Definitions | Evangelism | Knowledge | Relevance | Sanctification/ Apathy | Surveys | Understanding

CHRISTIAN TERMS BAFFLE MAJORITY
A recent poll by the Barna Research Group reveals that the Christian church is preaching its message in terms that most people do not understand. A nationwide survey of American adults in January of 1994 found that few could explain the meaning of religious terms such as “the Great Commission,” “evangelical,” “the gospel,” and “John 3:16.” Many adults surveyed who considered themselves “born-again” were unable to define these terms. Only nine percent of the adults surveyed could correctly identify the Great Commission as Jesus’ command to go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them. Eighty-five percent were not even willing to guess what the term “Great Commission” meant. Americans know little more about the term “evangelical.” The most inclusive of the possible correct answers: “people who spread God’s word” was offered by only eighteen percent of those polled. The Bible’s most famous verse, John 3:16, received slightly higher recognition. Seventeen percent of those polled could…