Surveys can reveal some interesting things. Numbers and statistics formulated from the numbers can provide insight into different mindsets or situations. Of course, numbers can be used to support almost anyone’s point of view, but a new set of survey results taken by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention provide some understanding about what some individuals think of certain issues relevant in our society today. These statistics and conclusions can help us understand our communities better and help us as we minister to those around us every day.

The following statistics are taken from the Winter 2010 issue of On Mission Magazine published by the North American Mission Board.

Use these statistics to assist you in ministering in the area where God has placed you.

• 82% of adults believe in God
• 86% of women believe in God
• 78% of men believe in God
• 69% of those with post-graduate degrees believe in God

Questions: How do these percentages affect our ministry to women’s Bible study groups? What do post-graduates need to hear about God? 

• 71% of Americans support limits on abortion
• 53% believe abortion is legal if the baby has a fatal birth defect

Questions: Should our churches do anything to educate members about abortion? What plans could be made to do this?

College students grow more spiritual but less faithful:

• 41.8% of freshmen believe integrating spirituality is important
• 50.4% of juniors believe the same
• 62.8% of freshmen believe people grow spiritually without religion
• 74.8% of juniors believe people grow spiritually without religion
• 43.7% of freshmen attend church
• 25.4% of juniors attend church

Questions: Is your church ministering to college students in your community? How? What can you do to influence this future generation of leaders?