Teleios
recently completed a survey of visitors to the Instagram account, Instapray. We
had 884 participants, mostly all comprised of youth (<18 years) as well as millennials
(18-34 years), 77% evangelicals and 43% ex-US. We asked them regarding their
Christian walk, and how church affected their wellbeing.
Last
week, we discussed the positive effect on wellbeing by the church and its
members on young evangelicals; especially through prayer, assisting the
Christian walk and praise.
This
week let's discuss the influence of church leadership on wellbeing. Interestingly,
the effect of church leadership on wellbeing did not differ statistically among
the international regions represented in our survey: the USA, Canada, Asia and
commonwealth countries (P>0.05).
How did church
leadership best help wellbeing among young evangelicals?
1. Bible-based teaching
and preaching
(75%) – Overwhelmingly, this criterion was selected by participants. It is
heartening to see such an important cornerstone of church function chosen by
young evangelicals.
We know that the teaching of God's vibrant
word is a vital function of the church. Such teaching occurs not only in the
Sunday sermon, but in Sunday school, small groups, discipleship relationships
and self-study. Certainly, great results can be anticipated in our lives by
knowing His scripture by which the church greatly assists us (1 Timothy 3:2,
4:6, 12, 16, 2 Timothy 2:2, 25-26).
2. Encouraging Bible based
speech
(51%) - This choice was a most pleasant surprise for second place. This topic
is often an under stressed in church life. The Bible wisely indicates our
speech should be primarily for the hearer, to meet their needs, and not
for ourselves (Ephesians 4:29, 5:17-18, Colossians 3:16-17, 4:6).
3. Powerful biblical
vision for the church
(44%) - Participants also nicely perceived that church leadership actually
helps their wellbeing by directing the church in Biblically based goals! How
wonderful is that!
The church may have some attendees, which we
have shown through Teleios research, that seek an alternative self-focused
agenda. The church leadership’s role is to stay close to biblical goals and
keep the church directed to serve God with the accompanying fruit in individual
member’s lives as well as the community.
Indeed,
the church functions not to meet its own institutional needs primarily but to
outreach to the world as well as to equip its members to go out and impact the
community for the gospel and the common good (Matthew 28:20, 1 Timothy 2:1,
Galatians 6:10, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 5:15).
I marvel
at these survey results that demonstrate, across the world, the precious unity
provided by the Bible and promoted by the Holy Spirit among young evangelicals.
Surely, we have a great God who preserves and expands His word across
generations for the benefit of all who hear.
Join us
again next week as we continue to explore Teleios research and the benefits of what
scripture tells us.
WC
Stewart
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