as human mem bers. 19 n According to the World Health mortality rate in America is one of the highest of any wealthy nation (nearly 20 per 100,000 live births overall and 50 for black mothers) as compared to rates in the single digits in numerous European countries. 20 ; Organization and U.S. health representatives, the maternal

n Today, only 51% of U.S. senior pastors consistently have a bibli cal worldview, compared to fewer than 30% of associate pastors, 13% of teaching pastors, and 12% of youth pastors. 10 gious affiliation are far less likely than those who hold a religious persuasion to sense a connection with local community members (43% vs. 60%). 11 n According to the Public Opinion Strategies poll, Key Data by Gen eration, the Gen Z generation is less than half as likely than Baby Boomers to express “patriotism, belief in God or having children are ‘very important.’” 12 n “While the Holy Spirit can in tercede at any time, data show a child’s worldview begins to form between 15 and 18 months and is mostly set by age 13.” 13 n According to pastors, the most challenging people dynamic in ministry is the lack of willingness to engage, with 75% expressing people’s apathy or lack of com n Americans without any reli

Compiled and edited by Gary Foster, President of Gary D. Foster Consulting

COMMENTS & QUESTIONS? Phone: 419-238-4082 Email: GaryFoster733@gmail.com Web: GaryDFoster.com

Endnotes 1 The ethics of AI: How far is too far? Barna Group. (2024, July 9). 2 Earls, A. (2024, July 31). Changing history and eternity by seeking out the lonely . Lifeway Research. 3 Hart, D. (2024, August 15). New study reaffirms inherent differences between male and female brains. The Washington Stand . 4 Pandey, E., VandeHei, J., & Allen, M. (2024, Aug. 6). 1 big thing: Medi tation for kids . Axios. 5 Holliday, S. (2024b, August 12). 8.3 million minors received mental care in 2023, highlighting a “decaying culture.” The Washington Stand . 6 Gecker, J. (2024, August 31). Young girls are using anti-aging products they see on social media. The harm is more than skin deep . AP News. 7 Alford, P. (2024, June 20). School choice advocate notices far left has noticed homeschooling. American Family News. 8 Earls, A. (2024b, August 28). Public support for polygamy grows . Life way Research. 9 Allen, M., Pandey, E., & VandeHei, J. (2024, Apr. 25). 1 big thing: Pit falls of perfect . Axios. 10 McFarland, A. (2024, August 20). Decline of the church - Half of pastors no longer have a biblical worldview. Prophecy News Watch. 11 Fetterolf, J., & Kramer, S. (2024, May 8). Americans are less likely than others around the world to feel close to people in their country or commu nity. Pew Research Center.

12 Allen, M. (2024, May 21). 1 big thing: Jarring generation gap. Axios. 13 Alford, P. (2024, June 4). Discipleship – The key to reversing biblical illiteracy rates among youth. American Family News. 14 McConnell, S. (2024, June 6). How to address churchgoers who are “too busy” to serve. Lifeway Research. 15 Snyder, M. (2024, August 20). Christian movies useful as discipleship and evangelism tool, churchgoers say . Lifeway Research. 16 What is most important to a meaningful church experience? Barna Group. (2024, June 26). 17 Hatfield, J. (2024, June 12). 72% of U.S. high school teachers say cell phone distraction is a major problem in the classroom . Pew Research Center. 18 Snyder, M. (2024, August 1). Women believing the Harris lie that hav ing children is bad for the environment. Prophecy News Watch. 19 Pandey, E., VandeHei, J., & Allen, M. (2024, June 25). 1 big thing: Booming business of pets . Axios. 20 Ungar, L. (2024, August 22). Europe offers clues for solving America’s maternal mortality crisis. AP News.

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