National
Pastors'
Prayer
Network
RESOURCES
For Pastors, Prayer Leaders, City Reachers
05/07/2004
2004 Year of Prayer for Pastors
http://www.prayingpastor.com
I N T H I S U P D A T E . . . . . and for our prayers:
1. WANTED: MINISTRY INTERNS @ US
PRAYER CENTER
2. ENTREPRENEURIAL PASTORS
3. PASTORS: THE NEXT GENERATION
4. DISCIPLING IN PRAYER
5. LEADERSHIP JOURNAL; FOCUS ON PRAYER
6. POWER POINT / INTERNET / STORYTELLING
7. WEBLOG: THE NETWORK CHURCH PARADIGM
8. LEADER, DO THEY TRUST YOU?
9. NEW RESEARCH: FAVORITE BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
10. SPECIAL SERIES: AMERICA'S EVANGELICALS
_______________________________________________>>>
1. WANTED: MINISTRY INTERNS @ US
PRAYER CENTER
>From: Eddie & Alice Smith <usprayercenter@cs.com>>
Whether you are looking to enter the ministry, or to extend your existing
ministry, Eddie and Alice Smith are looking for Christians who are willing to
work in their U.S. PRAYER CENTER offices in Houston, Texas for a period of 6
months to one year or longer, as God leads. The U.S.P.C. is a well-established
international missionary discipleship ministry founded in 1990. Please consider
the information below. And, if you aren't interested, consider passing this
along to someone who might be qualified and interested in this opportunity to
serve our Lord. 1. Proposition: We are taking applications from committed
Christians with office experience; or business, or ministry background;
management skills, and etc. who desire "hands on" ministry experience. 2.
Positions we need to fill: (a.) General Office (must have general office
computer data entry and software experience, i.e. MSWord, Excel, etc.) (b.)
Researchers, experienced writers and/or editors (to work with Mr and/or Mrs
Smith). This work could be done remotely from your home utilizing the Internet.
(c.) Prayer Counselors (onsite, via phone, and email) (d.) Fundraising (e.)
Personal Assistants (to either Mr or Mrs Smith) (f.) IT and/or Graphic artist.
This work might be done remotely from your home utilizing the Internet. (g.)
Ministry Coordinator (to oversee entire operation) 3. Preferences: (a.) A
retired couple; single individuals; or in certain cases married with family (b.)
Must be a born-again believer of high moral character (c.) Must have good
references, which will be thoroughly checked. Intern positions are unpaid
positions. They must be financially independent (i.e. a self-supported YWAM
missionary type, able to raise their own support.) (e.) Team player, with strong
people skills, a self- starter requiring little supervision (f.) Ability to
multitask and work in a dynamic environment (g.) A heart for Kingdom ministry
and a willingness to grow and learn (h.) Willing to have fun and meet new people
Instructions:
Please DO NOT telephone us. Email us your name, postal address, phone, and
(optional: fax) numbers. Attach a recent photo of yourself, along with your
resume and referrals. Include the name, address, phone and fax numbers of your
church and your pastor. Briefly state what you feel you have to offer the
ministry of the U.S. PRAYER CENTER. [mailto: usprayercenter@cs.com] Houston,
Texas
The weather in Houston, Texas, America's fourth largest city, is mild
two-thirds of the year, and we are near the beach! You will receive a prompt
reply, and the process begins. May the Father guide you in your decision.
Company Website:
http://www.usprayercenter.org
<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ieetgzn6.5migfyn6.xlbseyn6.vo8xdyn6.332&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usprayercenter.org>
Contact:
Eddie Alice Smith
President and Executive Director
email: usprayercenter@cs.com
U.S. PRAYER CENTER, 7710-T Cherry Park Dr, Ste 224, Houston TX 77095
_______________________________________________>>>
2. ENTREPRENEURIAL PASTORS
>From: "Rick Warren" <newsletters@pastors.com>
PastorPreneur: Pastors and Entrepreneurs Answer the Call
John Jackson (Visionquest Ministries, 2003)
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1888237457/pastorscom02>
Strategic thinker John Jackson pastors the church he started in 1998 and grew to
more than 2,000 in less than five years. His philosophy of ministry involves
five key strategies: getting the attention of the community, building strategic
partnerships, hosting faith-building events, mobilizing every member, and
multiplying your impact. For those who are hoping to revitalize a current
ministry as well as church planters, this is a good book to add to your library.
_______________________________________________>>>
3. PASTORS: THE NEXT
GENERATION
>From: "barnaupdate@barna.org" <barnaupdate@barna.org>
A New Generation of Pastors Places its Stamp on Ministry
Are you curious about the next generation of pastors? Currently, 1 in every 7
Senior Pastors is part of the Buster generation (currently ages 20 to 38), and
that proportion will grow significantly in the coming decade as churches
transition from one generation of leaders to the next. If you want to find out
more about the perspectives of these young pastors and how they are shaping
their ministries, read this week's free report ("A New Generation of Pastors
Places its Stamp on Ministry") at www.barna.org
<http://www.barna.org/>
_______________________________________________>>>
4. DISCIPLING IN PRAYER
>From: "Crawford, Dan" <DCrawford@swbts.edu>
The Prayer-Shaped Disciple, Dan R. Crawford, Hendrickson Publishers,
Peabody, MA, 1999 Filled with scripture, personal insights, and amazing stories
on the results of prayer, this useful tool can be of great assistance to local
church prayer leaders in motivating and teaching prayer. Dick Eastman says,
The Prayer-Shaped Disciple is so full of practical insight into the purpose
and power of prayer that I consider it one of the most important books on this
vital subject published in recent years.
http://wwwhendrickson.com
Prayer Walking: A Journey of Faith, Dan R. Crawford and Calvin Miller,
AMG Publishers, Inc. Chattanooga, TN, 2002 A practical how to guide on the
popular subject of prayer walking containing the journal of a three-week prayer
journey around the world. The prayer leader in a local church will find much
help here including teaching appendixes.
http://www.gospelcom.net/amg/store/publishers/
_______________________________________________>>>
---->POINT & CLICK
Register / Revise / Research A Pastors' Prayer Group:
http://www.nppn.org/ppg/
Share A Resource
Email us a 1-3 paragraph explanation of the resources you have that equip
or inspire pastors into a deeper, more powerful prayer experience... especially
resources that relate to pastors praying with other pastors to reach their
community with the gospel.
Contribute:
http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/pay/T2CW7KGWMPZ9UY/058-7005927-3646454
NPPN Discount Resource Center:
http://www.nppn.org/Offers.htm
Subscribe To The NPPN:
http://www.nppn.org/subscribe.htm
(To Unsubscribe - See Bottom of This Message)
_______________________________________________>>>
5. LEADERSHIP JOURNAL; FOCUS ON
PRAYER
http://store.yahoo.com/buildingchurchleaders/prayaw1.html
What is the relationship between our prayers and Gods work in revival? This
theme provides useful insights on this issue from people who have seen God at
work firsthand. The interview with Ben Patterson urges church leaders to make
prayer their primary task and encourages them to hope for God to work mightily
through his body, the church. Practical articles give tools to help ministry
leaders start a prayer ministry, create an environment for corporate (and
individual) repentance, and cultivate discernment to hear Gods voice.
Making Prayer Our Central Work - Interview with Ben Patterson
If we believe prayer is essential, how do we act on that belief?
Matthew 6:33; Luke 18:1-8; Mark 9:14-29
Heart Check
10 key questions for assessing our devotional life.
Matthew 22:35-37; Hebrews 10:19-25
by Kevin A. Miller
Questions about Devotions
Evaluating the four factors that determine all we do.
Jonah 1-2
by Richard P. Hansen with David Wall
5 Reasons We May Hesitate to Pray
What keeps us from coming closer to God?
Psalm 5:3, 46:10
by Timothy Jones
CASE STUDIES
Tension over Revival?
The supernatural may attract; not planning the natural may distract.
Hosea 10:12; Acts 3:19
by Richard Doebler
Jump-Starting Church Prayer
Could they revitalize the congregation's prayer life?
Acts 1:14; 1 Peter 4:7-11
by Mathew Woodley
DEVOTIONALS
Praying with Importunity
An encounter of wills.
1 Kings 18:42-46; James 5:15-18
by Linda M. Gehrs
Do You Really Want to Hear God Speak?
Understanding the risks of listening to God's voice.
Isaiah 42:18-20; Jonah 4:1-3
by Roger Barrier
HOW TO ARTICLES
How to Motivate People to Pray
Inviting God to your church.
Acts 11:21; Romans 12:11
by Jim Cymbala
Listening to the Voice of God
6 distinguishing marks of divine discourse.
Judges 6:7-10; John 10:1-5
by Roger Barrier
ACTIVITIES
"Vectoring" Prayer
Add depth and strength to group prayer with this simple approach.
1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 6:18
by Ben Patterson
A Solemn Assembly
Many churches are holding special gatherings of repentance and healing.
Here's how to develop one for your congregation.
Joel 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 11:27-32
by Ed Rowell
RESOURCES
Further Exploration
18 valuable resources to deepen your understanding of prayer.
Sample Retreat Schedule
How to use Building Church Leaders at a weekend retreat.
Total number of handouts - 14 pages
_______________________________________________>>>
6. POWER POINT / INTERNET / STORYTELLING
<From: IFC List Owner <ifc-owner@lists.gospelcom.net>
LEARN TO USE POWERPOINT WELL IN WORSHIP
April 22, 2004 -- "The use of presentational technologies in worship
has been given a big boost by inexpensive computers and projectors
along with Internet access to images and song lyrics," says IFC founder
Dr. Quentin Schultze. He invites readers to join him and colleagues at
two major workshops on using technology in worship. A May 1 workshop[1]
will take place in Denver, Colorado. A five-day workshop[2] is being
held August 2-6 in Grand Rapids, Michigan as part of the Calvin
Workshops in Media & Theatre. Both workshops are quite inexpensive
thanks to support from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Schultze's latest
book, High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies Wisely[3],
was highlighted in a recent Breakpoint commentary by Chuck Colson.
-- Links in this story --
[1]
http://www.worshipandtechnology.org/
[2]
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/workshops/2004/workshops.htm
[3]
http://www.calvin.edu/~schu/publications/hightechworship.htm
READ EXTENSIVE REPORT ABOUT AMERICAN'S USE OF NET FOR RELIGION
April 22, 2004 -- According to a recent Pew research report[1], 64% of
the nation's 128 million Internet users have used the Net for religious
or spiritual purposes. IFC founder Dr. Quentin Schultze, who is cited
in the study, says that although the research did not address the
spiritual drawbacks of excessive use of the Internet, the report
nevertheless "is an interesting snapshot at how cyberspace has become
part of people's everyday religious communication."
-- Links in this story --
[1]
http://www.pewinternet.org/reports/reports.asp?Report=119&Section=ReportLevel1&Field=Level1ID&ID=497
EXPLORE "EXPERIENTIAL STORYTELLING"
April 22, 2004 -- Imagine designing a weekend where participants get to
experience what it might have been like to be part of the story of
Jesus on earth. Mark Miller, on staff with NewsSong Church, Cleveland
Heights, Ohio, is creator of just such a weekend. He’s also the
author of the new book, Experiential Storytelling[1]. Check out his
new Web site to download a free chapter from his book[2] [PDF] and
learn more about this postmodern approach to evangelism and
discipleship. Highly recommended!
-- Links in this story --
[1]
http://www.experientialstorytelling.com/
[2]
http://www.experientialstorytelling.com/docs/expstorych1.pdf
To subscribe to Internet For
Christians, visit the
http://ifc.gospelcom.net/subscribe/ or send a blank email to (ifc-subscribe@lists.gospelcom.net).
_______________________________________________>>>
7. WEBLOG: THE NETWORK
CHURCH PARADIGM
>From: Marc van der Woude <MarcvanderWoude@XC.Org>
Joel News publisher Marc van der Woude keeps a weblog in which he reflects on
God, the Church and daily life. This week he refers to an article by Steve
Collins on Network Church. Collins explains the difference between localised
models of church and the network church paradigm.
LINK:
http://marcsmessages.typepad.com/mm/2004/04/network_church_.html
Subscribe to Joel-News by sending an empty e-mail to: subscribe-joel-news-international@xc.org
_______________________________________________>>>
8. LEADER, DO THEY TRUST YOU?
From: "Leadership Weekly-HTML" < list-reply@lists.christianitytoday.com>
At: <http://christianitytoday.com/lyris/leadership/archives/04-20-2004.html>
If your last board meeting felt like an episode of The Apprentice, then
this week's Insight may encourage you. So many of us pastors wonder what the
congregation really thinksabout our sermons, about our ministry skills,
about our leadership. And it's often hard to get a reading.
In a recent survey, we found that congregations generally appreciate
their pastors' leadership. In fact, the people in the pews give the pastors
higher ratings in most areas than pastors give themselves. They're glad you
were hired. John LaRue has a summary.
Eric Reed, Leadership managing editor
Does Your Church Trust Your Leadership?
Our recent survey shows high marks for pastors from the people they lead.
by John LaRue, researcher and guest columnist
Do pastors consider themselves leaders? What do their church members think? One
national study said most pastors are not effective visionary or motivational
leaders by classical definitions, but our research found that pastors (98%) see
what they do as leadership, and their congregations agree. Only two percent of
pastors in our study do not consider themselves leaders. Likewise, only six
percent of congregants did not consider their pastors to be leaders, although 99
percent admit that their pastors possess some leadership skills.
These findings run contrary to conclusions made in 2002 by researcher George
Barna, who claims less than two-thirds of pastors actually possess leadership
skills (see Leadership, Fall 2003).
Overall, three-fourths of pastors are confident in describing their leadership
style:
Pastors who have been in ministry more than 20 years are more likely to know
their leadership style (86% versus 65% under 20 years).
Pastors who lead a church of above average size (89% versus 65% under 200
worship attendance) are also more likely to know their leadership style.
Name That Style
In our study, more than half of pastors consider shepherding and
bridge-building to be their leadership style when given the chance to select up
to five of the ten styles listed. Four in ten pastors said their style is
directional, team-building, and visionary; however, entrepreneurial style was
least likely to be checked and most likely to be the style pastors say they do
not have. Other styles that one in three pastors admit lacking are
reengineering, strategizing, visionary, and managing. Surprisingly, pastors with
over 20 years in ministry are significantly more likely to lack a managing style
(37% versus 18% with under 20 years in ministry), as are pastors at churches
with over 200 in worship attendance (36% versus 22% under 200).
CEO or Shepherd?
Although many advocate a business or CEO model for pastoral leadership,
fewer than ten percent of pastors admit to or are seen using this approach.
Pastors are most likely to say they use the coach/team model of leadership
(35%), but only 13 percent of members identify this model in practice. Instead,
congregants most often observe their pastors modeling shepherd/sheep leadership
(33%), or a shared leadership/peers relationship (23%).
Pastors Get Good Grades
Most churchgoers see their pastors in a positive light and are less critical
of them than pastors are of themselves. But pastors and congregations differ as
to the types of leadership skills pastors possess. Pastors rate themselves
higher in the areas of administrative, manager-type skills, whereas
congregations rate pastors higher in pastoral, interpersonal leadership skills.
The gaps between the two assessments can be significant. For example, when
compared with ratings from their church members, pastors rate themselves
significantly higher in several areas. The pastor is:
adaptable (72% of pastors versus 48% of congregants)
flexible (65% versus 46%)
practical (60% versus 48%)
analytical (54% versus 29%).
These skills are often applied behind the scenes, where most churchgoers do not
see their pastors' daily work routine. On the other hand, pastors'
self-assessments may reflect their strong desire to exhibit these skills.
But the congregation gave pastors better grades in some skills than pastors gave
themselves. The pastor is:
enthusiastic (74% of congregants versus 65% of pastors)
helpful (66% versus 49%)
inspiring (64% versus 42%)
thoughtful (61% versus 49%)
self-confident (57% versus 38%)
receptive (51% versus 38%)
thorough (44% versus 22%)
Modesty could be the reason pastors rated themselves lower in these more
outward-focused skills.
In spring 2003, 168 pastors who subscribe to Leadership and Your
Church completed surveys for this study. The results are considered accurate
to within eight percentage points 95 percent of the time. Participating pastors
were asked to distribute congregant surveys, and 1,388 were returned, yielding a
margin of error of three percentage points for the congregant part of the study.
The complete report on Pastoral Leaders may be obtained online at
www.ChristianityTodayResearch.com
<http://www.ChristianityTodayResearch.com> .
John C. LaRue, Jr., is vice president of Internet research and development at
Christianity Today International.
To respond to this newsletter, write to Newsletter@LeadershipJournal.net.
To subscribe to this newsletter
<http://ChristianityToday.com/nlsubs/index.taf?_function=start&cc=le_01>
Copyright 2004 ChristianityToday.com, Christianity Today International
_______________________________________________>>>
9. NEW RESEARCH: FAVORITE BIBLE
TRANSLATIONS
>From: "Ron Sellers" <RonSellers@EllisonResearch.com>
Protestant ministers rate 12 different Bible versions
Summary: Newly released study results show that the Bible version most likely
to be used by Protestant ministers in their work is the New International
Version (31%), followed by the King James Version (23%), the New Revised
Standard (14%), the New King James (13%), and the New American Standard (10%).
Together, these five Bible versions represent nine out of ten Bibles ministers
rely on most, even though there are dozens of other versions available.
Full Release:
Study results being released for the first time in the May/June edition of Facts
& Trends magazine show the version of the Bible Protestant ministers are most
likely to rely on for their work is the New International Version, or NIV.
Thirty-one percent of all Protestant ministers name this as the Bible version
they rely on most.
Facts & Trends is published by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern
Baptist Convention. The study was conducted for Facts & Trends by Ellison
Research, a full-service marketing research firm in Phoenix, Arizona. The
research was conducted among a representative sample of 700 senior pastors of
Protestant churches throughout the United States.
After the New International Version come the King James Version, or KJV (23%),
the New Revised Standard Version, or NRSV (14%), the New King James Version, or
NKJV (13%), and the New American Standard Bible, or NASB (10%). Although there
are dozens of other Bible versions and translations available, together they are
the favorites of only 9% of all Protestant pastors.
Preferences vary considerably among different types of churches. Pastors of
smaller churches, and pastors who are 60 or older, more often lean toward the
traditional King James Version. The King James is also the favorite of
ministers in the southern United States. The New International Version is
strongest in the Midwest and the western U.S., while the New Revised Standard
has its greatest popularity in the Northeast.
Much of the geographic difference is due to differing strengths of certain
denominations in specific regions of the country, and the fact that Bible
preference differs strongly by denomination.
Methodists tend to rely either on the NIV (45%) or the NRSV (38%). Those two
versions are also dominant among Lutheran ministers, but in reverse order (48%
NRSV, 23% NIV). Southern Baptist ministers are split almost equally among four
versions: 26% NIV, 25% New King James, 23% King James, and 22% NASB. Other
Baptist ministers (American Baptist, Conservative Baptist, General Baptist,
etc.) are strongly on the side of the King James (51%), with the NIV a
second-place finisher (24%). Pentecostal and charismatic ministers are similar;
45% rely most on the King James, while 23% prefer the NIV.
Ministers tend to select their favorite Bible versions based on the perceived
accuracy of the translation (40%), its readability (16%), their preference for
its language style (14%), and its solid reputation (13%). Very few said the
main reason they rely on a specific version is because their congregation
prefers it or their denomination requires it.
The top reasons for using the NIV are readability and preference for the
language style, while the New King James is preferred for a variety of reasons,
the most common of which is accuracy. Those who prefer the KJV like it for its
accuracy and its solid reputation. The NASB is preferred primarily due to its
accuracy.
In the study, ministers were also asked to rate 12 different Bible versions for
members of their congregation to use. They used a five-point scale, from poor
to excellent. Versions rated include the Contemporary English Version, Holman
Christian Standard Bible, King James Version, Living Bible, The Message, New
American Standard Bible, New Century Version, New International Version, New
King James Version, New Living Translation, New Revised Standard Version, and
Today's New International Version.
Among all Protestant pastors, the version most likely to be rated as excellent
by pastors is the NIV (rated as excellent by 42% of ministers), followed by the
New King James (33%), the NASB (32%), the King James (31%), and the NRSV (23%).
The Bible versions ministers are most likely to recommend against for their
congregation include the Living Bible (26%), Today's New International Version
(which is not the same as the NIV - 18%), The Message (15%), and the King James
Version (15%). The King James is the only one among the 12 included in the
study to be listed as one of the most recommended and least recommended.
The research also points out that many ministers lack familiarity with the broad
range of Bible versions available today. Versions which are unfamiliar to at
least one out of every four ministers include the brand-new Holman Christian
Standard Bible (65%), the New Century Version (55%), Today's New International
Version (37%), the Contemporary English Version (31%), the New Living
Translation (30%), and The Message (28%).
Which versions ministers would recommend differ strongly by denomination. For
instance, the New Revised Standard is considered excellent by 60% of Methodists,
but only 5% of Pentecostals; the Holman Christian Standard Bible would be
strongly recommended by 20% of Southern Baptists, but virtually no Lutherans.
Here are the top recommendations from six different major denominational
groupings:
Southern Baptists:
* New American Standard (43%)
* New King James (41%)
* New International Version (38%)
Other Baptists:
* King James (56%)
* New King James (40%)
* New International Version (38%)
Methodists:
* New International Version (61%)
* New Revised Standard (60%)
* Today's New International Version (23%)
Lutherans:
* New Revised Standard (40%)
* New International Version (25%)
* New American Standard (18%)
Pentecostals:
* King James (56%)
* New King James (49%)
* New International Version (36%)
All other denominations:
* New International Version (44%)
* New American Standard (35%)
* New King James (28%)
Ron Sellers, president of Ellison Research, said the study found that while
there are many different Bible versions available today, at least among the
clergy, the market continues to be dominated by just five. "The NIV, King
James, New King James, New American Standard, and New Revised Standard are
clearly the versions of choice for most clergy, as well as the ones they would
recommend to their congregations," Sellers noted.
Sellers also pointed out that new versions continue to be introduced, even
though most new versions do not make much of a splash. "We can't say from this
study that there is no need for new versions or translations, because that would
disregard new scholarship discoveries and a constantly changing language,"
Sellers said. "But when new versions are introduced, publishers need to have
something to say that will convince clergy of the need for something new. The
new versions introduced over the last couple of decades have not made much of a
dent in the clergy market."
Study Details:
Facts & Trends, where this study is being published, is designed to assist
pastors, church staff and denominational leaders in their roles of ministry by
informing them about LifeWay resources and how they relate to current issues in
Christian ministry. It is published by LifeWay Christian Resources of the
Southern Baptist Convention. For information about Facts & Trends, contact
Chris Turner at 615-251-2307.
The study was conducted by Ellison Research, a marketing research company
located in Phoenix, Arizona. The sample of 700 Protestant ministers included
only those who are actively leading churches. The study's total sample is
accurate to within 3.6 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level with
a 50 percent response distribution.
The study was conducted in all 50 states, using a representative sample of
pastors from all Protestant denominations. Respondents' geography, church size,
and denomination were carefully tracked to ensure appropriate representation and
accuracy.
More complete data from these questions, including some denominational detail,
is available at www.ellisonresearch.com/PastorStudy.htm. If you would prefer
to receive additional news releases by mail or by fax, please contact Laura
Stump at Ellison Research (phone 602-493-3500 x143), or at laurastump@ellisonresearch.com.
Contact Information:
Ron Sellers, President, Ellison Research
ronsellers@ellisonresearch.com
Phone: 602-493-3500 x130
Additional data on this topic from the study can be found at
www.ellisonresearch.com
_______________________________________________>>>
10. SPECIAL SERIES: AMERICA'S
EVANGELICALS
>From: "Religion and Ethics" <religion@thirteen.org>
RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY Newsletter
Special Series: America's Evangelicals, Part One
They are the largest group of Protestant Christians in the country -- a movement
far more complex than the familiar stereotypes suggest. This week, RELIGION &
ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY begins an in-depth four-part series focusing on "America's
Evangelicals" designed to examine the identity, politics, culture and religious
views of this diverse and influential community. The series is being broadcast
in conjunction with the release of a special survey conducted by Greenberg
Quinlan Rosner Research Inc. and presented in partnership with U.S. NEWS & WORLD
REPORT.
So, who are America's evangelicals? What do they believe? How do they worship
and carry out their faith in everyday life? In the first program, "Evangelicals
and Identity," Judy Valente visits with evangelicals from different areas of the
country -- Bloomington, Illinois, San Antonio, Texas, and Mobile, Alabama -- to
examine their core beliefs, religious and moral views, and their thoughts on how
they fit into the American mainstream. According to Randy Boggs, a member of Oak
Hills Church in San Antonio, "We are, I believe, much wider and deeper than some
stereotypes would indicate. We represent a broad spectrum of political views ...
The one thing we do have in common is that outlandish, crazy story about Christ
on the cross -- the passion of Christ. We've accepted that as being the guiding
force in our life."
--------------------------------------------------
RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY continues its in-depth four-part series on
"America's Evangelicals" this week with a look at "Evangelicals and Politics."
According to the survey conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Inc. for
the program in partnership with U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT, America's evangelicals
hold notably diverse political views. Although 84% of white evangelicals oppose
gay marriage and 73% are against civil unions, 52% of evangelicals say they
would prefer to rely on state law to prohibit gay marriage rather than amend the
U.S. Constitution. And there are important differences among black, white and
Hispanic evangelicals on political and moral questions: about 70% of white
evangelicals say they are Republicans while 83% of African-American and 60% of
Hispanic evangelicals identify themselves as Democrats. However, survey findings
also reveal that if the presidential election were held today, George W. Bush
would draw 74% of the white evangelical vote, compared to 23% for John Kerry.
Lucky Severson looks at the historic role evangelicals have played in politics,
particularly in modern presidential elections, as well as key election issues
for this group in 2004 and their success in influencing the Bush
administration's foreign policy decisions -- pushing for a harder line on human
rights with China, North Korea and the Sudan, and for advocating unwavering
support for Israel. According to historian Leo Ribuffo with George Washington
University, engaging in politics is nothing new to evangelicals: "The period of
the 19th century is a very intense period of evangelical activism in politics:
the move to be brought under God; under the Constitution, serious efforts in
morals legislation -- prohibition being the most famous."
Take a look at the full survey or view part one of the series, "Evangelicals and
Identity", at:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics
--------------------------------------------------
America's Evangelicals, Part 3: Evangelicals and Culture
R&E's special series "America's Evangelicals" continues with a close look at the
sometimes uneasy relationship between evangelicals and popular culture. Which is
influencing the other more? From pop music to politics, America's evangelicals
have become a much more visible presence in American culture. Their churches are
energetic and growing while many mainline denominations are languishing. Books
by several evangelical authors have become fixtures on national best-seller
lists. And, the billion-dollar-a-year Christian music industry remains a major
evangelical success story. Yet, evangelicals have always struggled over their
relationship to the larger society. Findings in the program's joint survey
conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Inc. in partnership with U.S.
News & World Report reveal that while 75% of America's evangelicals believe they
are a part of the American mainstream, 74% feel that the mass media are hostile
to their moral and spiritual values.
In "Evangelicals and Culture," Jeff Sheler explores the cultural impact of
evangelicals on American society, examining their lifestyles and views on
marriage, family and sexuality. According to Professor Alan Wolfe of Boston
College, "Evangelicals can't ignore the culture. Their whole religious
sensibility is based upon meeting the culture halfway. At the same time,
American culture, just like American religion, is an enormously powerful force.
It will change religion, just as religion will change culture."
See the findings from the full survey and read the transcripts or view the video
from the first two programs in the series at:
http://www.pbs.org/religion
--------------------------------------------------
America's Evangelicals, Part 4: Evangelicals and Evangelism
The word evangelical comes from the Greek word that means "good news," or
"Gospel," and one hallmark of evangelicals has always been their commitment to
spread the good news of their faith -- an obligation they believe was
commissioned by Jesus. But what that means to them -- and how they do it -- can
differ greatly.
From short-term missionary projects to hip-hop skate board videos, the last of
the four-part series on America's evangelicals explores the changing ways
evangelicals are spreading the Gospel. According to findings in the program's
joint survey conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Inc. in partnership
with U.S. News & World Report, 73% of white evangelicals reported that they had
attempted, at least one time in their lives, to convince someone to accept Jesus
into their life, while three-quarters of America's evangelicals say they've
given time or money to help spread the Gospel either in the U.S. or overseas.
And 63% say they talk to others about their belief in Jesus at least once a
week.
In "Evangelicals and Evangelism," Kim Lawton looks at the many ways evangelicals
try to spread their faith, both at home and abroad, and talks with evangelists
Bishop T.D. Jakes, Luis Palau and actor Stephen Baldwin, among others, about
their views of Jesus as the unique way to salvation. According to Baldwin, who
became a born-again Christian in the wake of 9-11, "What my faith and my walk
with Christ is all about is sharing that with people ... The Bible is the Word
of God. And God's a pretty powerful guy ... He created everything. So I think if
He can do that, He can keep His Word on exactly how He wants it."
See the full survey on America's evangelicals and read the transcripts or view
the video from the first three programs in the series at:
http://www.pbs.org/religion
_______________________________________________>>>
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