News

Go Figure

Recent numbers on mainline and the megachurch, secular Jews, church background checks, and pastors who don’t see themselves as such.

Other Religions

35% American Jews who identify as nonreligious or secular.

20% American Jews who said this 19 years ago.

6% Americans in general who say this.

Source: The Washington Times

Mainline

29% Megachurch pastors who were brought up in a mainline church.

13% Megachurch pastors who lead a mainline church.

Source: Leadership Network

Crime

1 in 8 Of 5,000 church background checks on volunteers or prospective employees, those that found a criminal history that might have kept a person from serving.

Source: Lifeway Christian Resources

Church life

How megachurch pastors describe their job:

81%: Preacher-teacher

51%: Directional leader

33% Visionary

16% Pastor

Source: Leadership Network

Copyright © 2009 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related Elsewhere:

See our earlier Go Figure postings from September 2009, August 2009, July 2009, June 2009, May 2009, April 2009, March 2009, February 2009, January 2009, December 2008, November 2008, October 2008, September 2008, August 2008, July 2008, June 2008, May 2008, April 2008, March 2008, February 2008, January 2008, December 2007,November 2007, October 2007, September 2007, and earlier issues.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Our Latest

News

Refugee Arrests Shatter Sense of Safety in Minnesota

A federal judge ruled that ICE can no longer arrest legally admitted refugees in the state, many of whom are persecuted Christians. But damage has been done.

Inside the Ministry

The Big Tent Initiative

Anne Kerhoulas

The Big Tent Initiative is building bridges across the American Church.

Nicki Minaj Is Right on Persecution—But Neglects Suffering Closer to Home

Chris Butler

The rapper’s political advocacy seems sincere, but she has fallen into political tribalism.

This Winter, Be Bored

This slow and quiet season is an opportunity to hear anew from God.

Christian Devotion Does Not Undermine Christian Charity

Brett Vanderzee

When Christians neglect the poor and oppressed, it’s not because we love Jesus too much but because we love him too little.

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Ruth Malhotra: The Woman Who Told The Truth About Ravi Zacharias

The harrowing story of whistleblowing from the inside.

Public Theology Project

What Happens When You Look Away from the Minneapolis Shootings

Ask not what will happen to your country—although that’s of grave importance. Ask what will happen to you.

How to Witness Well in Post-Christian America

Darrell Bock

We must engage the truth of the gospel with relationship and respect.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube