Spiritual Development Poll Results

Many Christians today are rediscovering John Wesley's small group method for spiritual development. By gathering in small accountability groups, Christians have the opportunity for encouragement and challenge from other disciples. Of course, not all small groups are Christ-centered nor do all small groups provide support. But a recent poll of pastors, spouses of pastors, and church members in Canada and the U.S. indicates that about one-third of Nazarenes are involved in such groups. I participate in a group that holds me accountable:

Pastors		37%
Spouses		29%
Members		30%

In addition to accountability, many Christians are finding help in being able to share personal issues with others without fear of exposure or condemnation. This may occur in an accountability group, but may also occur in other settings, such as a Sunday School class or informal gathering of friends. I belong to a group where it is safe to discuss personal issues.

Pastors		29%
Spouses		18%
Members		35%

Association of Nazarene Sociologists and Researchers (ANSR) Poll, Winter 2005 Accountability/Support Group (either formal or informal) I regularly participate in a group that provides support to me.

Pastors		Spouses		Members
7%		5%		10%	Strongly Agree
34%		27%		33%	Agree
50%		51%		47%	Disagree
10%		17%		10%	Strongly Disagree

I regularly participate in a group that holds me accountable.

Pastors		Spouses		Members
5%		5%		6%	Strongly Agree
32%		24%		24%	Agree
53%		56%		58%	Disagree
10%		16%		12%	Strongly Disagree

My spouse and I regularly participate together in an accountability/support group.

Pastors		Spouses		Members
2%		1%		4%	Strongly Agree
11%		8%		11%	Agree
72%		69%		67%	Disagree
15%		21%		18%	Strongly Disagree

I belong to a group where it is safe to discuss personal issues.

Pastors		Spouses		Members
5%		3%		9%	Strongly Agree
24%		15%		26%	Agree
58%		60%		52%	Disagree
13%		23%		13%	Strongly Disagree

We belong to a group where it is safe to discuss personal issues.

Pastors		Spouses		Members
2%		1%		4%	Strongly Agree
11%		9%		20%	Agree
71%		64%		60%	Disagree
16%		26%		16%	Strongly Disagree

*Pecentage totals throughout this report may not equal exactly 100 percent due to rounding.

 

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