Those who read the Bible often are more likely to agree with the following:
While interacting with others on a normal, daily basis, I seek opportunities to speak out about Jesus Christ (55% v 19%)
I am intentionally putting my spiritual gift(s) to use serving God and others (74% v 40%)
I intentionally try to serve people outside my church who have tangible needs (69% v 51%)
And less likely to agree with the following:
I am hesitant to let others know that I am a Christian (7% v 10%)
I sometimes doubt that God can change the lives of non-Christians I know (9% v 12%)
Many people who know me are not aware I am a Christian (10% v 19%)
Those who read the Bible often are more likely to agree with the following statements:
I feel comfortable that I can share my belief in Christ to someone else effectively (84% v 64%)
I feel overwhelmed by the need to share my personal experience with Jesus Christ with non-Christians” (41% v 17%)
I am open to helping anyone God wants me to help (95% v 83%)
In the past 6 months, they are more likely to have done each of these at least once:
Shared with someone how to become a Christian (56% v 20%)
Invited an unchurched person to attend a church service or some other program at their church (64% v 37%)
These findings came from Lifeway Research’s Transformational Discipleship research.
Bible Engagement Goes up, Church Functions in Community.
Pastors know intuitively that there is a connection between Bible Engagement and church participation. Our research bears that out. People who lack Bible Engagement tend to be terrible church members.
Here is a comparison of people who read the Bible more than once a week (45% of those surveyed) and those who read the Bible less than once a week (41% of those surveyed).
Churchgoers who read the Bible more than once a week are more likely than those who read less than once a week to:
Currently have regular responsibilities at their church (for example, greeter, teacher, musician, etc.) (53% v 31%)
Those who read the Bible often are more likely to agree with the following:
It is necessary for a Christian’s spiritual well being to give time on a regular basis to some specific ministry within his/her church (74% v 53%)
I intentionally make time in my schedule to fellowship and interact with other believers (72% v 36%)
I intentionally spend time with other believers in order to help them grow in their faith (60% v 22%)
And less likely to agree with the following:
I hesitate to share with Christian friends about my own doubts and spiritual struggles (26% v 38%)
Spiritual matters do not tend to come up as a normal part of my daily conversations with other Christians (17% v 43%)
Those who read the Bible often are more likely to agree with the following statement:
I believe one of the best ways to get to know others in the church is to serve with them (92% v 82%)
Those who read the Bible more than once a week are also more likely to engage in these behaviors more than once a week:
Pray for fellow Christians I know (87% v 45%)
Pray in a group with other Christians (33% v 7%)
This series is adapted from an article I wrote for Charisma magazine.
